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MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY How to Best Use

August 20, 2022 · 11 Comments

UPDATED JUNE 2025: Review + Best Use Guide MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + Spray is a popular beauty favorite.

How do you use MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + Spray? Does it meet the hype? What it is and how to use it.

MAC COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix + micro-mists green tea, cucumber & vitamins onto skin for soothing hydration to foundation and skin.

What is MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY?

MAC says the MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + is “a lightweight water mist that gently soothes and refreshes skin and finishes makeup.”

It contains vitamins and minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber to soothe and refresh the skin.

WHY USE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY?

Harsh forced heat and air conditioning within many apartments and office buildings can make skin dry and makeup crack.

If you live in a cold climate, makeup can dry out and crack. Makeup can melt in a hot one. Forced indoor heat pulls moisture out of foundation, leaving a dry, unnatural looking look. Can a makeup setting spray help? And how do you find the right one for your skin type?

We’ve tried out a few setting sprays lately, and have come to love MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + to make our foundation stay put while our skin looks dewy, supple and hydrated.

What are the MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY Benefits?

Makeup is refreshed, but there is not a glittery glow or weird wet, slippery look.
It absorbs quickly to give an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup.
Existing makeup is not disturbed by the micro-spray mist.

Additionally, MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ is Ophthalmologist tested and Non-acnegenic.

MAC Prep + Prime Fix + Keeps Makeup Fresh All Day

When I use MAC Prep + Prime Fix + to set my foundation in the morning, I do not need to reapply foundation during the day (except for touching up with YSL Touche Eclat for some brightening, more to look awake under harsh gray lights than reapplying for coverage).

Dabbing Prep + Prime Fix + with a Beauty Blender mid-day or before going out after work is also a way to refresh concealer and any foundation that has settled into fine lines around the mouth or folds of the nose.

DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN Benefits

If your skin is sensitive or dry, it helps keep the foundation moist.

Sensitive skin will like the soothing cucumber and green tea to keep redness and irritation at bay during the day.

Dry and delicate skins will also appreciate that this setting spray does not sting like those that contain alcohol.

OILY SKIN Benefits

If you have oily skin, MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + keeps the color of your foundation color true so that it does not get darker during the day, but some oily skin gals report that the spray does not help set their foundation and they still need a mid-day foundation re-touch.

If you have oily skin, you may prefer one of the Urban Decay setting sprays or Tatcha Luminous Skin Dewy Mist

HOW TO Best USE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY

I shake the bottle.
Hold the bottle about 12 inches away from your face.
Mist the face after doing foundation or foundation and powder as the last step before mascara and liner.
If my face is exceptionally dry, I mist my face once before foundation application as well.
During the day, I spray it again on before any concealer or foundation touch-ups and dab with a beauty blender to smooth out any caking or creasing.
MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + comes in a smaller purse size bottle as well.

My makeup stays dewy even in cold, harsh weather or in a very dry office environment.

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY FAQ

Does MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY cause acne?

No. MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY is non-acnegenic.

I was surprised to see how many acne-causing ingredients appear in some well-known brand sprays.

Is MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY sticky?

No it is not sticky. It also leaves skin feeling smooth.

There are a few setting sprays that leave more of a light hairspray type of tacky stickiness on the skin, that I do not like.

WHY not just use a water spray or wet sponge?

These tactics can work, but I find it does not help the makeup stay fresh in the first place, it only helps blend out creasing makeup before applying more makeup.

This may seem like one of those makeup products that you don’t need because a damp sponge can rehydrate dried out makeup. That is only one of the MAC COSMETICS PREP+ PRIME+FIX benefits.

What is the MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY scent?

I also like that it smells only of the green tea and cucumber. There are no overpowering scents. I smell nothing once it dries down.

My makeup doesn’t crack or crease during the day. Any touchups are minimal, even on long days.

MAC COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix + micro-mists green tea, cucumber & vitamins onto skin for soothing hydration to foundation and skin.

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + spray

WHERE TO FIND MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + Spray

MAC Prep+ Prime Fix+ is $24 for the 3.4-ounce size and $12 for the purse size.

Right now, three limited edition versions are also available: a lavender, a rose, and coconut scented Prep+ Prime Fix+ sprays.

Find MAC COSMETICS PREP+ PRIME+FIX at MacCosmetics.com, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Ulta

How to Use MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY

December 20, 2017 · 11 Comments

What do flowers and your face have in common? Both need consistent hydration to stay fresh and look their best. How can you keep your face hydrated without disturbing your makeup? Try MAC Prep + Prime Fix + Spray with hydrating and soothing vitamins, green tea, and cucumber for soft, dewy, supple skin.

MAC COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix + micro-mists green tea, cucumber & vitamins onto skin for soothing hydration to foundation and skin.

WHY USE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + SPRAY

Harsh forced heat and air conditioning within many apartments and office buildings can make skin dry and makeup crack. We’ve tried out a few setting sprays lately, and have come to love MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + to make our foundation stay put while our skin looks dewy, supple and hydrated.

ABOUT MAC PREP + PRIME FIX +

MAC says the MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + is “a lightweight water mist that gently soothes and refreshes skin and finishes makeup.” It contains vitamins and minerals, green tea, chamomile, and cucumber to soothe and refresh the skin.

Makeup is refreshed, but there is not a glittery glow or weird wet, slippery look. It absorbs quickly to give an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. Existing makeup is not disturbed by the micro-spray mist.

WHY NOT JUST USE A WATER SPRAY OR WET SPONGE?

These tactics can work, but I find it does not help the makeup stay fresh in the first place, it only helps blend out creasing makeup before applying more makeup. This may seem like one of those makeup products that you don’t need because a damp sponge can rehydrate dried out makeup. That is only one of the benefits.

When I use Prep + Prime Fix + to set my foundation in the morning, I do not need to reapply foundation during the day (except for touching up with YSL Eclat for some brightening, more to look awake under harsh gray lights than reapplying for coverage). Dabbing Prep + Prime Fix + with a Beauty Blender mid-day or before going out after work is also a way to refresh concealer and any foundation that has settled into fine lines around the mouth or folds of the nose.

DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN

If your skin is sensitive or dry, it helps keep the foundation moist. Sensitive skin will like the soothing cucumber and green tea to keep redness and irritation at bay during the day. Dry and delicate skins will also appreciate that this setting spray does not sting like those that contain alcohol.

OILY SKIN

HOW TO USE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX +

I shake the bottle, hold it about 12 inches away, and mist my face after doing my foundation or foundation and powder as the last step before I do mascara and liner. If my face is exceptionally dry, I mist my face once before foundation application as well.

During the day, I spray it again on before any concealer or foundation touch-ups and dab with a beauty blender to smooth out any caking or creasing. MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + comes in a smaller purse size bottle as well.

My makeup stays dewy even in cold, harsh weather or in a very dry office environment.

WHY WE LIKE MAC PREP + PRIME FIX +

A few things I prefer about MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ over other misting and setting sprays is that it is Ophthalmologist tested and Non-acnegenic. I was surprised to see how many acne-causing ingredients appear in some well-known brand sprays.

It also leaves skin feeling smooth, not sticky. There are a few setting sprays that leave more of a light hairspray type of tacky stickiness on the skin, that I do not like.

I also like that it smells only of the green tea and cucumber, there are no overpowering scents, I smell nothing once it dries down.

My makeup doesn’t crack or crease during the day, any touchups are minimal, even on long days.

MAC PREP + PRIME FIX + spray

WHERE TO FIND IT

MAC Prep+ Prime Fix+ is $24 for the 3.4-ounce size and $12 for the purse size. Right now, three limited edition versions are also available: a lavender, a rose, and coconut scented Prep+ Prime Fix+ sprays.

Find MAC COSMETICS PREP+ PRIME+FIX at MacCosmetics.com, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Ulta

How to Look Wide Awake with MAC Eyeshadow in Yogurt

January 6, 2017 · 12 Comments

REVIEW: MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT, MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow

This MAC yogurt eyeshadow is a matte shell pink that gives a bright wide awake look. Read our experience and possible MAC shadow dupes.

How to LOOK WIDE AWAKE WITH MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

SUMMARY: A brightening, go-to neutral base that is prettier than beige and taupe shadow bases, MAC Eyeshadow in the shade Yogurt gives a wide awake look to the eye and cancels out lid darkness. Does not appear pink upon application.

USE MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT TO BRIGHTEN TIRED EYES

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

QUICKLY LOOK WIDE AWAKE: THE POWER OF SHELL PINK
If you look tired because you are 1) indeed tired or 2) due to dark circles/eyelids, pale pink eye products can brighten up the eye and make you appear wide awake.

This concept works with a shell pink based concealer, rimming the waterline with a shimmery pink pencil. Shell pink also works wonders lifting the eye with browbone highlighter like Benefit High Brow Eyebrow Highlighter, and of course, shell pink as an eyeshadow.

IN SEARCH OF THE RIGHT PALE SHELL PINK EYESHADOW
Finding a good pale shell pink can be a challenge. The wrong shade of pink can make eyes look puffy and irritated. Some pinks look too “Katy Perry/Barbie Doll” for situations you are expected to be adulting, like job interviews and other non-sparkly occasions. And some pale pink shadows are specifically geared towards tired eyes but are very chalky and too pale. So we were elated to find the very blendable MAC shadow shade Yogurt, it is a go-to product for looking wide awake in no time.

ABOUT MAC COSMETICS EYESHADOW IN YOGURT

COLOR: MAC Yogurt is a matte soft pink, no sheen or shift. It is blue based but not lavender or lilac. A prettier and more flattering neutral than a beige, taupe or brown, it very useful for pale skin tones with darkness around the eye.

TEXTURE: Blendable and not chalky, but with a few caveats:

Be cautious when applying over a shadow primer or foundation that your base is dry. Otherwise, it can make this shade look cakey, depending on your eyeshadow brush.
Apply sparingly; this does not require multiple layers, one layer does it. Be especially sparing on the inner corners of the eye, this is the only area I found I had some creasing sometimes.
I’ve used my Beauty Blender to smooth and buff out this shadow on my lid for a sheer finish.

I do however find MAC’s Yogurt to be the least cakey or chalky and the most natural looking of the pale pink shadow bases geared towards giving a wide-awake eye look.

FINISH: Matte and clean, fairly blendable. No shimmer, not cakey. Not glittery or Barbie-like, this is an elegant pink, soft and subtle. The pinkness is not detectable as pink once applied, it seems just like a neutral base.

FALLOUT: I did not get any fallout with use, it wore all day over an eyeshadow primer or foundation.

MAC Yogurt Eyeshadow Uses

A highlight on the brow, but I use it for an all over the lid up to the browbone base.
For a quick eye look, I use this and just something for definition above my brow crease, maybe even a quick swipe of my blush. It is a basic neutral that compliments most colors.
If you have undereye circles and dark lids, this cancels the darkness nicely without using lots of heavy (cakey and aging) concealing product.
As it is matte, it is suitable for daytime (read work/office) use and as a base for a full range of eye looks, ranging from simple to flashy.
Useful for deep set eyes to bring them forward without using a glitter or shimmery shade around the eye.
For a no fuss/no-makeup look where you still want to look wide awake.

WHERE TO BUY MAC COSMETICS Yogurt Eyeshadow

MAC Yogurt eyeshadow is just $6 if you buy the pan refill, $16 in the pot.

Find it at MacCosmetics.com.

What to Know MAC ZOOM LASH Mascara

January 5, 2017 · 8 Comments

MAC Cosmetics ZOOM LASH Mascara

SUMMARY: MAC ZOOM Lash is a volumizing mascara that sells for $18 for the full size and ZOOM Lash little MAC for $10, an airport-friendly, purse and travel size mini.

About ZOOM LASH Mascara

LOOK: Defining and Lengthening. Makes lashes pop without looking like fake lashes, could skip bottom eyeliner entirely and eyes/lashes will still appear defined.

WEAR: Without a cream or liquid foundation, I got about 5 hours of no fallout or smudges. With cream foundation, it lasted closer to 4.5 hours.

ZOOM LASH MASCARA DETAILS:

FEATURES: LENGTHENING, DEFINING

COLOR: I got Zoom Black. The mini Zoom Lash mascara also comes in the shades beet, blue, green, plum, and gray.

WHAT MAKES MAC ZOOM LASH MASCARA SPECIAL?

The BRUSH. This is one of the selling points of the ZOOM LASH mascara, a special three-sided fiber brush geared towards lash separation, and the brush gets close to the lashline, so there is no tell-tale bare lash root and mascara starting line. The brush does exactly what it promises and gets right in close to the lash root. It looks like a regular brush, but it is not.

Examining the brush, you’ll notice a spiral binding like a coil at the base, it holds bristles snugly and makes deeper valleys between the bristled rows which allows the brush to get into spaces other brushes and mascara wands cannot.

MAC ZOOM LASH mascara brush features

THE PERFECT DREAM MASCARA WOULD…

The ideal mascara to me is both lengthening and volumizing, SO dark black, and to stay fresh without fall out. I prefer a thin consistency with no clumps but with major lash payout. Is that too much to ask? Sometimes. Here is how MAC ZOOM LASH stacked up:

PUTTING MAC ZOOM LASH TO THE TEST

IS IT DIFFICULT TO APPLY?
It is very easy; there is a quality versatile wand brush

IS IT SLOW OR FAST DRYING?
Dries quickly, especially for a strong statement mascara. There is no need to try to prevent yourself from blinking, so that you don’t smudge

CLUMPS/FLAKES: Light clumping upon application, easy to comb out with a mascara wand or lash comb. No clumping when applied with a mascara fan wand. MAC Cosmetics makes a good one. (Read more about the MAC Mascara fan brush in our recent recommendation review.)

IS THERE FLAKES AND FALLOUT? RACOON EYES?
After about five hours, it seemed to wear off somewhat and not look crisp, but I did not have raccoon eyes, it just sort of faded away without leaving large flakes on my undereye.

DOES IT HOLD AN EYELASH CURLER CURL AFTER APPLICATION?
Somewhat, I had some drooping of my lashes even after just one coat of ZOOM LASH, but not as much droop as other heavy hitters such as Benefit BadGal, Diorshow, Scandal Queen Fairy Drops or Fiberwig. The mascara does not feel heavy on the eye like some mascaras can.

BEST USE
Best used for shorter events such as having a photo taken or briefer encounters (i.e. meeting someone for coffee) to give major lash that is defined yet wispy

CONCLUSION

A solid mascara choice, especially if you favor using non-black mascara colors for a primary or secondary coat. Lashes are defined and separated for about 5 hours, but it does not last the full work or school day without a mid-day touch-up, and it requires a touch-up to complete re-do for going out after work. But a saving grace is that it is a buildable mascara that doesn’t get clumpy with multiple coats, so you don’t have to remove it, you can just reapply, and you won’t get mid-day raccoon eyes. So if touchups don’t bother you, MAC ZOOM LASH Mascara could be a good choice for full, long, defined lashes.

Find Mac Cosmetics Zoom Lash Mascara at MacCosmetics.com