If you are new here this is something I like to do occasionally. I revisit products when I have additional thoughts or new experiences with them. Things can change throughout the seasons or application preferences can change so I want to make sure to give you any new information that may help. Today we’re talking about 2 MAC Cosmetics best sellers. Let’s get right into it.
Studio Fix Fluid in C8 and NC45
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.
So I’ve polled the audience. I’m the only person that thinks this foundation looks sweaty. Everyone I ask says this foundation looks natural but more perfected. My husband says he can tell it is more matte than when my skin is bare, but he doesn’t think it looks sweaty at all 🤷🏽♀️. He of course sees me the most often and up close, so I wanted to share his thoughts in particular.
Do what you will with that information 😂. But seriously, I wanted to let you guys know that I’m alone in this assessment of the MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Just in case my initial review was holding anyone back from trying this foundation. You probably won’t look sweaty.
Before I asked for other opinions on how I looked wearing this, I tried wearing it with more mattifying powders. It ruins the natural look of the foundation for me (keep in mind that I have dry skin). The only powder that truly maintains the skin-like appearance that I tested was the Laura Mercier Candleglow Powder. I have also found that the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Powder works nicely if I want it to still look skin-like but just a touch more matte. I didn’t expect to continue using this foundation as much as I have. It just has such a beautiful finish and I love the shade match (C8) so much that I’ve been determined to make it work. I’m not sure why I’m the only one who thinks it looks sweaty, but who knows, maybe there’s a powder combination I have yet to try that will change my mind. If you’d like to see how C8 and NC45 look applied, you can find my original review by clicking here. I also want to point out that C8 is deeper than my actual skin tone but because the undertone matches so well it isn’t obvious. So if you are darker than me, you may still be able to use C8.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid comes in 63 shades and retails for $42.00.
Update January 3, 2024: 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 Studio Fix Fluid is 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.
Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30, NC42, and NC45
This was my go-to concealer until very recently. I purchased NC30 to lighten NC45 since it is too dark. I have been mixing NC42 and NC45 for as long as I can remember but I wanted to try something less peachy than NC42. The formula still works well for me, but I’m just tired of mixing. If it was more of a half and half mix, it’d likely be easier. It’s doable, but the pump makes it more difficult than a concealer that has a doe-foot applicator.
I have tried the trick of decanting some of the product into a travel container, but I find that it dries out before I can use all of it. So I ended up with the same amount of product waste as if I had pumped it out each time. I can kind of get away with using NC45 by itself since I wear glasses but I just don’t like how orange my undereye area looks when I use it alone. I can use it alone for spot concealing my dark spots of hyperpigmentation and it sits nicely over texture, so it is still a great concealer as long as you can find your shade.
Why Hasn’t MAC Expanded This Shade Range?
This concealer is a MAC bestseller and has been for years. So with that in mind, I can see why they wouldn’t feel the need to fuss over something that is selling well. On the other hand, Studio Fix Fluid and Studio Fix Powder are best sellers and they have added shades to those ranges over the years. Even the Pro Longwear Nourishing foundation formula got a shade extension after its initial release. So why does the Pro Longwear Concealer continue to only have 16 shades? I don’t get it.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer comes in 16 shades and retails for $31.00.
Thanks for reading!
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Nikki From HR 