Can This New Primer Really Stop Shine & Blur Pores for 12 Hours?
Emily Algar is a freelance writer, content consultant and creator, beauty journalist and great skin-haver.
Despite having oily skin, I have a noncommittal relationship with primer at best.
It's not that I don't like primer, but all too often, I find them underwhelming.
And who really has time or enthusiasm for yet another step in their makeup routine? Not me.
But being an oily skin-haver means a little oily makeup and skincare prep work is necessary to ensure my foundation looks glowy, but not greasy.
Enter, the M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer.
A light gel-to-powder formula, the new skin prep product promises to:
- Blur the look of pores (big yes).
- Control shine for up to 12 hours.
- Extend foundation wear time — all without dulling or flattening the skin.
In theory, it sounds like my kind of product. But does it live up to its promise?
Given my level of scepticism, I decided to give it a road test first and share the verdict with you all (because I know you're just as invested in the perfect base as I am).
Keep reading for my MAC primer review, including whether it really is the best primer for oily skin folk.
What Is This New M.A.C Primer?
Reader, meet the new MAC matte primer.
M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer 30ml is the newest launch from a makeup brand known for brilliant base products.
Its promise? To blur, perfect and control shine for 12 hours.
Here's what you need to know:
- The light, almost-whipped liquid glides over the complexion and can be worn under makeup, or on its own.
- It contains silicones, so it has that soft, velvety feeling and texture.
- The primer sits on top of the skin (as opposed to being absorbed), filling in pores and creating a smooth, even base.
- Contains an ‘Oil-Check Complex’, lactobionic acid (a very gentle alpha hydroxy acid or AHA) and witch hazel to balance the skin and prevent shine.
- Best for anyone who struggles with oily and combination skin makeup problems like foundation sliding off, and enlarged pores and shine across the t-zone.
Shop M.A.C Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer here:
My M.A.C Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer Review.
I'll start by sharing that I'm a big fan of MAC.
M.A.C COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix+ has been a staple in my glowy makeup routine for years, and I also often mix a small amount of M.A.C Cosmetics Strobe Cream into my foundation for a luminous glow.
That said, Mattifine is my first foray into the range of MAC primers.
As for application, I decided to use it on oily spots only (mainly the t-zone) instead of all over my face.
This is because I didn't want to flatten or dull my skin, something I often find to be an issue when it comes to mattifying primers.
You can use a sponge or your fingers, but personally I applied it with a soft, small fluffy brush, gently sweeping across my nose, chin and forehead for a seamless finish.
I followed up with MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Foundation.
M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation is by far one of my favourite base products.
It has a very luminous finish that often translates to shine if you're oily - and while I’m all for looking dewy, I don’t want to look damp.
For this step I used a blending sponge, and can confidently report my skin looked polished and natural but not Kardashian-level powdery.
Fast forward to the end of an eight-hour workday, and my skin looked pretty damn fresh.
My foundation had definitely settled slightly, but it wasn't greasy nor chalky.
Overall, you can call me impressed.
Final Verdict...
I'm actually surprised at how much I loved this product.
I've never really been a matte kind of girl, but by spot applying the Mattifine Primer, you can control shine without losing out on radiance.
Plus, having a shine control primer like this one on hand is basically an insurance plan to keep your favourite dewy, luminous foundations from sliding off before midday.
Personally, I wouldn't use it all over my face as my skin isn't oily outside my t-zone.
If you find your skin gets oily in multiple areas of the face, or you want a really polished makeup look that will photograph beautifully and last all day, you 100 per cent could.
Actually, I lie... I'll absolutely keep it on high rotation this summer.
In fact, there's a good chance this matte primer applied all over will be a game-changer when it gets really sweaty and humid!
Five shining but not greasy stars from me.
Shop M.A.C Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer here:
For more oily skin foundation tips, watch our best foundations for oily skin (bargain vs bougie) YouTube video below.
Want more makeup reviews and tutorials for oily skin? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:
