MAC Hyper Real Foundation

Where I got it: Saw this on an Instagram post last week I think and I was very drawn to the Hyper Real Foundation from their Supreme Beam collection. At first I thought it was an actual foundation, but it is actually a liquid highlighter. A rather expensive one as well I would say at $72 for this little 30ml bottle. It comes in a total of 4 shades – Gold FX, Violet, Rose Gold FX and Bronze.

What I got: This is the MAC Hyper Real Foundation in Rose Gold FX. From the MAC website: Add an extra does of exceptional, long-wearing liquid pearl with Hyper Real Foundation. This weightless liquid highlighter imparts a dreamy glow with a refined high-pearl finish for a complexion that immediately looks brighter, dimensional and healthy-looking. Goes on smoothly and silky upon application and adheres to skin for all-day illumination. This silicone-based liquid is sheer-to-medium in coverage with a satin sheen that is meant to be seen. Layer underneath foundation for an alluring allover radiance, or apply over foundation as a highlighter for intense pearlescent illumination.

How I find it: The product comes in a frosted glass bottle and a plastic screw-top lid. You need to shake the bottle up and pour the product out as there is no applicator or pump. I was really attracted to the 2 lighter shades available, but after considering that the lighter shades will be used more as a highlighter over foundation and not really mixed with my foundation, I think the Rose Gold would be more versatile and more frequently used for me.

I tried using this under foundation, mixed with my foundation and over my foundation as a highlighter. I also used this mixed with my moisturiser as a gentle glow to the skin without foundation or BB cream. Personally, I really like how it looks on the skin when mixed with my moisturiser without foundation. My skin is at the stage right now that I am comfortable to go out without any coverage on the face – I just need a bit of colour and glow.

If I were to mix it with moisturiser or apply this on its own, I would use my fingers to apply and blend. If I were to mix it with foundation, I would use a damp sponge to apply the foundation or a paddle brush, whichever is suitable or the foundation I am using. To apply this as a liquid highlighter, I like to dot it to my cheekbones with my fingers and blend with my fingertips.

Overall: As you can see that the shimmer of the product is really really fine so even when I wear this alone, it is not going to my make my skin look like a greaseball or disco ball. It is more of a natural glow that matches my skin tone perfectly. It is not heavy or greasy or oily at all so it doesn’t really affect the finish or longevity of the foundation. I really like it and I have been using this non-stop.

However, at $72, I think this is a little pricey for a 30ml of liquid highlighter. I have tried comparable products that are more affordable like Wet n Wild Hello Halo liquid highlighters (shimmer particles not as fine as MAC), or the Makeup Revolution Liquid highlighers (only $14!!!), or the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Custom Glow Highlighter drops (has a similar rose gold shade as MAC, but with a dropper!!).

I guess at this price range, I am expecting something a bit more pigmented, more blinding and more conentrated. This product is nevertheless gorgeous, just not to the point where I would buy all the shades at this price point.