Beauty Review: Does MAC Hyper Real Skincare live up to the hype?
Photo courtesy: MAC Cosmetics
I love MAC Cosmetics. It’s been my go-to makeup brand since the mid-2000s. Their lipsticks and eyeshadow singles are where it’s at for me, as evidenced by my seven (mostly red) lippies and six singles. I just hit pan one of the eyeshadows, Beauty Marked, which I’ve had since 2004 or so, and is still perfectly good. I also love Fix Plus and have been using Studio Fix powder foundation consistently since 2004 or so.
I love MAC because it’s a solid classic brand that hasn’t changed much over time, which my crusty Gen X heart really appreciates. They’ve stayed in their lane and consistently delivered quality staple products, which is refreshing and necessary in a space that was steamrolled by trendy but unsustainable brands and new product launches every other week it seems.
MAC was the go-to brand by many consumers until about 2016 when the explosion of social media beauty gurus with their heavy handed techniques and petty personal drama took over our screens. It actually became popular to publicly throw MAC under the bus while in the same breath gushing about how much “better” all the new stuff was. Ironically enough, MAC is still standing strong while some of the newer brands and the shady influencers they collaborated with are failing. But I digress. MAC just takes me back to a good time when life was simpler and more enjoyable both personally and in the beauty space.
But as much as I love MAC makeup, I admit I was quite skeptical when they released their new full on skincare line, Hyper Real. Even though MAC has an eye cream, primers, and other iconic skin products such as Strobe Cream and Fix Plus, that’s not necessarily the same as skincare, in my opinion. Maybe I just hadn’t paid any attention to their lesser known skin products, but I was genuinely concerned that actual skincare was not their wheelhouse and could potentially lower their otherwise outstanding batting average.
As a bit of background and context, I absolutely LOVE my current skincare from an indie brand. I’ve been a loyal user for a solid 15 years, possibly longer, and perfectly satisfied with it. I had zero desire or inclination to try new products. I felt that no mass market product could ever measure up or replace it. But because I love MAC, I decided to give Hyper Real a try despite my aforementioned concerns. I promised myself that if I didn’t like it I would freely admit it and not try to fake myself out just because of my love for MAC.
The four-item Hyper Real collection features an oil cleanser, a serum, a moisturizer, and a special application brush. I’ve tried only the serum and moisturizer. Claims about the serum and moisturizer, as they appear in this instagram post from MAC: “Hyper Real Serumizer™ Skin Balancing Hydration Serum: a serum-moisturizer hybrid that balances, retexturizes and strengthens the skin barrier for a petal-soft canvas with lit-from-within radiance. Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm™ Moisturizing Cream: a moisturizing cream that strengthens and protects skin’s barrier and smooths skin immediately and over time while soothing and preventing visible irritation for supple, petal-soft skin with a healthy-looking glow.” The products are designed “to improve your skin and enhance your makeup for a perfectly prepped, makeup-ready canvas.” I dipped my toes before taking the plunge by picking up free samples first from my local MAC store.
Wow
Not only was my skepticism proven wrong, I was blown away and immediately hooked by how amazing these products are. The TLDR is that both the serum and the balm are incredibly hydrating, smoothing and soothing. They leave skin tangibly and visibly fresh, hydrated, glowing, and ready for makeup, whether you’re going to follow up with makeup or not. But if you are, applying foundation or powder after Hyper Real prep is just a whole new experience. With or without makeup, I can feel the hydration all day long, and there’s a sense that these products are providing real benefits, not mere optics. The products themselves also go a long way. One pump of serum is usually enough, even on my fuller face, and a one-finger swipe of the balm is also enough for thorough coverage. And with or without makeup, I always finish off with a spritz of refreshing Fix Plus.
What I love the most about my current primary skincare is that it is very soothing and nourishing to my skin and my soul. I look forward to applying it because it actually perks me up mentally. It just has a je ne sai quoi / it factor that made me think no other product could ever come close. But it met its match. Hyper Real has that same “it” factor that not only does wonders for my skin but also perks me up and just helps me feel good about life. Though I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Hyper Real is better than my existing skincare… well, it kind of is…(?) Or perhaps my over 40 battle weary mug was just ready for something fresh, great as the other products are in and of themselves. Either way, up until I tried Hyper Real I never thought I’d ever consider switching primary skincare, yet here we are. I may not stop using my existing skincare immediately or even entirely but, minimally, it will have to share top shelf space with the new girl.
MAC Hyper Real Skincare: The “hype” is “real.” And well deserved. Well done, gorgeous.
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Tip: To maximize Hyper Real benefits, be sure to regularly exfoliate your skin. These are a few of my favorite chemical and physical exfoliators. The following are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment