The Foundation Range Make-Up Artists Swear By
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH M·A·C
Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, £27
Why It’s Popular: Dubbed completely ‘fool-proof’, this foundation is known for its longevity and 67-strong shade range – no wonder it’s deemed a make-up artist staple. Expect it to last you all day, with 24-hour wear, without caking or smudging, while also ensuring your complexion never feels suffocated. Meanwhile, the clever formula works to control oil and excess shine for a matte finish with just the right amount of luminosity. A must-try.
Expert Tip: “The beauty of [Studio Fix’s] texture is it’s so versatile,” says Global Senior Make-Up Artist, Dominic Skinner. “Try adding a drop of facial oil or moisturiser to it, to give it a fresher feel and a dewier glow.”
Available here
Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer, £20
Why It’s Popular: Creamy, malleable and lightweight, M·A·C’s cult concealer consistently earns rave reviews, and for good reason. It covers every possible skincare woe – from acne to visible pores and scarring – with a silky-smooth finish that never looks thick or overdone. It’s crease-proof too, so you never have to worry about streaks forming around fine lines.
Expert Tip: “This concealer has quite a fine pigment, so your skin can still breathe through it. I love to use this under the eyes, on blemishes and pigmentation – just a small amount works well. Try applying it with your ring finger, or a brush like M·A·C’s 270S one, using sweeping and patting motions to push the product into the skin for an even finish.” – Dominic
Available here
Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation, £30
Why It’s Popular: With buildable, medium coverage, this is a great option for anyone who wants a flawless finish, while minimising oiliness. Non-comodegenic, it prevents pores from becoming clogged, so you can expect a smooth, silky finish that’s long-lasting and conceals all imperfections. A little goes a very long way, too, so you can expect this to last months on end.
Expert Tip: "My favourite thing about this Cream To Powder Foundation is the way it mimics the look and feel of the skin, plus it's so easy to use. My favourite tip for using it is to add a drop or two of M·A·C Prep & Prime Essential Oil directly onto the foundation pan, then working it into the skin with M·A·C's 170 Foundation Brush before applying the powder on the skin. This creates a super luxe radiant complexion that looks fresh, light and glowing." – Dominic
Available here
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £27
Why It’s Popular: If you want more of a velvet-y, satin finish, try this Studio Fix Powder Plus base. Designed to last at least 12 hours, it’s sweat and humidity resistant but silky smooth, so it never settles into fine lines or causes any flaking. Plus, unlike other powders on the market, the colour stays true all day, without any weird fading or change in tone.
Expert Tip: "This iconic foundation has been a fan favourite since its inception. Use a powder brush, like M·A·C's 129S to get a light, sheer coverage. You can also use their amazing 270 Concealer Brush to blend away spots by simply tapping the brush into the foundation, then applying it directly onto any breakouts. If you like the sound of simplifying your base, but worry a powder finish may not be for you, simply start by prepping your skin with M·A·C's Fix+ Magic Radiance before then applying this powder. Then mist the spray back over the skin. The added benefits of hyaluronic acid and vitamin will leave your skin glowing, while the powder will perfect it." – Dominic
Available here
What You Need To Know Before You Buy…
With up to 67 shades, M·A·C’s entire Studio Fix Range is easily one of the most inclusive options on the market and has been for years. The vast offering ranges from fair to darker skin tones, while also catering to warm, cool and neutral undertones. Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to shop for your shade online, using their clever virtual try-on tool via mobile. Simply click on ‘find your shade match,’ and it will instantly activate your camera – just make sure you allow access. Once it captures your face, it will select the best options and shade for your skin tone, taking out any guesswork for the most reliable results. You can also speak to one of their pro make-up artists via video chat (a service which is available seven days a week) if you need further advice, or want your burning beauty questions answered.
Previously, foundations have only been available in one texture, which is another reason M·A·C’s cult Studio Fix stands out from the rest. Offering a variation of finishes, you can choose between matte, natural (also known as satin) or dewy – matte is especially effective at concealing all shine and light, so it’s ideal for those with combination or oily skin. As for dewy, this formula reflects plenty of light for a quenching, hydrated finish that’s fresh and radiant – great for those with dehydrated skin. Finally, try satin if you want just a small amount of sheen. Likewise, you can now choose your desired coverage, too. All of M·A·C’s foundations are available in sheer, medium and buildable, so it’s never been easier to find a base that’s best suited to you.
M·A·C has also identified undertones in each of their foundations so you can get a perfect match. Addressing the fact our skin has five different undertones; you’ll find the following letters accompany their bases:
C: This stands for ‘Cool’ and means the tone is ideal for anyone with a golden or olive warmth to their skin. Cool complexions tend to tan very fast and easily, so this is a good guideline.
NC: If you sit in the ‘Neutral Cool’ category, your complexion can be considered as golden, but it’s often more akin to caramel. You’ll find you do tan, but it can sometimes take longer to take on colour.
N: This means ‘Neutral’, or when your skin has both a rosy and golden quality to it. If this rings true, you’ll also tan, but burn if you’re out in the sun too long.
NW: If you have a warmer undertone to your skin, you’ll sit under the category ‘Neutral Warm’. In terms of colour, this kind of skin tone is often described as rosy, rich or copper.
W: Finally, the ‘Warm’ category is for those who have red undertones to their complexion, which often means they burn easily in the sun.
Despite it being easier than ever to shop, M·A·C now has a video chat function on its site where you can access advice direct from their expert artists. Catering to those who miss the ease of popping to a counter, you can book one-on-one appointments, or 30-minute make-up consultations at a date and time that suits you. Get quick answers to all your questions, so you can have the confidence to shop online and know you’re receiving the exact products you’re after.
20% OFF FOR SL READERS…
M·A·C is offering 20% OFF when you buy both Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and Fix+ Magic Radiance together. The latter mist is a must-try alongside all M·A·C base products as it extends both wear and pigment for a longer-lasting finish. Offer for a limited time only. You’ll also receive a free holographic make-up bag, while stocks last.*
*T&Cs: Gift appears automatically upon qualifying, pending gift availability. No code necessary. One gift per order, while stocks last. Offer available on MACCosmetics.co.uk. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer (including staff or M·A·C PRO discount). Discount and free gift promotions end at 11.59PM on 25th March 2021.
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