M.A.C Week: Blot Powder in Medium Deep

M.A.C makeup has been a staple in my kit since I bought the Studiofinish concealer four years ago. I didn't have a lot of money then, being a fresh grad on my first job, but I remember feverishly researching that product and swatching it repeatedly until I coughed up the cash. Incidentally, I still use the Studiofinish up to this day (I think this is my fifth pan)!

I've been steadily acquiring M.A.C products since then. They're dependable, and they come in such wonderful colors too. I have a few new M.A.C items here that deserve the spotlight. So - ta-dah! - I would like to present Project Vanity's M.A.C Week!

I'll start with a product that brings me back full circle: the M.A.C Blot Powder in Medium Deep (P1,375). This is one of the first I've ever tried from the brand! I remember reviewing this years ago, but for some reason that post wasn't properly exported to my .com domain. Oh well. Here's a proper review now!

The M.A.C Blot is a fairly straightforward powder. It's matte, has a silky texture and translucent coverage, although you can build it up if you wish. It's amazing at controling oil without "thickening" the makeup underneath it. It's incredibly useful for long-haul days when oil is just another part of the job description!

I usually dab a bit of this powder on my t-zone when I start to get oily. Then, I'm good for the next four or five hours. Even if I retouch frequently, my makeup doesn't get caky with layers of the Blot. It's still best to use oil blotting sheets IMHO, but if you're in a public place I think it's erm, awkward to use those blue sheets. It's like a car crash people can't look away from. :P So, just use a powder compact if you absolutely need to. 

The shade descriptions can be a little confusing, but don't worry so much if you're not really "Light" or "Medium" (click here for shades). The powder is more or less translucent so it will blend with your skin color. Medium Deep for instance doesn't look dark at all! Dark and Deep Dark, however, are noticeably darker. 

Swatch of M.A.C Blot Powder in Medium Deep. This matches my NC35 (medium yellow) skin perfectly.

The puff that comes with the powder is too stiff to my liking, but I can live with it. If you find it too uncomfortable, you can just purchase a softer puff in Watsons or bring a retractable powder brush (best for a more natural look).

I have to mention the price. This is quite expensive; you can purchase a good powder foundation with this amount + a few hundred bucks. But in fairness to Blot, this has 12 grams of powder which will take quite a while to finish. Some people (like me) don't like using foundation to retouch since it usually gets caky and too thick by the end of the day. It's better to use a super-thin, translucent powder to blot.

And that's it really. If you're looking for a matte powder that can control oil effectively, has different shade options and minimal coverage, you'll love the M.A.C Blot Powder. It's what I'm using currently, although I do prefer retouch powders with SPF during the day. 

What do you think? What's your favorite blotting powder?