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
- CHANEL Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Foundation. Many older women swear by the.
- Match my foundation shade now! Tell us what foundation you are currently using and we will give you a scientifically accurate match to other foundations.
MAC Studio Fix Foundation: N40 (tanned skin) Medium- buildable coverage with a matte finish. MAC Face and Body: C3 (non-tanned), C4 (tanned) Sheer to light/medium coverage with a dewy finish. Makeup Forever HD Foundation (discontinued – replaced by the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation) 128 Almond (tanned), 127 Dark Sand (non-tanned).
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Inpixio photo clip pro 1 1 94.
Very dry dehydrated/ sensitive skin- MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation, Compact or Loose Powder SPF15 RRP £28.00
![Mac Sheer Foundation Mac Sheer Foundation](https://n.nordstrommedia.com/id/sr3/dcaf7ab4-da15-4c77-974d-021377101b11.jpeg?crop=pad&pad_color=FFF&format=jpeg&w=60&h=90)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shopping for the ideal foundation is challenging as you need to find one that matches your skin tone and skin type while allowing you to look flawless by concealing any imperfections. Most people prefer the Nars Sheer Glow foundation or the Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation because of the high-quality and versatility. Let us quickly delve into this Nars Sheer Glow vs. Mac Studio Fix review and find out which is the better foundation for oily skin.
Being that I have oily skin, I can personally attest that having this type of skin is a pain. Despite many people telling me repeatedly that I will age well because of my skin, it does not help that I always have to worry about my face creeping throughout the day. I have to continually look in the mirror to make sure that my foundation has not slid off to the outer edges of my face or into my hair or just blatantly disappeared.
Mac Sheer Foundation Concealer
As such, I have discovered that using a rigorous skincare routine, a good quality primer, and a foundation that is explicitly for my skin type aids in keeping my makeup grease-free throughout the entire day. As a matter of fact, I only use foundations that have specific pigments that control and balance the oil on my face to give me a flawless matte finish. Mac and Nars are two of the most popular makeup brands available in the market. They both produce high-quality products suitable for various skin types. In this review, we shall look at how effective is Nars Sheer Glow and Mac Studio Fix for oily skin types.
But first, what are the major differences between Nars Sheer Glow and Mac Studio Fix?
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation | |
Color shades | Over 60 shades |
Perfect for all skin types | |
Coverage and texture | Light to medium coverage with a lightweight and watery texture |
Lasting power | 8 hours |
Nars Sheer Glow vs. Mac Studio Fix Foundation – How do they differ?
Color shades
If you want a natural-looking and flawless look, you should choose a foundation that matches your skin color to the T. Finding out your skin type, and its undertone helps when it comes to choosing the perfect foundation for oily skin. Different foundation brands produce their products in different color shades to cater to the diverse needs of its customer base.
The Sheer Glow Foundation from Nars comes in 40 distinct shades while Mac studio Fix Fluid Foundation is available in more than 60 shades. As such, whether you have a dark or yellowish complexion, you are likely to find a preferable color shade from any of these two brands.
Skin type suitability
As discussed earlier, the type of your skin and its undertone significantly contribute to the kind of foundation you are likely to purchase. If you have skin that naturally shines more than a glazed donut, you have to specifically look for a foundation that stays in place all day and controls the excessive amount of oil on your face. It is advisable to stay away from foundations that contain a glowy finish, and instead choose that which is oil-free and gives you a matte finish.
Wifi radar pro 2 4 specs. The Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a luminous foundation that is perfect for all skin types, especially those with normal to dry skin. It contains unique ingredients that even out your skin tone while hydrating it, allowing it to feel smooth and soft throughout the day.
On the other hand, Mac Studio Fix Foundation is an oil-free foundation ideal for oily and combination skin types. It provides a full and flawless finish that leaves your face evened out while absorbing the excess oil on your face.
Coverage and texture
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is an impeccable and buildable foundation that gives you a natural glowy finish while evening out your complexion when used daily. The foundation provides light to medium coverage to give you a sheer and natural-looking finish. It is a water-based foundation, meaning it is somewhat runny when it comes to its texture. As such, with just one drop, you can fully cover your entire face as it blends easily despite using a brush or a blender.
Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is also water-based, but it is slightly thicker in texture when compared to Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. It also contains medium to full coverage and covers up textured skin as well as evens out the complexion. The foundation’s fluid nature allows it to blend effortlessly into the skin, but you have to beware of its chemical scent that can greatly put you off.
Lasting power
The lasting power of any foundation determines the duration in which it will give you that flawless finish without the need for any significant touch-ups. Many foundation brands are long-wear, meaning they can stay on your face flawlessly for even an entire day. However, you must also use a powder for a natural-looking matte finish.
The Nars Sheer Glow Foundation has incredible staying power that it can withstand the harsh or sharp lights of the club or evening streets even after wearing it for an entire day. It can last effortlessly for more than six hours, and you will rarely need to touch it up.
Alternatively, Mac Studio Fix Foundation can stay on your face for more than eight hours, both during the day and at night. It contains UVA/UVB SPF 15 daily protection that provides you with the perfect matte finish complimenting the daylight.
Nars Sheer Glow vs. Mac Studio Fix reviews
Features
If you prefer a slight natural glow to the skin, the Sheer Glow Foundation from Nars is an ideal option. Ideal for all skin types, this liquid foundation provides a satin finish and has incredible staying power. It has light to medium coverage and is available in 40 shades, with those that even suit dark and pale skin tones. This foundation comes in a 30ml glass jar with a matte black top lid, making it relatively easy to access. However, its bottle does not have a pump, as the brand charges extra for the pump on its site.
With this liquid foundation, you will have an iconic glow in no time as it comes complete with a variety of skincare benefits as well as Nars Complexion Brightening Formula, which evens the skin while leaving it moisturized, softer and smoother. It is essential to note that oily skin types cannot use this sheer liquid foundation without a primer and powder to ensure it holds throughout the day.
Pros
- Available in 40 shades
- Ideal for all skin types
- Light to medium coverage
- It provides a beautiful and natural-looking sheer glow
Cons
- The bottle does not come with a pump as it is sold separately
- People with slightly oilier skin type need to use a primer and powder to maximize its lasting power
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Features
Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is the brand’s most famous foundation and for a good reason. It is a modern foundation that combines medium to full buildup coverage with UV protection and a natural matte finish. The foundation contains an oil-controlling formula that helps you minimize the appearance of imperfections and pores, leaving your skin looking flawless and smoother.
Available in more than 60 shades, all skin types can use this foundation, but it is most suitable for oily and combination skin types. The foundation comes in an easy to open cylindrical glass bottle with a lid of the same shape with a rubber finish. However, the bottle does not come with an applicator or a pump, meaning you have to pour the foundation out.
Best Sheer Foundation
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of pores and imperfections, while controlling shine and oil
- Perfect for all skin types, especially oily skin
- Long-wearing foundation with staying power of 24 hours
- It does not cake during application
- Non-streaking and non-drying
- Excellent for taking photos
Cons
- It is slightly thick, especially for those who prefer a lightweight foundation
- The bottle does not come with a pump
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Conclusion
When applying makeup, you must create a good base that will hold it all together and leave your face looking flawless. Just like many other women who use makeup, it took me quite a while to settle with a particular foundation brand suitable for my skin type and undertone. Out of these two popular brands, I had the best experience and result with Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. Not only is it easy to apply, but it is also quite affordable and gives my oily skin a beautiful matte finish that lasts for the entire day.
Geekbench 4 3 2 release. Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know which Mac shade is suitable for your skin type
Before shopping for foundation, you first have to determine your skin tone and its undertone. Once you have this knowledge, the Mac website has a New Foundation Shade finder to help you in finding which Mac foundation shade is best for you.
Does Nars Sheer Glow Foundation oxidize?
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation has light to medium buildable coverage to give you smooth, soft, and natural-looking skin. Its watery base makes it relatively easy to apply and is ideal for most skin types. However, this liquid foundation does oxidize to become a darker shade after a few hours of application.
Maria Martinez
Best Drugstore Sheer Foundation
Maria Martinez has been working in the beauty industry for the better part of her life and has a vast knowledge of the constitution of various makeup products with a focus on foundation. Maria is a wife and a mother of two and when not researching the various cosmetic products, she loves to read.