What’s up, friend? This post is getting to you kinda late, I know, and I’m sorry. Long story short, but my flight was delayed out of Milan yesterday. Consequently, I almost missed the connecting flight out of Germany to get back home (NOTE: If you’re the person I steamrolled in the international terminal of the Frankfurt airport yesterday…my bad!).
I managed to make the flight (YEA!), but my luggage didn’t (BOO!). And, of course, it contained all of the makeup I was hoping to dish about today — stuff from Dolce & Gabbana Holiday, Kiko, Madina and a brand called Fred Farrugia.
Thankfully, the airline emailed to say they found the bag and put it on the first train plane home.
Oh, I have some important news to share! But you have to promise to keep it quiet because I haven’t told El Hub (pinky swear). You see, while I was on the road last weekend, I rekindled an old flame. 
Yup, MAC Blot Powder/Pressed ($22) and I have been seeing each other off and on for the past six years (he absorbs the oil on my face in ways that El Hub just can’t!), but this trip convinced me to take our relationship to the next level.
Blot was the only powder I took with me, and it’s official: I’m (still) in love. 
It hit me on the roof of Il Duomo in Milan… I wanted to see the view of the city from it, but I didn’t want to pay the nine euros to ride the elevator.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Blot said, “let’s take the stairs.”
“All 200 of them!?”
“Sure, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
And he was! 🙂
Ominous much?
By the time we reached the top, I was out of breath and sweatin’ like a mofo, but my forehead and nose still looked fresh and shine-free, thanks to MAC Blot.
There are more than 200 of these on the way to the roof
Finally, the roof!
Something’s always under construction…
Hey, mister! Up here!
Another shot of the city
Brilliant architectural design
The happy couple (aka me wearing MAC Blot)!
Blot’s a long-lasting (about five hours), colorless powder containing mica and silica to absorb oil, reduce shine and set makeup. It comes in five shades — Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark and Deep Dark (I use Medium Dark on my NC35 combination skin).
I have combination oily/dry/acne-prone skin on my face, but Blot takes care of the oil across my forehead, nose and chin, and it doesn’t look too heavy or give me breakouts, either.
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: An oil-absorbing champion, MAC Blot Powder/Pressed cuts down on shine exceptionally well, while appearing natural and feeling comfortable on the skin. It travels well, too, and looks cute in its mirrored compact. Available at MAC stores, MAC counters and online at maccosmetics.com. Grade: A+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I need to get this ASAP I’m ALWAYS oily. This is going on the “stuff to buy” list.
You’ll love this. It does WORK on oily spots, fo’ sho!
Hi! Obsessed with your blog mama.
Can i wear this powder (like as a light dusting in my t-zone) underneath bronzer?
Hi Linda,
Oh, totally. It layers very well!
I love love love MAC blot powder! I use it for touchups during the day…that way I don’t end up with a gazillion layers of cakeyness on my face @ the end of the day. Not cute
Amen to that! I can’t stand the look of cakey powder, blah!
How’s the little puff that comes with it? Or do you use a brush to apply it?
Hi Debbie,
It’s typical of a compact puff and nothing particularly special. If I don’t have a lot of room in my purse I’ll use it to apply the powder, but in general I prefer to bring along a travel kabuki brush because it looks a little more natural.
In case you’re interested here’s a video I did a while back on applying powders with puffs versus brushes:
Powder Application: Brush or Puff?
And here’s a link to a review of the travel kabuki brush I usually take with me:
The Ecotools Retractable Kabuki Brush Will Sneak Up on Ya
Let me know if you have any more questions!
Welcome back! I am so glad that your make up will be making it home safely. I have dry & sensitive skin so unfortunately I wouldn’t be using this awesome product.
Hey Marisol!
It was a loooong trip home and I’m glad to be back in one piece. 🙂
What powder are you using and loving right now?
Oh man now I want to go to Milan… holy cow, gorgeous!! Oh… your blot powder is nice too 😀
Hi Wendy,
The city has some very pretty spots. 🙂 I’ll put up a few more sightseeing pics soon.
you’re lucky this was all the construction you saw. when i saw il duomo, there was scaffolding in the entire front section. didn’t make for good pictures, to say the least :p.
Did you make it up to the roof?
no, we never went inside :(. we just took pictures of the duomo and perused the shops surrounding it.
it was so weird seeing a mcdonalds in front of a louis vuitton store :p
How long were you in Milan/Italy for?
I really, REALLY want to go back!
Gorgeous photos! 🙂
I love MAC blot. I have been using it consistently for so many years. I never get tired of it.
It’s such a wonderful powder. Have you ever tried the loose version? I keep meaning to pick up a jar at the Pro store, but I keep forgetting. I’ve heard it’s great though.
Welcome back! The MAC Blot powder is great. I never leave home without it. It is the one product I always carry with me in my makeup bag. There is even a spare in my desk at work!
Hi Casey,
Great minds think a like! I used to keep a compact my desk at work too!
Looks like you had an amazing time! So glad you didn’t miss the plane, imagine the nightmare! and that all your lovelies are on their way too! I am really looking forward to seeing more swatches, reviews and of course, Mr TABfabulous! I am yet to find my HG when it comes to powder… I think I may have to resort back to this, but I swear I’m in an awkward place inbetween shades, Growl 😛
(Ps, I normally opt for brights but I will be meeting my long-term online boyfriend (sounds SO geeky! but eh, love :D) next month, Your UD Naked post convinced me to get it for the occassion!)
Hi Ithfifi,
In general it’s difficult to find a shade of powder that matches one’s skin *perfectly* (more powder to you if you can!).
I think one great thing about these is they don’t color in them, which makes them easier to match skin. If you do end up trying them one thing to note is they seem to run light, so just keep that in mind.
As for next month’s IRL meeting with your BF, that’s exciting!! Where are you going to meet?
Whats the lip color you have on? It’s really cute!
Thanks, Raven! That color is my JAM, aka MAC Nymphette Lipglass. 🙂
Here’s a review along with some swatches:
MAC Unsung Hero: Nymphette Lipglass
I love it too! I’ve been using it for years 🙂 I sometimes use the loose powder as light coverage when I’m getting ready, and I always-always-always carry the pressed compact in my purse! Every. Single. Day 🙂
Hi Tiera,
I’ve yet to try the loose powder version. I’ve heard it’s great though!
Out of curiosity who’s “el hub”? 🙂
Hi Sarah,
El Hub is the nickname I use for my hubby on the site! 🙂
Thanks! That clears up a lot of confusion haha.
LOL, no worries!
How’s your Thursday going so far?
Welcome back Karen! Beautiful shots of the city!
I can’t live without my MAC Blot too-it’s light and never cakes up. A staple makeup item in my purse for sure!
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the warm welcome back! 🙂
How’s your week been so far? Good, I hope!
Glad you’re home safe. 🙂 Week has been pretty boring so far. Really craving a trip to Disneyland lately-must be because of Venomous Villains launching hahaha!
Are you going to show us an Italian makeup haul?
Funny you should mention Disneyland! I’ve been seeing commercials for Disney Halloween and it looks like SO MUCH FUN! I really want to go now.
And yes, I’ll be sharing pics. I just got my luggage in so they’ll be coming soon.
Have a great Thursday!
I have been wanting toi buy this product. I have been hesitant because I have dry skin but I live in Fl. I need it for when I start sating. Will it absorb sweat?
Hi Jakara,
It handles everyday sweat pretty well, but if you’re soaked in it you’ll probably need to touch up. One good thing about Blot is it doesn’t look cakey, so I can really pile it on.
This was a hilarious review! I may have to look into this because my skin just. Eats. It. Up. (I’m very oily/acne-prone.) Ugh. Flawless makeup can turn into a cakey mess in a matter of hours. Karen, does this turn ashy or have a white cast on you in certain lighting? I have NC20/25ish skin, so I wouldn’t want to look “flat,” if that makes sense.
Hi Katie,
Totally know what you mean; I’ve had that problem with other translucent powders. Blot doesn’t have a cast as long as you get the right color; MAC adjusts the “translucent-ness” according to skin tone with the different shades, which is nice! I’m guessing you’re probably a Medium because these tend to run light…
Welcome back Karen. The MAC artist tried this on me when I came to the counter all sweaty and oily. She basically told me to stop using MSF Natural as my powder, as it doesn’t help with the oilies. LOL! 🙂
This sounds like a must try for me, for sure.
Thanks, Arianne!
How are you and Scherbie doing today?
Blot is my all-time favorite powder. I actually discovered it a few years ago when I got married, and it looked fab in pictures.
So true! I do a 50/50 mix of Blot with Prep + Prime in my pics on the blog and it works really well.
Hope you will get your luggage back soon.
And thanks for this review. My compact powder running out soon. Considering getting this.
It arrived late last night, yay!
Hope you try this powder. It’s great!
The architecture in this post makes me so happy!
Me too. I don’t know a lot about the technical terms of it, but I do know that my eyes find it very pleasing! 🙂
Your review was really amusing! And DANG GIRL, you totally look fantastic after all those stairs. I might need to get some Blot powder for myself…
Thanks! 🙂
I really hope you give this stuff a go. It’s great!
Wow, this won’t look cakey? I have the Chanel Double Perfection Compact and it looks cakey on me. Do you know if this is oil-free?
Hi Nicci,
Nope, it doesn’t look cakey!
Oh Karen, your pics are ah-mazing! Love them, and blot powder. I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread!
Me too! I couldn’t live without it. Have you ever tried the loose version? I hear it’s fantastic.
I’m so getting this.
Yay! I hope you like it.
Thanks for the review Karen! I’ve been looking for a powder for my oily/sensitive skin, and I think I might just have to take the plunge with Blot 🙂
I’m glad that the airline found your luggage. It looks like you had an amazing trip!
I have trubs with sensitive spots on my face, too, and have never had trubs with Blot. I really hope this works out for you!
wow you look really good in that pic! what lipgloss are you wearing it looks amazing
Hi Mill,
That’s MAC Nymphette!
Here’s a link to a review with pics and swatches:
MAC Unsung Hero: Nymphette Lipglass
This is on my to-buy-list ! 🙂
You look soooo beautiful Karen!
I forget that MAC has this product and my forehead is almost always a bit oil. Another thing for me to try.
This works great at controlling forehead oilies. 🙂
This is why I love Europe – so much history and beautiful architecture!
I was just adding MAC blot powder to my wish list and realized it was already there!
PS Welcome back, World Traveler!! 🙂
LOL, I double up stuff on my wish list all the time! 🙂
And thanks for the warm welcome back! It’s nice to be home again.
I’ll bet! That airplane air sucks all the life out of you (but the cool trips make it worthwhile, for sure).
I’m on eyeliner color #3 from the Jackpot stash today. Mildew. It’s another winner, despite the name. Tomorrow’s Binge. See? You’ve made a make-up planner out of me. And helped me conquer my fear of color, of course!
welcome back! 🙂 and what an awesome way to kick off your return.
ive never owned blod powder, but i want it. now im sold.
ill probly pick this up over the weekend – sound perfect for our houston weather! 🙂
It’s a wonderful powder!
These run light, so when you hit up the MAC counter on the weekend that’s something to keep in mind.
ah … ill remember that. i almost picked it up at lunch today (went shoe hunting at the mall) but decided id wait so my fave MUA can get the sale. 🙂
Welcome home! I tried Blot Powder in the past, but since I use a powder foundation, it was a bit much and I switched to blotting papers. If I ever get over my fear of liquid foundation, I’d try it again.
I’m glad to be back home! 🙂
Aww, why the fear over liquid foundation?
I just have this terrible feeling that I’ll apply it unevenly and not even know until I’m in a situation where I can’t fix it! And that I’ll think it matches and it won’t. And that it will either not cover enough, or look too foundationy. Plus it seems like a lot of work.
I used liquid foundation when I was like 14-15 (WHY does a 14-yr old need foundation? I have no idea), but once I switched to Studio Fix powder, there was no going back.
hey Karen! Glad you caught your flight just in time! Il Duomo looks amazing from your photos! I can only picture what it would look like in person.
I’ve been wanting to try the MAC’s Blot Powder for a while but never got around to it. I have some questions about it though. Do you use this to set the foundation? Or do you use it after setting the foundation with loose powder? Does this gives any coverage, since I see that there’s different shades? How does this compare to Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder and MAC’s Invisible Set Powder? I have MUFE’s HD Microfinish and it controls my oily face pretty well but wonders about the blot powder.
Hi KC,
Blot can be used directly on top liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer to set it (ya don’t need an additional loose powder). I probably wouldn’t put it on top of powder foundation though.
As for color coverage — these don’t add color to the face. They’re available in different shades, but I’m guessing that’s because MAC adjusted the “translucent-ness” for the darker colors to avoid the chalkiness that happens sometimes with translucent powders on darker skin.
I’ve tried both MUFE Microfinish and MAC Invisible Set; while they’re both great powders, Blot works much better at controlling oil.
Lemme know if you have any more questions! 🙂
Thanks for answering my questions Karen! Now I might just have to go to try it out at the MAC store! Thanks again!
Wow those pictures looks so nice. I hope to travel there soon. I never used a pressed powder before, but I also need something to keep the oil under control. I may check this out.
i just picked this up today! 7 hours later, still relatively shine free! & ps…my face tends to get very shiny! i’m ecstatic! hehe `=]
I love the pictures! You look great!
I have a question about the powder, do you know if it’s non-comedogenic? I have really sensitive and easily irritable skin and my dermatologist pointed out that I should use products that are non-comedogenic but I can seem to find information regarding Mac.
Thanks!
Oh how I wish I had a love affair with the blot powder when I went up the stairs of Duomo :). Lovely pics, Karen! It was totally amazing up there, and the intricate details the Duomo has <3. Did you know it took them more than 300 years to finish building the whole Cathedral? :-O
Hi Karen!
I use Studio Fix powder daily in the morning. Is this a kind of powder you would put on througout the day just to touch up? Like can I put it on top of my the studio fix (because I’ve noticed if I try to add more of that later it does look cakey). Or do you use blot as just your only powder throughout the day?
Hey, that looks amazing! What would you recommend you wear underneath it? Liquid foundation? Or could you just wear the MAC oil control lotion? 🙂
i really like how you rock your skin color! 🙂 i am lighter than your skin tone and I envy your perfect tan! 🙂 more power 🙂
Goodness this I gotta try! My face is an oil machine! 🙂 haha
This is a silly question >.<
Can I just use the powder or do I need to put foundation/moisturizer underneath?
I just discovered makeup! lol