I Tried MAC's Hyper Real Skin Care 'Serumizer'

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From flawless foundations to statement lipsticks to clump-free mascara, MAC has always been a center for bold, quality makeup. In the four decades since its inception, the brand has seen some iconic launches in the past, from Diva Mariah Carey’s collection—which sold out within 24 hours—to Rihanna’s RiRi Hearts, but its latest release may be its most exciting yet. This week, MAC introduced its first-ever high-performance skincare line, which arrived just in time to keep dry winter skin at bay.

With the new MAC Hyper Real Skin-Care Collection, the brand is getting “more realistic” about how makeup works in tandem with skincare. The line features a serum (to prime skincare), a balm (to moisturize), and a cleansing oil (to remove makeup)—all designed to improve the texture and radiance of your skin while enhancing the look of your makeup. The range is designed to nourish skin while improving the look of makeup, and the products do just that.

MAC, Hyper Real Serumizer – $55.00

This serum and moisturizer hybrid is just what you need to top off your makeup look. The ingredient list includes hydrating ingredients like water, glycerin, and niacinamide. Known as vitamin B3, niacinamide “has multiple skin benefits, including helping to support the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, evening skin tone, calming inflammation, and providing antioxidant benefits,” says Dr. Garczyk. The serum creates a lightweight, breathable base that leaves your makeup looking fresh after hours.

MAC, Canvas Skin Balm – $49.00

Makeup application is only as good as its base, and this balm feels like a canvas. Enriched with niacinamides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer provides a firm foundation before applying makeup while plumping and improving skin texture over time. Fast-absorbing, hydrating, and buttery—the Skin Canvas Balm is your one-way ticket to flawless complexion perfection.

MAC, Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil – $48.00

Thanks to MAC’s Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil, removing makeup is now a breeze. Formulated with a blend of jojoba and sunflower seed oils, this oil gently removes makeup and debris while adding an extra layer of hydration. Stubborn makeup, gone!

Each of the three formulas is made with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. The real star of the show is the Japanese peony extract. “Peony extract contains paeoniflorin, which provides antioxidant benefits while also supporting the skin barrier,” he says. Marisa Garchik, MDMD, a New York-based dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “By helping to protect against free radical damage, it can help support the skin barrier while also helping to brighten the complexion.”

In addition to quenching thirsty skin, the range works hand in hand with makeup. It helps skin products appear smoother and more pigmented upon application, and gives them extra staying power all day.

What happened when I tried it

After giving three products a whirl, it’s the serum—which has a lightweight, gel-like texture—that caught my eye the most. As someone who dreads using a million skincare products, I love that a serum can do double duty as a makeup base and moisturizer.

After applying the serum all over my face as the last step in my routine, I let it sit and soak into my skin for five to 10 minutes, per the advice of a MAC makeup artist. This ensures that the formula penetrates completely, leaving a smooth, radiant canvas on which to apply makeup. My skin looked so hydrated and dewy (maybe thanks to the pearly dust in the bottle) that I opted to skip foundation altogether, and instead applied eyeshadow and blush directly to my bare skin.

Not only did the serum give my skin a gorgeous, luminous glow, but it also enhanced the pigments of my eye shadow and blush. I love that it helps reduce the number of steps in my routine—it’s a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and primer, all in one—and I never have to worry about irritation to my sensitive skin.

Before and after photo — Photo: Kayla Hoy

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn you a Well + Good commission.

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