MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder in Medium Plus Limited Edition Couture Collection 2012

(Click to enlarge the picture in order to view the ingredients list.)

(Picture was taken after the product had been used.)

Packaging: Let's be honest here. I only bought the MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder because of the packaging. I just couldn't resist the cute pink bow and faux shagreen case. The only complaint that I have is that the interior looks slightly cheap in person. The "metallic" edging feels like plastic and looks like it's been painted with a metallic-looking finish. Moreover, the lack of weight to it makes it feel even more cheap.

It comes with one refill pan and 2 powder puffs, which are the same ones that come in the MAC Select Sheer pressed powder compacts. Personally, powder puffs are useless to me because I find them very unsanitary; however, they are convenient to use when you need to touch up throughout the day.

The shade that I'm using is called Medium Plus, which matches my NC30/35 skin tone perfectly. The texture of the powder feels silky smooth and I love that the product is not too soft to the point where it crumbles and makes a mess in the pan. It applies sheer, sets my foundation well and never leaves a cakey finish. The formula is very similar to MAC's Select Sheer pressed powder, which I've purchased countless times before.

Left: MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan

Right: MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff

(MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan in Medium Plus)

(MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder Refill Pan in Medium Plus)

(MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff)

(MAC Making Pretty Powder Puff)

Bottom Line: If packaging is not important to you, then I recommend just getting the MAC Select Sheer pressed powder (12g/$24) because the formula is very similar to the limited edition couture version. I, personally, adore the exterior packaging and love admiring it on my vanity. I just had to get it as a collection piece.

Note: The MAC Making Pretty Sheer Mystery Powder in Medium Plus comes prefilled and with one additional refill pan. Each contains 8g/0.28oz. Two powder puffs are included. This is limited edition and retails

 for $65.

The Sheer Mystery Powder may be sold out, but as many of you know, MAC's couture items have always ended up at the CCO/Estee Lauder Company Store at a discounted price a few months after the collection launch date.

For swatches and comparisons, check out this post.