MAC holds a very special place in my heart. Not only is the brand's Studio Fix Fluid one of the best foundations I have ever used, but when I was younger I would save up all my pocket money to treat myself to a new MAC make-up product, from the iconic Velvet Teddy lipstick to the popular Soft & Gentle highlighter.
As a beauty writer, I am lucky enough to try out lots of different make-up brands, but MAC is one that I always tend to go back to. Therefore, I thought it was time to branch out and try every single base product from the brand, to see which one would be my favourite.
As mentioned above, I am a huge fan of the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, but I was intrigued to see if one of the brand's newer formulas would knock it off of the top spot. To help me in my search for the best MAC foundation, I also got in touch with MAC's Global Senior Artist, Dominic Skinner, to learn all about the different formulas.
As someone with oily skin, I know that Studio Fix Fluid is a great match for me, but what about the best foundation for dry skin and the best foundation for combination skin?
"Each foundation has different finishes and textures so will give you different looks, but they will also work better on different skin types, so it's worth looking around and seeing which foundation will fit you best," explains Skinner. "The MAC Studio Fix Fluid is great for a normal to oily or combination skin type, whereas the MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Foundation is better for a normal to dry skin type."
Understanding Foundation Types and Finishes
What is face foundation? It’s a makeup formula that helps smooth and even out skin tone and texture. Foundation also helps create an even base for other makeup, like blush and bronzer. Foundation comes in multiple forms, including liquid, cream and powder - with sheer to opaque formulas and all types of finishes, such as satin, radiant and matte.
M∙A∙C has a variety of formulas and finishes for all types, all tones and all textures - in a wide range of all-inclusive shades.
Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation can provide a seamless coverage, ranging from sheer to opaque, in finishes from matte to radiant. When deciding between liquid or powder foundation, it helps to know the difference between the two. Liquid foundation comes in formulas ranging from sheer to opaque, while powder foundation delivers a light-to-medium level of matte coverage that layers well.
- M∙A∙C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 is a liquid foundation that’s lightweight and buildable with a natural matte finish and broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. It keeps shine at bay for up to 6 hours and wears for 24 hours - and it comes in 63 shades to match most skin tones.
- Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation has a workable gel-serum texture that starts sheer but can be layered for medium coverage that lasts all day. It offers a satin finish and is appropriate for all skin types.
Powder Foundation
Powder foundation delivers a light-to-medium level of matte coverage that layers well.
- M∙A∙C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation reduces oil and shine and has a velvety matte finish.
Cream Foundation
Cream foundation offers a variety of finishes and coverage levels.
- M∙A∙C Full Coverage Foundation is a cream foundation that’s water-resistant and opaque.
- Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation applies as a medium-coverage cream but has a matte powder finish and is sweat- and humidity-resistant.
Stick Foundation
Stick foundation is another option - it’s convenient to swipe on and offers medium buildable coverage.
Foundation Finishes
Types of makeup foundation finishes range from satin or radiant to ultra-matte.
- Radiant Finish: Studio Radiance Face And Body Foundation is better for a normal to dry skin type, offering a natural finish that looks like your own skin.
- Satin Finish: Satin-finish foundation is hydrating and has a dewy finish. Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation is one option.
- Matte Finish: M∙A∙C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation has a velvety matte finish.
Reviewing Individual MAC Foundations
Keep on scrolling to see how I got on with each individual formula, and for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best drugstore foundations, the best foundations for acne-prone skin and even the best tinted moisturisers.
Each product is tested with criteria that we have put together for an airtight review. First of all, longevity: how long does it last, and does it flake, pill or separate over the course of the day. Additionally, how broad the spectrum of shades is, and of course how it works for different skin types, whether that be oily, dry, mature.
Best for a Matte Finish
In my opinion, this is one of the best powder foundations you can buy. It has an incredibly matte finish (great for anyone with oily skin), it's easy to apply and it's super buildable. If I want a really flawless look, I tend to wear this over the top of a slightly more sheer, liquid foundation.
Best Long-Lasting Formula
I loved all of the foundations that I tried, however this one did not impress me as much as the other formulas.
Best for a Radiant Finish
I tend to avoid sheer foundations as I like a little bit more coverage, however this product really impressed me. It felt lightweight on the skin and left me with a natural-looking glow. The only downside? You would probably need to use a concealer on top to cover any blemishes. So, what does Dominic Skinner think? "MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Foundation is better for a normal to dry skin type," he says.
Best Oil-Free Formula
"For a more full but flawless finish I love the MAC Studio Fix Fluid," says Skinner. "It’s in my make-up kit for a reason." I couldn't agree more. This is one of the only foundations that gives me a totally flawless finish on the skin, and it keeps my shine at bay for hours.
Best Water-Based Formula
I was really intrigued to give this foundation a go. The packaging felt different to a lot of the other options, and I was intrigued to see how a water-based foundation would suit my skin. Overall, I loved how hydrating it was (even though I have oily skin I am always looking for an extra kick of hydration), and I was left with a healthy-looking glow that didn't make me feel greasy or shiny.
How to Apply Foundation
How to apply foundation depends on the type of formula. When applying liquid foundation, pick from your favorite foundation brushes or use a sponge for precise application by stippling the product onto the skin, while others prefer using fingers to apply and blend.
Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 delivers buildable medium-to-full natural matte coverage and SPF 15 protection, and Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation’s transformative texture medium-coverage formula is also sweat- and humidity-resistant.
New and Remastered Formulas
Remastered Studio Fix Fluid
Our original matte has been remastered. The iconic 24-hour buildable, breathable foundation you know - and your skin loves - has been Fix-ed and remixed with a soft-matte finish. The NEW good-for-skin formula is infused with 87% skincare ingredients, including sugar kelp extract to control oil along with red algae extract and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin over time. Plus, its NEW easy-to-apply pump lets you control your level of non-cakey coverage. The recyclable glass foundation bottle was crafted with sustainability in mind.
Wow! MAC Made My *Holy Grail* Foundation Even BETTER?! (NEW Studio Fix Fluid Formula Review)
Serum-Powered Radiance Foundation
Get into serum-powered radiance. Meet the serum-powered foundation that fuses our expertise of skin tones with the science of skincare. This all-new innovation delivers +209% hydration for plumper, smoother and more radiant skin. Our breakthrough foundation also delivers skin that's more hydrated and healthier-looking over time with all-day radiance. It's powered by 33 skincare ingredients including a 10% hyaluronic acid solution, locking in hydration beneath the skin's surface. It's also infused with a cocktail of powerful skin-caring superfoods, including olive and jojoba oils to condition skin for a healthier-looking glow, plus antioxidants to protect skin from pollution and blue light. This lightweight foundation also blurs the appearance of pores, skin redness, dark spots and dry fine lines. Achieve a customized glow with this foundation's Artist-Curated Radiance Blend, made from silver and gold pearlescent particles specifically crafted to complement unique undertones of light and rich skin. Available in 59 naturally radiant shades for all.
