MAC x Min Liu First Waves Pearlmatte Face Powder Review, Photos, Swatches
First Waves
MAC First Waves Pearlmatte Face Powder ($40.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a light-medium pink with subtle, cool undertones and a satin finish. The finish became slightly more luminous once blended out on the skin but did not emphasize my skin’s natural texture. The powder had a silvery white, coral-red, and fuchsia pink, while a lot of the shimmer comes off with the first use, as it was an overspray.
The Pearlmatte Face Powder is supposed to be a combination of a highlighter and blush with “excellent colour payoff” and a “rich and creamy texture.” They vary a lot in price and size, as they are a limited edition formula and often feature embossing/special designs. The consistency was smooth–soft without being too powdery or dusty–and blendable on the skin while it was still very pigmented and nearly opaque. This shade wore well for eight hours on me before fading slightly.
This collection was supposed to launch on the 6th, but I haven’t seen it yet, so it looks like it might be delayed.
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Olive (LE, $8.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Dior Floral Pink (844) (LE, $44.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- YSL Singuliere (1) (P, $47.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Rose (001) (LE, $56.00) (95% similar).
- KIKO 110 Bright Pink (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Kiss Off (DC, $26.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Launch Away (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- NARS Robotic (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Physicians Formula Rosy Pink (P, $12.99) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Surratt Beauty Guimauve (P, $32.00) is lighter, brighter (90% similar).
First Waves
LELimited Edition. $34.00.
This is a beautiful blush. I love the embossing but would not want to use it because it is so pretty. The cool undertone would work perfectly for me. On a whim while at Ulta getting shampoo, I purchased a Lorac I Love Brunch blush in Panorama. It is a lovely cool toned lavender. I brought it home and tried it on but it is a no go. Had a read any reviews I would have known as everyone is saying it doesn’t last longer than an hour or two on the face and that was my experience on the first try. I think I will return that one and get this one.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear Panorama did not wear well for you!
This is so beautiful. I’m not doing it for $40 though. Plus, if I got it I couldn’t use it for fear of ruining the design.
The upside is it is a larger size, so I think that’s why the price went up to $40 on it!
Love the embossing!
It is detailed!
Gorgeous presentation and packaging! Downright lust worthy! Hoping it gets delayed until May, though. Because VIB sale for my Ole Henrikson skincare and dental work have to come first.
I was surprised to see it has not launched yet!
Very pretty!
It is!
Really like this powder for some reason Рnot sure why but the colour mel̩e and combination of shades just look so fun!
Glad you liked it, Stephanie!
I’m usually not too seduced by fancy designs on product, but this is really beautiful!
It is!
I’m a little confused about what the powder looks like under the overspray part = I think you’re saying it’s somewhat shimmery silvery white – is that right? & is your swatch without the overspray? I think that’s what you usually do.
I’m totally tempted by this even though I don’t need it in any way. It’s just so pretty, plus it’s a nice shade.
There’s just an overspray on the silver/white portion.
I think you’re right, Christine! This collection is a miss for me!!
Maybe next time!
The blush looks so, so bright pink in the pan, yet is really lovely and subtle on your face. And the embossing is beautiful too.
The white sliver helps tone it down!
Gorgeous ? but nope, saving my money on this one! I loved Nutcracker Sweet Vision at Xmas but have only just bought it for £11.50 less off a make-up swap group, so it was worth the wait!
Smart move!
Dang, it sounds like a real winner!
It is nicely done!
It reminds me of SHISEIDO Camellia blush, long time ago, same concept.
Good to know!
Too pretty to use. 😉
Awww!
This is so pretty! *groan* Another blush …
Awww!
From my understanding the launch date is going to be the 14th. All the Mac stores I called said it would be online only. I absolutely need the powder it’s so beautiful!!
Thank you for the update!
Christine, any idea what happened to this collection? I’ve been checking every day and never saw a single piece on the MAC site. I called and was told, it was already gone! So I said, I thought it was available in the US and the Rep said it was and it’s gone now. Huh?
Follow-up: So seriously made no sense. So I reached out to MAC again and this time was told the launch will be 4/20.
The joys of getting a different answer for each rep you talk to!
I haven’t heard anything, and it would be strange for it to come and go – customer emails about the launch would still go out and have gone out even when things have sold out.