I Tried MAC's Skinfinish Natural Face Powder and It Delivered Top Tier Coverage

We put the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Carrying around my makeup bag is a habit I left behind in my 20s. Back then, I loved the idea of regular makeup touch-ups throughout the day, but when it came to actually reapplying my foundation, mascara, blush, and eyeliner, I rarely had the energy to do it. Once I hit my 30s, I decided my morning makeup application would be my only makeup application of the day. Carrying my heavy makeup back around just wasn’t worth it. 

When I got the opportunity to try the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder and read the instructions, I decided it would be a great way for me to quickly and conveniently touch up my makeup throughout the day. I like the tinted moisturizer I currently use as a “foundation” in the morning and I can see this powder being an excellent midday solution. 

About My Skin: Fair and a bit uneven at times

My skin, which is very fair and can be a bit uneven-looking due to freckles, isn’t too dry or oily, but it does tend to produce more oil around my period, which is also when I tend to have breakouts. I do my best to use clean, gentle skin and makeup products, and I use a retinoid cream at night. 

My makeup routine currently consists of tinted moisturizer, a foundation stick that I use to target under-eye circles, mascara, and a cheek tint. I used MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder for touch-ups on days when I wore makeup, and some days when I forgot to put it on at all. 

How To Apply: Use a brush

While it’s probably possible to apply the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder with your fingers, it should be applied with a makeup brush.

Coverage: Medium, it is

The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder provides a medium amount of coverage that lasts several hours. 

The Color/Shade: A little too light

My skin is on the lighter side, so I tried it in Light Plus. This is the second lightest shade, and while it probably would work well for me in the winter months, I would say for summer—when my skin tends to get a little darker, despite my diligent sunscreen use—I probably should have opted for a shade or two darker. It gave me a bit of a washed-out look that was easy to correct with a little cheek tint. Available in 14 different shades, there’s most likely a shade for everyone.

The Results: A great midday touchup option

The exact shade I used was a little too light for me, but I’ve been consistently impressed by how quickly and easily the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder goes on and provides full coverage, quickly evening out and touching up my skin tone. It’s a great midday touch-up solution, because it truly takes only 10 seconds to apply. The feel is very light—I honestly completely forget I’m wearing makeup until I look in the mirror. 

The first time I used it a lot more powder than I expected came out on the brush, but I quickly got the hang of it. One thing I will say is that the actual powder container is a little bulky to carry around when you’re trying to avoid bringing a makeup bag with you, but the convenience of the compact mirror that’s attached to it makes up for it

I also would have liked if the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder came with a brush. Since a brush isn’t part of my regular makeup routine, going out and buying a brush was a step I wasn’t quite prepared for.

The Value: An average price for a high-quality foundation

The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder retails around $40. While this isn’t exactly inexpensive, it’s not wildly expensive, either: I pay around that (or more!) for most of my makeup and skincare products, since high-quality ingredients are a high priority for me. That being said, if that price tag is too hefty for you, there are less expensive drugstore powder foundation/skin finishes available.

Similar Products: Less expensive, possibly less quality

Ulta Beauty Adjustable Coverage Foundation ($14): I haven’t tried many powder foundations—I don’t love the matte look they typically give my skin. I have tried Ulta Beauty’s adjustable coverage foundation, and while it has a similar look and is a similar foundation style, I found it really cakey and it washed out my face quite a bit. That being said, if you’re looking for a powder foundation and want to pay less money, this one is less expensive.