Right now at MAC, you can purchase either the Studio Fix Fluid or Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation for $25 until 3:00 am EST on 9/21/2020. Studio Fix Fluid comes in 63 shades and Studio Fix Powder comes in 53 shades, making it one of the best shade ranges on the market. I wanted to share some swatches for anyone who might want to take advantage of this deal.
Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, $35
UPDATE JUNE 12, 2024: This information is based on a discontinued formula. MAC released a reformulated version of Studio Fix Fluid in 2024. If you are looking for reviews, you can spot the difference because the new formula now comes with a pump built into the packaging.
I’m sure I’m one of the last makeup-wearing people to try the iconic MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. I always avoided trying it out because of the SPF 15 and the promise of a matte finish. My curiosity finally got the best of me, and surprisingly I ended up liking it. C8 is a better color match for me (click this link to see it applied), NC45 is too red-orange when applied all over my face (click this link to see it applied). For reference, other good shade matches for me are Estee Lauder Double Wear shade 4W4 Hazel (click this link to see it applied) and NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation shade Tahoe.
UPDATE September 18, 2021: If you are interested in knowing more about how this formula works for me, I posted a full review that you can check out by clicking here.
MAC describes C8 as a deep olive with golden undertone for medium to dark skin (see it applied here)
MAC describes NC45 as a bronze with golden undertone for dark skin (see it applied here)
I haven’t used studio fix fluid very much yet, but so far it is easy to apply. I only apply a small amount, just enough to get medium coverage. I was surprised by how skin-like it looked and that it didn’t cling to any dry areas of my face. The finish was a natural matte for me, but not drying on my skin. The foundation did feel slightly tacky after drying down; so I set it with a light layer of powder.
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $35
MAC describes C6 as a tanned peach with peach undertones for medium to dark skin
MAC describes C7 as a golden bronze with peachy undertones for medium to dark skin
MAC describes NC50 as a deep golden bronze with golden undertone for dark skin
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a formula I’m very familiar with and have been using for years. I do have dry skin and somehow still manage to get away with using this as a powder foundation. I do not use it to set other foundations although you can use it that way.
Shade C7 works for me during most times of the year, but I have used shade NC45 in the past with no issues. I do think MAC tries to get the shades as close in the different formulas as they can, but sometimes they are a little off.
Update January 3, 2024: I do love the formula of the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and it has so many shades in the range but I just can’t find one that I love on me. C8 has a good undertone but is too dark, C6 is passable in the winter but too peach, C7 is too red on me, and NC45 is the most workable but there is still something off about it. As far as the formula is concerned, I am still amazed at how nice it looks on my dry skin. It is more matte than I prefer these days, but somehow it never looks too dry. It does feel tight the entire time I wear it, but that is the nature of the powder’s oil control.
The MAC Studio Fix Fluid is still a very nice matte option that works decently for my dry skin type. It has a skin-like look which is impressive to me for a matte foundation. It does get a little tight around the 3-hour mark, but I consider that pretty good for a person with dry skin wearing an oil-controlling formula. When thinking about my top foundations, Studio Fix Fluid is not as flattering as NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in terms of radiance and it is not as smoothing and blurring as Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation. So the formula falls in between my two favorites and it can’t outdo either. My biggest issues with it are how much it transfers and like the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, the shade selection. C8 in the liquid Studio Fix is also too dark but it is my favorite shade option from MAC. NC45 is too dark and orange and NC44 makes me look washed out no matter what bronzer or blush I apply to bring life back to my face.
Do you use any of the MAC Studio Fix Foundations? Let me know how they work for you in the comment section below.
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Disclaimer: I purchased all products featured with my own money. For my full disclosure policy, click here.
Nikki From HR 
Hi Nikki, which one do u prefer more? NC45 or C7? I recently bought NC44.5 but it’s a tad bit light and ashy
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That’s a hard one to answer because I’ve never owned them at the same time. I lived in Florida and spent more time in the sun the last time that I used NC45 so my skin tone was darker. I did like NC45 whereas I only tolerate C7, but I can’t say for certain whether that is because my skin tone is lighter or an undertone or shade issue with the powder. C7 looks a little red on me these days and I don’t recall having that issue with NC45.
Edit: Also, what’s your skin type? If you have a drier skin type it could have looked ashy because it didn’t have enough moisture. The powder should darken once it is blended in, if it doesn’t you might benefit from adding some extra moisturizer before application.
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Thanks for replying Nikki! I bought both nc45 en C7 and they’re ok. NC45 is a bit orange and C7 is a bit red but I can make ‘m work since I’m on holiday and have a tan now. The undertone of NC44.5 is the best on me. Might try it again when I’m back and will make sure to moisturize my skin well. Thanks for the tip.
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You’re welcome! Shade matching can be such a struggle. I hope you can get the NC44.5 to work out.
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