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mac foundation - the break down

There is no denying it MAC is the place for foundation. However it is not just about choosing the right shade of foundation but the right texture of foundation for our skin type, that affects its overall staying power and the finish you are looking for.

For years I was wedded to my MAC studio fix foundation but found only a few hours later the foundation simply melted off my skin, no matter how much primer I used beforehand. When I spoke to a MAC consultant I was given a straightforward explanation that my skin is normal/dry and after much testing out of different foundations, it was the MAC match master foundation ended up being the best one for me. *So after much research and thought I have decided to do a breakdown of MAC foundations for different skin types as a guide if you are looking to try something new. MAC foundation is best paired with a makeup primer to make the effect last longer and smoother. HairAndMakeupGirl has listed the top drugstore face primers that you can check out

*Please be aware the shades can vary between each product i.e an NC42 in Mineralize Skinfinish may be different to the NC42 in the Studio Fix. So, therefore, it is advisable to try out different shades to ensure a proper match. Also do step out into the natural daylight with a mirror before purchasing to ensure the Mac foundation has blended well against your neck, forehead and chin to ensure you don’t look ashy, or too orange! A foundation is not the right shade for you if you look ashy, orange or slightly grey. You will also want to take a look at our new article: MAC Lipsticks – The Breakdown and the best beauty advent calendars as these make ideal gifts for friends and family.

Combination Oily- Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 £21.50

MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is perfect for combination and oilier skin types. The foundation is oil-free which means it will not clog pores. On drier skin types (such as mine) the foundation may feel too heavy and may not have the desired staying power.

Studio Fix fluid

Dry combination- Pro Longwear Fluid Foundation SPF10 £25.00

Pro Long wear foundation is good for dry combination skin that is particularly sensitive to climate change. The Pro Longwear foundation is less heavy than the studio fix and provides up to 15 hours of wear. The foundation provides a more sheer/medium coverage which is great if you want a more dewy look than a matte finish.

pro longwear

Very oily- Pro Longwear Compact Foundation

Mac has recently come out with a Pro Longwear compact foundation. The texture is more creamy (similar to the Studio Tech) however this product is more suitable for oily skin as it can look too cakey on drier skins.

pro longwear compact

Acne Prone/ Scarred skin- Full Coverage Foundation

If your skin has suffered from acne, scarring or from severe hyperpigmentation the full coverage formula may be the best one for you. The texture is very thick, however, you can apply it with a brush or with a sponge in order to concentrate on blemished areas and to build up the coverage to suit your liking. The foundation also doubles up as a concealer too which is an added bonus.

full coverage foundation

Dry skin- MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15 £25.00

The gel-based formula blends perfectly on drier skin types and creates a beautiful satin finish. The sculpt is also good for mature skin too. This product is one of Mac’s best sellers.

sculpt

Very dry dehydrated/ sensitive skin- MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation, Compact or Loose Powder SPF15 RRP £28.00

Mac’s Mineralize range is a gentle formula blended with 77 minerals, plus vitamin E and shea butter which creates a dewy effect on dry and sensitive skin and also helps to even out skin tone. The foundation is lightweight yet buildable which is great for those who want a lighter coverage. The mineralize range comes in either a fluid, compact or loose powder depending on your preference.

Normal Skin- Face and Body Foundation

If you are one of the few lucky people (like my sister) who have normal skin without a blemish in sight then the Face and Body foundation may be the best one for you. The face and body foundation provides a low to medium coverage, which you can build depending on the occasion. One of the good things about this product is that it comes in a 120ml size (one of the biggest sizes of foundation on the market) so you can get a lot for your money.

face and body

Normal/Dry- Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 £28.00

I have been using this foundation for three months and I love it. The matchmaster range uses a shade intelligence technology to match areas of uneven skin-tone i.e. forehead and chin without looking ashy. The fluid blends well into my normal/dry skin to keep it looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day. Another bonus is that the foundation comes in a generous 35ml, which is 5ml more than the Studio Fix or Pro Longwear.

matchmaster SPF15 foundation

All skin types – MAC Studio Fix powder plus foundation £21.50

This product is another one of my faves. The compact delivers a full coverage which glides on with a velvety matte finish without looking cakey. The powder is triple-milled so it allows the skin to breathe. Another good thing is that the compact comes with a sponge and mirror so you can fit nicely in your handbag for touch-ups on the go.

Studio Fix Powder plus foundation

We’ve done the hard work for you and listed all your MAC Makeup products which you can Buy at John Lewis or Shop other beauty products here.