Liquid Powders – MAC & Prescriptives

MAC Cajun

Today I have a few of my favourite things to show you, first and foremost one of the most innovative cosmetic products out there, a ‘liquid powder’.  Last week with the MAC Venomous Villains launch, their limited edition liquid powders were much touted as the ‘stars’ of this collection, available in 2 shades for CAD $35.50 each at 0.84 oz/24 g :

• Truth & Light – a translucent sheer shimmer that reflects silver and pink
• Cajun – a translucent sheer bronze shimmer that reflects gold

MAC Cajun - powder view

MAC describes this product as follows:  “A silky, feather-light powder, formulated with 70% water, dusts on to the skin as a cooling mist to set and enhance the look of any foundation. Beyond sheer: light-reflecting and translucent. A virtually invisible way to add luminosity and a soft radiant glow to the skin”.  When I happened to mention to my favourite MAC consultant, Linda, how this new powder is identical to one I bought from the now defunct line Prescriptives several years ago, she verified that the formula was indeed one & the same.  When Prescriptives, which is owned by Estee Lauder, closed down fairly recently, MAC (also owned by Estee Lauder) bought the patent rights to this powder and voila……a star product is born!

*magic Prescriptives Liquid Powder

*magic Prescriptives powder view

The original *magic Prescriptives liquid powder (1.2 oz/35g) was created around 2000 and it came in two shades: Rose Gold and Translucent (which I own).  Looking closely at Translucent, you can definitely see the silver and pink shimmer which Truth & Light also has.  The description by Prescriptives is as follows:  “Instantly cools and diffuses light to minimize the look of lines, pores, and wrinkles. This ultra-lucent powder dusts on like a mist to set and enhance the effect of foundation”.   It also claimed to be oil-free and non-acnegenic, which I assume the MAC version is as well, seeing as how it is the same formula.  MAC took this amazing product one step further and included a darker version, Cajun, which I picked up and absolutely love, love, love!  I have been using it as an all-over bronzer and while you can layer it to increase the intensity, I find that applying it with a much lighter touch gives the skin a luminosity and a just gorgeous sun-kissed look.  The incredibly fine-milled shimmer in this product has the ability to reflect light away from the face, thereby not only giving you a flawless-looking complexion, but detracting from any blemishes as well.  Of course, it is much better used in conjunction with some kind of base, be it a primer or foundation/concealer, in order to maximize its effectiveness and increase that ‘flawless’ look.

Prescriptives powder brush (large)

In my opinion, the best brush to use in applying a powder as unique as this one, is an extra large dome-shaped fluffy brush.  I have Prescriptives’ long-handled large, plush powder brush, which not only picks up the powder fairly evenly but also happens to be non-shedding, however using a more conventional bronzer brush or even a kabuki brush is something you may want to experiment with.  With the lid of the powder jar tightly closed, gently roll the powder until it combines somewhat, then either turn it upside down quickly to deposit some powder onto the inner lid, or very gently shake some upwards.  I then take my fluffy brush and just barely touch the bristles to the powder then blot it on the inside of the lid until it seems spread evenly throughout. When you first swipe the brush across your cheekbones, you will be surprised at the feeling; it feels cold and wet, almost slimy!  I then complete the application by dusting it lightly down the bridge of my nose, a quick dab on the chin, followed by a swipe across the forehead and ending with a few quick strokes along the jawline and neck.  Another point I’ve noticed is that you don’t really get the full effect when first applying this powder; however, if you wait a few minutes, you will notice the most amazing almost etheral glow.  Although I haven’t tried MAC’s Truth & Light, I imagine it’s very similar to the Prescriptives powder I do own, which is suited to more lighter toned skin types. Whereas Cajun gives a finely-spun sun bronzed glow, the lighter version is excellent for a flawlessly set paler look.