Don’t you hate that when it happens?! You’ve found a favourite product, a holy grail, and you’re set to live happily ever after. And then, the unthinkable happens: It’s going to be discontinued. Now what? Stockpiling? Searching for a dupe? Or what? MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose discontinued – send help!
I’ve differing infos on this, but it’s very likely that MAC is going to discontinue its Mineralize Foundation Loose, either single shades or all. MAC chat in the US simply said ‘no longer available’, while the German SAs I talked with seemed to think that only some shades are going to be discontinued. Nevertheless, I was alarmed. Not only did I try to find desperately a backup at every counter and every online site I could find! I also started to slowly think of possible replacements (gasp).
(Shoutout to a lovely MAC SA in my hometown who actually gifted me her tester when she heard of my quest. She also suggested trying the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural as a replacement, but more on that later.)
Why it’s perfect
Let me quickly recap quickly why the Mineralize Skinfinish Loose was a great (Summer) foundation: First, mineral foundations are the least skin aggravating foundations around. If you’ve got super sensitive skin, it’s likely that your skin will agree with mineral foundations. That’s because they use less filler ingredients than liquid or cream foundations. Second, a loose powder formula is super convenient for Summer. You can either mix it with your moisturizer or sunscreen, or use it over sunscreen. I can guarantee you’ll never run into any annoying problems with foundation pilling! Third, it’s super lightweight, but still with a medium coverage if you want it. Fourth, it prevents your face turning into an oil slick by noon much better than any liquid foundation I know of.
Possible Alternatives?
Thankfully, MAC isn’t the only one who did a loose mineral foundation. There’s the famous bareMinerals Loose Powder Foundation SPF15. It has a very pared down ingredient list, a huge shade range and a reasonable price (29$). Then there’s Laura Mercier’s Mineral Powder, with a very similar ingredient list, less shades and a significantly high price (42$).
Then there’s the drugstore option from L’Oreal, Perfect Match Minerals. But: a paltry 5 shades, a longer ingredient list, although the price is hard to beat. And then, of course, there’s MAC’s own Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. My MUA said that this is the one that’s the Mineralise Loose’s twin in pressed powder form.
Honestly, I’ve no idea yet what I should try next after the MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose discontinued desaster – any recommendations?
Ughhhh I’m also in the same boat. It’s the ONLY foundation I currently use and am just running out of my last container. I had no idea it was being discontinued and went to go buy a replacement…big fat NOPE. Whyyyy MAC whyyyyyy??? I guess I’ll try to get color matched to BareMinerals next time I’m at Sephora, which is unfortunate for MAC. I’ve tried the pressed skinfinish natural, but haven’t found a shade that matches as well as the loose form. Major sadness.
Let me know if you’ve any look with finding a good match at bareMinerals! I’ve still have still one and a half container left, but then I’ll have to seriously start looking for a replacement. Sad times.
Ok, so I stockpiled about 6 and now almost out. I tried BareMinerals and was not impressed. Have you found a decent replacement yet? I’m really struggling…….
Not yet, Sara! Now, when it’s colder here, I can’t wear it (my skin is too dry) so I’m waiting for Spring/Summer for a proper replacement trial – I STILL hope that MAC will come up with an updated version! Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
Hi, did you find a good dupe?
Hi Christina, thankfully I still use my backups… I haven’t really started to look for a replacement in earnest, but my starting point would be the ones I named in the post!
I might just commit makeup suicide. This has been my go-to Foundation since it came out. I do wear it around that’s why this stinks so much. The pressed powder is not the same wear. I have tried EVERYTHING… there is nothing like it, at least for me. I am now resorting to buying stuff on eBay etc…
Oh no, that sucks Julie!!! Let MAC know about it – I did! – maybe they’ll repromote it. (Fingers crossed!)
And totally agree – the pressed powder is definitely NOT the same!
I stocked up last summer from an eBay seller. 6 quantity and I’m on the last one now😫… I started trying Merle Norman purely mineral makeup & it’s far better than bare minerals.. so that will be my replacement.. unfortunately they only sell in their boutiques, not online. I was using Mac light plus and have selected ML44 with Merle Norman
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for sharing! That’s great that you found your replacement!!!
Used MAC Mineralize foundation loose power for fifteen years. Face Stockholm loose mineral foundation appears to be an exact match.
Kelly!!!! That’s great news! Thank you, will check them out!
I am so glad I found this page. I miss it soooo much!!!! I used the smash box loose powder foundation and liked it also, but didn’t love the color selection or the price. I can’t find the Face Stockholm one either, but I am still out looking for a dupe. Truly was devastated when this was discontinued 🙁
I’m in the same boat. My last foundation is almost out. Did anyone find foundation comparable to Mac moisturizer mineralization? I wish Mac would bring this back.
Hi All,. Thanks for all the advice…….I am so lost without Mac mineralize foundation NW25 I have been using it forever……..I currently use Nars sheer glow foundation, it’s nice but just nowhere near the same as Mac. Had anybody found a code match? Thanks.