Weirdest "Foundation" I've Tried | MAC Next To Nothing Face Color & Pressed Powder: Review and Swatches

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

Earlier this year, MAC released their Next To Nothing Collection, which featured a range of lightweight face powders and sheer tinted moisturizers. All about the natural, barely there coverage, the Next To Nothing Face Color ($38 CAD) and the Next To Nothing Pressed Powder ($32 CAD) aim to perfect and radiate the complexion without adding any undesired heaviness. So how do these sheer complexion products perform? Read my reviews and see the swatches to find out......

MAC Next To Nothing Face Color in "Light Plus"

MAC Next To Nothing Face Color in "Light Plus" ($38 CAD):
Available in nine shades, the Next To Nothing Face Color is described as a "moisturizing tinted cream" that can be applied alone or under/over a foundation to perfect and illuminate the skin. The product is housed in a frosty glass bottle and it's equipped with a convenient pump dispenser.
I am all for tinted moisturizers and BB creams because full-coverage foundations tend to feel a bit too heavy for days when I just want a little something on my face. However, the Next To Nothing Face Color did not work for me at all. When first pumped out of the bottle (see photo at the end of the post), the product seemed super rich and cushioning, which made me believe that it was going to be blurring and smoothing on the face.

MAC Next To Nothing Face Color in "Light Plus"

However, I experienced huge issues when I tried to blend it out. When first applied, the Next To Nothing Face Color just seemed really sheer, providing very little coverage although I made sure to shake the bottle thoroughly before dispensing. I noticed a ton of streaking and patchiness so I did some blending, at which point, the product started pilling together in thick threads (see face swatch below). Eventually, the Face Color started clumping off in noticeable chunks, which I've never ever experienced with any other foundation or tinted moisturizer before.
Initially, I thought that perhaps applying with a brush instead of directly using my fingers may solve the issue. However, the exact same thing happened again. After which I thought that maybe something in my skincare is reacting negatively with the product. Therefore, I tried the Face Color on my bare skin and the same thing happened yet again. I also tried not blending too much to avoid causing any pilling but the product applies super patchy and streaky so unless you try to blend it well, it looks very unflattering.

MAC Next To Nothing Face Color in "Light Plus"

I did a little research online and it seems that I'm not the only person that have experienced this issue. It's possible that my bottle came from a bad batch but overall, I don't have much confidence in this product. Aside from the pilling issue, the Face Color also settled into pores and clung to dry patches, emphasizing any skin imperfections. The finish (or whatever that is left of it) looks quite dewy as well so it's not great for all skin types. Overall, this one is a dud. There are positive reviews out there but for me, it may be one of the most disappointing complexion products I've tried.

MAC Next To Nothing Pressed Powder in "Light Plus"

MAC Next To Nothing Pressed Powder in "Light Plus" ($32 CAD):

So with the Next To Nothing Face Color failing me so badly, my expectations for the powder was not high. However, this is actually a pretty unique and flattering face powder that provides an ultra-natural finish. In terms of coverage, the powder is pretty sheer. If you are looking for powder foundation, this one won't cut it. However, even though it doesn't provide a whole lot of coverage, it very nicely mattifies and smooths pores and textural unevenness without adding any cakiness.

MAC Next To Nothing Pressed Powder in "Light Plus"

The shade I have here is "Light Plus", the same shade as the Face Color above, which is pretty much the equivalent of NC20 or NW 20. Overall, I'm quite taken with this powder. Its effects are subtle and the wear isn't super long-lasting but it's very flattering in that my skin still looks like skin, only more refined, even, and softly mattified.

MAC Next To Nothing Face Color (Left) & Pressed Powder (Right) in "Light Plus"

Have you tried the Next To Nothing duo before? Did you experience the same issues with the Face Color? Share with me in the comments below!

Availability:
MAC is available in stores at MAC boutiques and online at maccosmetics.com.