[unpaid/sample/affiliate/link] One of January’s most exciting launches is the Hyper Real Skincare from MAC. I’ve had an advanced look so have managed to test both the Skin Canvas Balm and the Serumizer (which I think will literally sell out in days). MAC is one of the brands who have performed very well in growth terms despite the challenges of Covid and I think the Hyper Real arm will ensure that continues, especially as they have access to great formulators and production facilities being part of ELC. Interestingly, MAC doesn’t call either of them primers and nor have they gone the anti-ageing route which they could well have done given the ingredients.
Key ingredients in the formulas of both Balm and Serumizer are Japanese peony extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and those unsung heroes of skin care – ceramides. Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm is lush and glossy – if I can compare it to anything it would be Bobbi Brown Repair Cream – and holds to the skin all day long. It locks in moisture and you can kind of feel the lock despite the light texture but don’t expect any under-sweat – my skin never felt restricted at all.
Because MAC Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm’s primary use is for under make up, you can be sure that you have a soft, hydrated, prepared and able canvas for foundation once the balm is applied. If you struggle to keep your foundation in place because of dryness, this could be the solution for you. If you have oily or unpredictable skin, the Serumizer gel-serum texture may suit you better. – you won’t miss out on moisture or any of the smoothing benefits.
Serumizer is the best name – MAC Hyper Real Serumizer is a lighter version of the balm but both are designed to keep your make up in place for 12 hours. I gave the balm approximately 8 hours and have to admit that it did hold my foundation very well in that there was more than usual to remove. I was very happy with how my foundation sat over the base – very smooth and comfortable.
MAC is known for make up so any serious skin care they release has to be led by its core fields so the fact that the Hyper Real collection is a glow gripping make up enhancer is no surprise. I think my natural choice is the balm – it just feels immediately comforting and hydrating, giving silky soft skin all day and has a protective element to it which I like for the cold weather. I don’t know if I’m more glowy – very hard to tell on a gloomy January day – but also that promise comes over time so it’s too soon to say whether it’s making impacts in that area. There’s something restoring-feeling about both the Serumizer and the Balm – more perhaps with the balm so I don’t have any complaints at all and actively want to use it more rather than just leave it at a surface test. It’s not cheap – the Serumizer is £58 HERE and the Balm is £52 HERE. There’s also a cleanser but I think that’s not essential unless you love matching your brand. There’s an offer for free sample with purchase at checkout – so if you buy the balm, you’ll get a serum sample – presumably, if you buy both, you’ll get both, til 18th January or they run out.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
5 comments
Is there a strong fragrance with these products?
It’s mild, like a cold cream kind of scent.
Hi Jane – not sure where these products sit in a routine- after skincare/SPF? Feels expensive for a Mac product or have things just got more expensive ?
I think – like most skin care products now – it’s £10 too expensive! I used SPF under it today just to try it out but generally it’s SPF over moisturiser. I think the really lightweight ones from Korea/Japan would be a good call to go over this – madly searching for my CanMake Mermaid Skin to try that out over it.
Thanks for the response