Product Reviews

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm UVA/UVB SPF35 PA++ Review

July 4, 2010

A while ago, I gave you a sneak peek of MAC’s very first BB cream, Prep + Prime Beauty Balm UVA/UVB SPF35 PA++. Here is finally more pictures, swatches and a review!

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm


The MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm comes in a tiny 30ml tube that is a lot smaller than most BB creams. There is only 1 shade available, which is a light yellow-based color. Ingredients include Algae Extract, Wheat Extract, Barley Extract, Lecithin (also found in Skin Food BB creams), Mica, SPF 35 and more to hydrate, prep the skin for makeup, correct color imperfections, give a subtle glow and provide UV protection.

The BB cream is lightly scented and has a creamy texture that went on smoothly and blends easily. It felt very lightweight and left behind a nice, glowy finish.

However, unlike most Korean BB creams, the MAC BB cream was very sheer and barely covered anything, even if I layer it on. Plus the color was too light for my NC30 skin. Unless you have a light complexion (NC20 or lighter) and a flawless complexion, I would not recommend wearing this alone.

For now, I will stick with my favorite Lioele Triple The Solution BB Cream and save the MAC as a makeup base.

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm UVA/UVB SPF35 PA++ is available exclusively at select Travel Retail locations throughout Asia and the United States for US$30.

Disclosure: This review includes product that was provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for consideration only. It may also contain an affiliate link, which gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. Please see our Disclosure for more information.

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4 Comments

  • Reply AtelierGal July 4, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Sounds like another tinted moisturizer. I’m currently using the Oriental BB Cream from Skin79. Very lightweight, but slightly thicker(in a good consistency)!

  • Reply Monica July 5, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    algae extract makes me breakout so i cna’t use it anyway…

  • Reply Ivy September 19, 2010 at 12:54 am

    I’m currently using Skin79 Diamond BB cream and i love it! It gives me the right amount of coverage and it doesn’t break me out. I did a review on my blog, if your interested you can check it out. I have Laura Meceir tinted moisturizer and it doesn’t do much on me.

  • Reply Gabriella M. May 18, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Actually, this was meant to be a makeup/ foundation primer! There was a thread about it on specktra, and I also e-chatted with one of the MAC make-up-artists.

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