blythiee's Full Review: Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
MAC is recognized for their excellent line of reasonably-priced foundations that come in a wide variety of textures. Studiofix, however, is the top seller.
Studiofix is a powder foundation that comes in a nice mirrored compact with a storage space underneath the foundation for the round sponge applicator. The powder itself has a matte finish.
I have combination skin and at any given time I can have anything from oily skin to flaky skin (and mostly both at the same time). I was very scared that Studiofix would simply accentuate my dry skin and would clog my pores in the oily areas. Instead, it absorbed my oily skin quite nicely and blended well in the dry areas. Some rough areas of skin were magnified a little, but nothing extreme. The pigment of the powder is fantastic and it does very well at evening out skin color.
The downside to studiofix is that, if using the sponge applicator, it can look like you've taken a giant powder puff to your face several times over. It blends much better than regular powder, but cakiness (particularly in oily skin) is evident. Also, while it covers up oily areas at first, this effect is not long-lasting and eventually the skin will get oily again only it will look odd because of the foundation mixed in. I end up needing to blot with a tissue to get the excess off my face.
Also, MAC has a terrible system for determining foundation colors. They offer two ranges. The NC range and the NW range. Now, I've always associated "C" with cool and "W" with warm. Cool skin undertones are generally pinky while warm skin undertones are generally yellow. However, at MAC NC is actually for warm undertones and NW is for cool undertones. I guess someone got it wrong when they were labelling the products. I am NC20 which is a lovely light neutral warm shade.
I recommend studiofix for the winter months when there is less moisture in the air and the foundation doesn't have the chance to get cakey. However, for better application (and fewer oily areas), the best way to apply it is to dispose of the sponge all together (its not very hygenic either) and instead use a foundation brush (both MAC and Prescriptives make them). This will allow for a lighter hand and great coverage, without looking flaky. Follow up with the sponge afterwards to blend.
I have heard some people with acne-prone skin having a problem with breakouts from this product, so if you have sensitive skin try this out for a week or so. MAC has a great return policy when it comes to products causing irritation or aggravation of the skin.
I don't find anything particularly exceptional about Studiofix, but it is a good quality product that can be really nice if applied correctly.
Studio Fix is a powder and foundation in one that combines good coverage with ease of application. Designed to be used dry, the powder and pigments cr...More at Nordstrom
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