De-Lightful: A look into MAC’s new Lightful C3 line

I remember when I had just started writing for Project Vanity and attended a MAC workshop that featured the Lightful C collection. It was actually the first time I realized that this MUA staple makeup brand also carried a skincare range! And it’s one that focuses on highlighting the skin’s radiance for a rosy glow, even before any base makeup takes place.

Well, the Lightful line just got a major “tone up” that sees the series expanding to a total of seven skincare products and three types of base makeup. Say hello to the Lightful C3 collection! Named as such for the Vitamin C, Coral Grass, and Cherry Blossom content that make up the Lightful C3 complex, these ingredients are all known for their brightening properties. Then there’s the addition of pink pearls that produces more immediate visual results.

So how does this translate into enhancing the physical appearance and feel of the skin? I was able to road test two products from the range, and I’ve got my notes ready! The Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Lotion (P2,250 for 140ml) is a mildly hydrating toner/essence that looks like every Twilight fan’s fantasy. Excuse this Tita’s dated reference, but seeing the attractive tiny pink-gold sparkles suspended in the runny gel-liquid gives me flashbacks!

This mildly hydrating lightweight lotion is fine for day and night use as the sparkles are actually on the sparse side once poured from the bottle, and they aren’t individually visible once on the skin. Once fully absorbed, there is a slight tackiness and a soft, bouncy feel on the skin. A mild floral scent like jasmine or cherry blossom can be detected from the bottle, but it doesn’t linger long on the face.

Your left: with the Quick Finish Cushion Compact; Your right: Bare skin prepped with the Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Lotion

Next up is the MAC Quick Finish Cushion Compact SPF 50/PA++++ (P2,550 for 12g) in Light. Spoiler alert: This wowed me from the get go. From the compact, it looks like any typical cushion compact foundation. But once I started patting it on, the results were immediately visible. The redness around my nose disappeared, while the dark circles under my eyes looked noticeably brighter. It did all this in about two passes while still showing my freckles and hyperpigmentation. What sorcery is this?!

The best comparison I can make is to the function of the Becca First Light Priming Filter. It has a similar reflective effect that cleverly draws the eye away from discoloration, but without the straight-up silvery lilac tint a la Aden IG filter it leaves on the skin. Despite the way it tricks the eye, the coverage is actually sheer and the finish is satiny with a mild tone-up effect that doesn’t look pasty. It doesn’t alter the natural appearance of the skin or previously applied skincare, making it an ideal one-and-done base for those who don’t feel the need to layer concealer or setting powder over it (a.k.a. The Minimalist).

Because of the sheer coverage, the transfer of the color to my mask was considerably less than my usual pigmented foundation. It gradually fades as the day goes on without streaking when I sweat. (It begs one to ask, “Where does the cushion end and the skin begin?”) The shade Light is a good match to my NC-15/NW-18 fez, while still achieving a toned up look. There are seven shades in total, ranging from Extra Light to Medium Plus.

Just in case you’re wondering, the Lightful C3 skincare arm also includes a micellar water, gel-to-foam cleanser, emulsion, tone-up cream, eye cream and a tinted primer. For makeup, there’s a liquid foundation and a powder foundation in addition to the cushion compact. Prices range from P1,850 to P2,700. And you can hit up your nearby MAC counter or MAC’s Lazada Flagship Store to order yours.

 What are your thoughts on radiance-enhancing skincare and makeup? Do you prefer reflective products to pigmented ones? Let’s discuss in the comments section!