This Sensitive-Skin Friendly ‘Serumizer’ Cut 4 Steps Out of My Complexion Routine

From flawless foundations to signature red lipsticks to clump-free mascaras, MAC has long been a hub for bold, quality makeup. In the four decades since its inception, the brand has had some pretty iconic launches in the past, from Mariah Carey’s Diva Collection—which sold out within 24 hours—to Rihanna’s RiRi Hearts, but its latest release might just be the most exciting yet. This week, MAC introduced its first-ever high-performance skin-care line, which has arrived just in time to save dry, winter skin.

With the new MAC Hyper Real Skin-Care Collection, the brand is getting “more real” about how makeup works in tandem with skin care. The line features a serumizer (for skin-care prep), balm (for hydration), and cleansing oil (for makeup removal)—all of which are formulated to improve your skin’s texture and radiance while enhancing your makeup looks. The collection is designed to nourish the skin while enhancing the look of makeup, and the products do exactly that.

MAC, Hyper Real Serumizer — $55.00

This serum and moisturizer hybrid is just what you need to up the ante on your makeup looks. The ingredient list features hydrating elements like water, glycerin, and niacinamide. Known as vitamin B3, niacinamide “has multiple benefits for the skin, including helping to support the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, evening out skin tone, calms inflammation, and provides antioxidant benefits,” says Dr. Garshick. The serumizer creates a lightweight and breathable base that will have your makeup looking fresh hours later.

MAC, Skin Canvas Balm — $49.00

Makeup application is only as good as its base, and this balm is like a canvas. Infused with niacinamides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer provides a strong base prior to makeup application while plumping and improving skin texture over time. Fast absorbing, hydrating, and buttery—the Skin Canvas Balm is your one-way ticket to flawless and picture-perfect skin.

MAC, Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil — $48.00

Thanks to MAC’s Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, makeup removal is now breeze. Formulated with a blend of jojoba and sunflower seed oils, this oil gently removes makeup and debris while adding an extra layer of hydration. Stubborn makeup, be gone!

Each of the three formulas are made with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. The real star of the show, though, is Japanese peony extract. “Peony extract contains paeoniflorin, which provides antioxidant benefits while also supporting the skin barrier,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, New York-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “By helping to protect against free radical damage, this can help to support the skin barrier while also helping to brighten the skin.”

Beyond quenching thirsty skin, the collection performs hand-in-hand with makeup. It helps complexion products look more seamless and pigmented upon application, and gives them extra staying power throughout the day.

What happened when I tried it

After giving the trio of products a whirl, the serumizer—which has a lightweight, gel-like texture—is what stood out most to me. As someone who dreads using a million skin-care products, I like that the serumizer performs double duty as a makeup primer and hydrator.

After applying the serumizer to my entire face as the final step in my routine, I allowed it to sit and soak into my skin for between five and 10 minutes, per the advice of a MAC makeup artist. This ensures that the formula is fully penetrated, leaving a smooth, radiant canvas to layer makeup on top of. My skin looked so hydrated and dewy (which is probably thanks to the pearlescent dust in the bottle) that I opted to skip foundation altogether, and instead applied eyeshadow and blush directly to my bare skin.

Not only did the serumizer give my complexion a gorgeous, luminous glow, but it also enhanced the pigments of the eyeshadow and blush. I love that it helps to cut down on the number of steps in my routine—it’s a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and primer, all in one—and that I don’t ever have to worry about it irritating my sensitive skin.

Convinced? Shop the entire collection here.

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