The MAC Prep + Prime collection first launched in 2005 with Eye, Lash, Lip and Skin, followed by Skin SPF 50 in April 2006. The products were an answer to the needs of the PRO makeup artist, who wanted products that created flawless skin on which to apply makeup.

The key point of difference in the MAC Prep + Prime collection from other primers is that they were developed specifically to be used with makeup while also offering skincare benefits. Most skincare products are designed and tested for use alone. Because MAC is first and foremost a makeup artistry brand, each Prep + Prime product was specifically tested to enhance the makeup wear experience.

These products are a true hybrid formula of both skincare and makeup, with a new view on technology and texture. Prep + Prime employs new, breakthrough formulations that have both accumulative visible long-term benefits, as well as immediate visible results on the skin.

As technologies and makeup artist needs are always evolving, MAC is introducing three new products to round out the collection and provide more advanced tools to its artists and consumers: Skin Refined Zone, Line Filler, and Transparent Finishing Powder.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone is a partial primer designed for use in the T-Zone. This lightweight, oil-free, soy-based emulsion instantly helps minimize visible pores while helping to control excess surface oil and shine.

MAC employs High Tech Optics, an advanced technology powder and light diffusers to fill in lines. The result: an invisible, natural-looking, long-lasting matte finish that also helps keep pores clean, clear and unclogged. It mattifies and hides imperfections using advanced powders and microspheres while a Mannose-Phosphate blend gently exfoliates away dead cells giving the skin a more youthful look and silica particles absorb oil. In addition to immediately minimizing pore appearance and shine, 24% experience an increased luminosity and clarity of the skin. Additionally, clinical tests show that over time, the Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone reduces the appearance of clogged pores and shrinks the appearance of pores to nearly two-thirds of its original size.

MAC Prep + Prime Line Filler is a targeted deep wrinkle filler with long term skincare benefits that uses a unique technological breakthrough. Line Filler plumps and smoothes skin and drastically reduces the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. A combination of Gatuline Expression^TM and Argireline work together to relax the appearance of facial tension and expression lines, as well as boost the skin’s natural collagen production. Line Filler produces immediate results, but will also help eliminate the appearance of expression lines with continued use. The product is designed to be used under or over makeup and can also be used to touch up throughout the day.

MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is not your usual translucent powder. With a virtually invisible feather-light, silky colorless application, the powder both reduces shine and maintains radiance due to a finely milled formula of corn starch, silica and micronized mica. Though it was designed to set and stabilize makeup, it can also be worn alone over moisturizer for a natural and radiant complexion. It was also a huge hit backstage during fashion week and was used at nearly every major show including Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka, Stella McCartney, Behnaz Sarafpour, Alberta Ferretti and Giles.