M·A·C Mixing Mediums OVERVIEW
As it relates to makeup, a mixing medium is a liquid/gel/cream solvent that is mixed with powder or liquid makeup products such as pigments, glitter, foundation, to create a moist or thinner consistency and help with adhesion to the skin.
What? LOL! Simply put a mixing medium is a liquid or creamy base that can used with powder or liquid makeup to create customized eyeliners, cream eyeshadows, liquid eyeshadows, mascara, glitter gels, body paints, body lotions, etc. It can even be used to dilute existing liquid foundations for a thinner consistency.
Benefits:
- Using loose pigments and eyeshadows wet or 'foiled' not only creates a liquid eyeshadow but also INTENSIFIES the color of the pigment or eyeshadow.
- FALLOUT from loose pigments and eyeshadows is minimized or even eliminated when they are used wet.
- Mixing Medium help loose pigments/eyeshadows AND glitter ADHERE to the skin.
- Thicker products such as foundations can be SHEERED out by adding mixing medium.
- CUSTOM eyeliners, cream eyeshadows, liquid eyeshadows, mascara, glitter gels, body paints, body lotions, etc.
Let's dive into what M·A·C has to offer in this category and what you may find useful for personal or even professional use.
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Mixing Medium Alcohol Base
Formula to dilute and mix with M·A·C powder or liquid makeup. Used to create effects from sheer to opaque. Perfect to decorate the face or body. Mix with Pigments and powders to form an ultra light gel that dries quickly upon application with minimal transference and ultimate wear. For use on body, from neck down.
50 ml bottle / 1.7 fl oz.
US$18.00
The first thing I will say about the Mixing Medium Alcohol Base is DO NOT use this on your eyes or face! It will burn and irritate the eyes/facial skin because it is alcohol based. When used on the body (below the neck) this mixing medium is great for creating fast drying body paints and body glitter with long wear time. It produces a gel-like consistency that should be used quickly since the drying time is reduced by the alcohol. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking from sheer to opaque depending on the amount of product used.
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Mixing Medium Water Base
Formula to dilute and mix with M·A·C powder or liquid makeup. Used to create effects from sheer to opaque. Perfect to decorate the face or body. Created for those who like to design their own shades and colours. Mix with pigments and powders to create anything from full, opaque coverage to sheer. Useful for adhering M·A·C Glitter to the skin.
50 ml bottle / 1.7 fl oz.
US$18.00
This is probably the most famous and popular of the mixing mediums. It is quite versatile and can be used with pigments, loose eyeshadows, glitter, water activated eyeshadows (such as Mehron, Kryolan, Ben Nye) and the like. This is a watery liquid and will create a water color effect that can be adjusted to desired by adding more or less to the mixture. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking from sheer to opaque depending on the amount of product used.
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A mixing medium base that can be mixed with pigments and glitters to create unique custom shades for face and body. Provides superior adherence and hold of pigments and glitters to the skin. Protects against environmental aggression. Non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. An easy and effective way to create custom body paints and glitter gels. Not for use around the eye area.
120 ml / 4 fl oz. tube
US$20.00
This mixing medium is similar to the water based mixing medium but provides more tackiness for better adhesion of glitters (especially) and pigments to the skin. This will stay intact until removed with makeup remover. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking from sheer to opaque depending on the amount of product used.
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Face & Body Mixing Medium
Formula to dilute and mix with M·A·C powder or liquid makeup. Used to create effects from sheer to opaque. Perfect to decorate the face or body. Mix with pigments and powders to create a number of custom shades and colours. It offers sheer, even coverage and long-wearing attributes. Create custom body lotions or use to thin down heavier foundations such as M•A•C Full Coverage Foundation. Use alone to give the skin a satin glow.
50 ml bottle / 1.7 fl oz.
US$18.00
This mixing medium has a light flesh toned color so it's best used for diluting thicker foundations and creating liquid products for the face and body. This is great for creating customized liquid bronzers, highlighters and lotions when mixed with pigments and loose colors. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking from sheer to opaque depending on the amount of product used.
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Mixing Medium Eyeliner A colorless, translucent mixing medium that can be mixed with pigments and glitter to create unique customized eyeliner shades. Contains Vitamins A, C and E to buffer the delicate skin around the eye area from environmental aggression. Non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.
10 ml / 0.33 US oz tube
US$12.00
This is a great creamy gel formula that can be used with loose colors and glitter to create long lasting liquid eyeliners. This mixing medium is a thicker gel-liquid which allows for more dense pigmentation. This will stay intact until removed with makeup remover. The consistency can be adjusted to your liking from sheer to opaque depending on the amount of product used.

Mixing Medium Lash
Colorless Pro Long Lash mixing medium base that allows you to create unique customized shades of Pro Long Lash Mascara. Strengthens and conditions lashes. Provides superior adherence of color and extended wear, curl and lengthening. Suitable for all skin types.
10 ml / 0.33 US oz tube
US$12.00
This mixing medium is ideal for making custom colored mascara using the MAC Pro Long Lash formula. The formula is long lasting and lengthening and adding pigments makes it fun and colorful!
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Mixing Medium Matte
A colourless emollient, wax-based mixing medium formulated for use with M∙A∙C Pigments. Adds versatility to the way you use and apply M∙A∙C Pigments. Helps you control the texture, finish and application, for a complete custom look. Provides a matte finish.
12 g / 0.42 US oz
US$18.00
This is one of the newer mixing mediums to step onto the scene. It is emollient based so the result will be creamy and wax like. This offers great control and intense color payoff. This comes in handy for creating cream eyeshadows, cream bases and even lip colors! The finish is semi-matte and shine-free. This can crease if not used with a primer or if layered thickly on the skin.
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A colourless emollient, wax-based mixing medium formulated for use with M∙A∙C Pigments. Adds versatility to the way you use and apply M∙A∙C Pigments. Helps you control the texture, finish and application, for a complete custom look. Provides a shiny finish.
12 g /0 .42 US oz
US$18.00
This is one of the newer mixing mediums to step onto the scene. It is emollient based so the result will be creamy and wax like. This offers great control and intense color payoff. This comes in handy for creating cream eyeshadows, cream bases and even lip colors! The finish is shiny and can be used to add sheen to products and skin. This can crease if not used with a primer or if layered thickly on the skin.
See them in ACTION....
Top: Glitter w/ Mixing Medium: Gel
Middle: Pigment w/ Mxining Medium: Eyeliner, Matte, Shine, Water Based, Gel
Bottom: Pigment over UDPP
Attempt at removal with paper towel....
Top: Glitter w/ Mixing Medium: Gel
Middle: Pigment w/ Mixing Medium: Eyeliner, Matte, Shine, Water Based, Gel
Bottom: Pigment over UDPP