Fix Up, Look Sharp: Mac Prep + Prime Fix + Review!

Whilst at Fenwick’s (a UK department store) having my summer foundation (Mac’s studio fix fluid) colour matched I decided to pick up some of Mac’s Prep + Prime Fix+ mineralised finishing spray. Only to kick myself when I got home to realise I could have treated myself to one of the scented bottles! Nevertheless, I thought I would take the opportunity to trial the much raved about finishing spray for myself.

The Company

MAC is a Canadian makeup brand established by makeup artist and photographer, Frank Toskan and beauty salon owner, Frank Angelo. In March 1984, they officially launched the line from a counter in a department store in Toronto. The first Mac store opened to the public in New York in 1991 and in 1996 the first European store opened in Paris.

Now a worldwide name amongst professional makeup artists and wearers, Mac have multiple stores around the world. In addition to this, it also has a popular online store where all their makeup, beauty products and tools can be purchased.

The Cost

Mac’s Prep + Prime Fix+ retails at £17 for a 100ml (3.3 fl oz). It can be purchased from all Mac stores as well as their online website. The spray now also comes in several scents: Yuzu, Rose, Lavender, Coconut & Cucumber.

The Product Packaging

With new upgraded packaging, the spray comes in a black glossy box donning green, purple and pink glitter. Elegant as always.

The bottle itself is clear, so that the liquid is easily visible. It also has a spray cap, which can rotate to avoid spillages when transporting the spray. Perfect if you are going away for the weekend or on holiday!

Unlike many other finishing sprays, the Prep + Prime Fix+ does not use an aerosol function to dispense the liquid, their spray mechanism allows the mist instead to land evenly and delicately on the skin.

What it is for and how I use it

Although technically a finishing mist (like the original Fix+), used after applying makeup to reduce cakeyness from powdered products, this spray can also be used as a primer, to provide an even surface for the smooth application of make up.

To be honest, I have found that I prefer to use this just as a finishing mist, as with oily skin using it both before and after applying makeup can leave me a little too shiny after a couple of hours.

So instead, prior to applying makeup I use Urban Decay’s Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray (which I was provided as a sample). It costs £21 for 118ml bottle and is great for reducing the appearance of pores and absorbing excess oil.

However, I do use the Fix+ for wetting my makeup brushes when applying pigment or shadow and it performs perfectly for this too!

The Overall Verdict

So, my overall verdict is that the Prep + Prime Fix+ is a beautiful product to provide a natural look after applying makeup. I have been using it everyday for a while now, and haven’t even noticed an indent in amount of liquid left. So it is obviously going to last me a while, which is great! I would definitely recommend this for people with dry/combination skin, as I can imagine it works wonders. However, advice for those who have oily skin, use it sparingly otherwise you might end up with excess shine!

Thanks for reading!