Review: MAC Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment

About a year ago, I heard about this Skin Refined Zone Treatment that was supposed to shrink the size of your pores - temporarily.  I was really interested to try out this product since I read from quite a few reviews that it does work.  I was super happy to find this product at one of the MAC warehouse sales I went to last year.  Now, I've been using this product on and off - only times when I remember to use it - and I believe I'm ready to review this product.

The scent:
Straight from the tube, the product has a strong chemical acidic scent.  But when applied, the scent disappears.

Application:
I use this after cleansing my face and before I apply my regular facial moisturizer.  A small amount of this product will go a long way.  I tend to apply this product on areas where I get visibly larger pores - i.e. nose, the nose-cheek area, between the eyebrows, and chin.

The consistency:
Not thick, a little more on the runnier side - kind of like lotion consistency.

Packaging:
Personally, I like the tube packaging.  I can control how little or how much I want.  However, the tube I bought from the MAC warehouse sale was slightly off printed, and maybe because of this not-so-perfect packaging, it ended up at the sale.

What it claims:
"A light, oil-free emulsion that helps cloak visible pores while controlling oil and shine. Applies "wet" for a gentle micro-exfoliation: dries instantly to create an invisible, long-lasting natural matte finish. Ideal for the T-zone."

Thoughts / Results:
This product is definitely not just a hype.  It does work, for me at least! I have combination skin where my T-zone area tends to get more oily throughout the day.  Once applied, it immediately matifies the skin.  In terms of shrinking/minimizing pores, it just barely does that job.  Just like what it claims, it acts as cloak to conceal/hide visible pores.

Cost:
$24 CAD @MAC counters
$10 CAD @MAC warehouse sale

Product: MAC Prep+Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- matifies skin

Cons:
 - barely shrinks pores

Before

After