MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere Review

ello lovely ladies,

For a change, I am not reviewing a lip product but a primer instead. I was surprised that it had not been reviewed on IMBB yet. This is from the much-loved brand “MAC.” Let’s see how this one fared on me.
MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere

Product Details:
What it is:  A makeup primer that’s specifically beneficial for oily and combination skin types. A silky gel emulsion, rich in natural ingredients, that hydrates and primes to improve foundation or powder application, control oil and promote smooth texture. Vitamins E and C protect with antioxidants, while caffeine calms the skin. Illuminating pearl powders reflect optic radiance. Now in two shades: Radiant Yellow is especially effective on deeper skin tones and Radiant Pink for fairer skin tones. The formula disappears upon application, resulting in a beautiful glow.
Ingredients

Key Claims and Benefits:

  • Controls oil.
  • Provides long-term hydration.
  • Smoothes and softens skin.
  • Improves radiance.
  • Refines skin.
  • Silicone-free.

Label

Price: US $41/INR 2700 for 50 ml of product, substantially higher than other primers. buy here

Price

My Experience with MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere:

Packaging:  The primer comes packaged in a pump can. The pump is easy to use, dispenses adequate amount of product, and hasn’t failed even once. The can is light to carry too. As with all products MAC, the can comes packaged in a black cardboard box, which has the ingredients etc., mentioned on it.
Primer base

The product comes in two shades – “Radiant Yellow” and “Radiant Pink,” which is kind of supposed to match the undertone of the skin. The one I am reviewing today is the variant “Radiant Yellow.” The cap of the can has a color-coded sticker on top which helps you identify whether you have the Radiant yellow or the Radiant Pink version. Irrespective of the shade name, the product goes onto the skin and become fairly transparent.
Details at the back

Okay, so why did I buy this particular primer when there are a plethora of them in the market – from high-end to drugstore, and everything in between? So, I did a couple of tutorials with MAC again and I noticed that both MUAs used this primer. The one thing about MAC MUAs is that they really strive for perfection, the base makeup is always impeccable. Needless to say, when your base is perfect, everything else pops. And since the MUAs used this on me – along with a plethora of other things, I had to give this one a go.
Primer bottle

The product is gel based, free from silicones (a big YAY for girls who have issue with silicone-based primers). In terms of consistency, it’s somewhere between a mousse and an actual lotion. So, it’s really lightweight, goes on smoothly, nourishes the skin, provides a good base for makeup to go onto, and has a subtle radiance. So, the effect of this one, isn’t quite like a strobe cream, it’s way more subtle. It’s more in line with Guerlain’s Meteorite Perles Light Reflecting Primer.
Pump packaging

In my previous tutorials, a couple of years ago, I remember, the MUAs used the Strobe cream as the makeup base. Though both claim to provide radiance, the strobe cream has a more “illuminator” like effect while the radiance provided by this one is more subtle. Also, since this one is a primer, it does way more than provide radiance, it provides a better canvas for makeup to go on and really helps the foundation stay put. I finished my tutorial around 3 pm, this would have been applied around 1 pm, when we started putting on makeup. When I went to clean the slate at 11 PM, and reset my face to factory settings :P, my makeup was still intact, looking unbelievably fresh and there was NO oxidization!
Primer swatch

The product does not have any impact on the skin discoloration, blemishes or pores. The Company does not make any claims regarding these aspects either.
Primer blended

One small point to remember with this kind of product is that you do have to consider what foundation you are using, assuming you want the subtle radiance to come through. Meaning, if you apply this and then put on something like Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, do not ding the product saying there is no radiance whatsoever. Though the MUA’s used Studio Fix Fluid on me for the tutorials (I am including a pic of the final look for your reference), I personally love to use it with MAC Face and Body Foundation.

MAC makeup

With a heavier foundation, you can try mixing half a pump of this with one pump of the foundation; that too gives a fantastic finish.
Makeup

To sum this up for you:

Pros of MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere:

  • Imparts a lovely glow to skin – as if you have naturally great skin.
  • Easily spreads and gets absorbed.
  • Pump dispenses an adequate amount of product.
  • Can be used in day or night.
  • The pearly radiance blurs fine lines.
  • Hygienic pump packaging.
  • Travel-friendly packaging.
  • Makes the makeup really last the whole day.
  • Has skin beneficial ingredients.
  • Ease of availability, compared to certain other better known primers like Hourglass Mineral Veil primer, etc.

Cons of MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere:

  • Absolutely nothing.

IMBB Rating: 4.5/5 buy here

Honestly, I’m a bit of a late entry to the primer game. Though I have a few good primers, I invariably tend to forget to apply them. So, I am generally onto my foundation by the time I realize that I forgot to apply the primer. However, a couple of the primers which I have tried lately – including this one, have really upped the game so much that I have become more conscious of the power of a good primer. I will be reviewing a couple more soon. However, do not undermine the beauty of this amazing product. Do give it a shot!

Would I Repurchase MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere?
Definitely!

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MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact SPF 30
MAC Prep & Prime BB Cream SPF 35
Make Up For Ever Step1 Skin Equalizer – Radiant Primer Yellow
ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Blushing
Pond’s Gold Radiance Day Cream SPF 15 PA++
Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Chanel Base Lumiere Illuminating Makeup Base
Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer
Natio Ageless Illuminating Primer
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Radiant Primer in Pink

IMBB RECOMMENDS

9 thoughts on “MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Yellow Natural Radiance Base Lumiere Review

  1. Such a detailed review KK… Definitely giving this a try.. Not to be missed, you look like a million bucks :-* :-* :-*

    1. Thanks Bhavani! Do try it.

      The MAC MUAs are serious magicians – they really transform you! And the one who worked her magic on me – Auzziee – not only is she super talented, she is so much fun too! I had an absolute blast doing this tutorial with her!

  2. Your face looks flawless… And love the way u review each product..!! What shade of mac studio fix fluid did they use on you??

    1. Thanks Ruchita – your words mean a lot to me! I mean about the reviewing bit! 😉

      FAce looking flawless coz MAC MUAs really put in time and effort into getting the face to look flawless. They do not move to eyes or contouring or anything till they are satisfied with the base makeup.

      Im NC 30 in MAC.

  3. Such a detailed review KK.. Definitely giving it a try.. Not to be missed, you look like a million bucks :-* :-* :-*

  4. Nice detailed review as always KK…Loved your eye makeup
    on the other note..I really love to read your kids’ chronicle posts a lot..keep them coming.

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