Choosing a foundation can be really daunting, but it's a key part to our makeup and can make or break a flawless face so it's important to get it right. Many clients ask me about the labelling of MAC foundations as they don't understand what NC and NW means and how to colour match themselves.
This item: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation C3.5 $47.78 ($90.30 / 1 Ounce) Only 18 left in stock - order soon. Sold by Household Beauty Bestsellers and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15 C3.5 $40.72. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Are you a retailer? Findation can help you increase conversation and reduce returns. C4.5 C: Cool (Golden. MAC put their Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to the ultimate test of seeing how long it wears and, not surprisingly, the formula lasts for a full 12 hours! This one-step powder and foundation gives skin a smooth and even ultra-matte finish with medium-to-full buildable coverage - with a velvety texture that allows skin to breathe. Standard Shipping is always complimentary on MAC Gift Cards. No offer code necessary. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. 12-Hour Medium-To-Full Coverage, Ultra. Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation. Tanned neutral w/ peach undertone for medium skin. Deep rich brown w/ neutral undertone for deep dark skin.
In colour theory, we're taught that cool undertones are reds, pinks and blues and that warm undertones are yellow, peaches and golds. However, in MAC labelling, the undertones are the opposite.
NC: Neutral Cool – golden beige undertones.
NW: Neutral Warm – red, pink or blue undertones.
N: Neutral – beige undertones.
C: Cool – Yellow, golden or olive undertones
So a person with yellow, peach or golden undertones would be suited well to an NC foundation whereas a person with red, pink or blue undertones would be better suited to an NW foundation. A person with a beige undertone would be perfectly suited to an N foundation.
You might have heard that some ladies use an NC foundation but have been given an NW concealer, this is because the pink undertone of an NW concealer helps to cancel out dark green under eye circles. For blue tinged under eye circles, you could cancel them out with an NC concealer.
My client Nina has warm undertones (reds in MAC terms) with cool under eye circles (yellow). I used MAC Studio Fix in NC20 over her face to even out and correct the redness and NW10 concealer to correct the dark circles
The number that follows each NC, NW, N or C is simply the colour of each foundation. Sharon, from Sharonthemakeupartist.com explains this perfectly:
'…there are some odd numbers peppered along the way in some of the foundations. For example there is an NC27 or an NW18 in Studio Fix Fluid . These colours don't have quite as strong an undertone as those that end in 5 or 0. These odd numbers have more of a neutral undertone. So an NC27 is not as yellow as an NC25 but it is a little bit darker.
Conversely there are also plain C's and plain N's. These have a stronger yellow or pink undertone than their NC/NW counterparts. Very few of the foundations in the range now have these strong undertones, it's mostly the old school formulas like Face and Body, or Studio Fix Powder.'
The shade I wear myself is NC15 – this is much more flattering to my skin tone and helps to cancel out any unwanted redness over my cheek area. This is my personal preference too and I find that the NC blends seamlessly into my skin. I find that with the majority of my clients, an NC foundation always looks better and evens the skin tone beautifully.
The most important thing is to make sure that your foundation matches with your chest and looks natural. If you are still struggling, don't be afraid to ask a counter makeup artist for advice and a colour match. Makeup is all about having fun so there is no wrong or right way to wear your foundation, as long as you have a good match and avoid the dreaded ‘tideline' around the neck, you're good to go!
© This post is copyright of Rachael Divers 2015.
Looking for MAC makeup dupes that won't break the bank but will add to your collection? You've come to the right place!
RELATED: 5 Tutorials To Teach You How To Apply Makeup Like A Pro Mac upgrade from yosemite to sierra.
The Best Makeup Dupes Which Really Work
Makeup Dupes Savings and Surprises
Before you burn your pockets splurging on high-end makeup and their bestselling lipstick, check out the best MAC makeup dupes to get your hands on.
If MAC makeup products are starting to put a dent in your savings, these makeup dupes will save you tons of money. Plus, they can be as good and awesome as any other beauty products on the market!
1. MAC Prep & Prime vs Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
|
Do you love MAC's primer? You can get the same finish for a fraction of the price with Rimmel's matte primer.
MAC Prep + Prime costs $34.99, while Rimmel's primer will only set you back $3.99, saving you $31 just by making the switch.
2. MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation vs Maybelline FIT Me! Foundation
|
MAC's popular face and body foundation is known for its lightweight coverage and natural finish. Surprisingly, Maybelline's FIT me! foundation offers the same coverage and finish as well.
What's the price difference? You can get the MAC foundation at $52.97 and the Maybelline Fit Me! for only $5.34.
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
|
Practice poker games. If MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation has been a staple in your makeup kit, but you find the price to be getting more expensive by the day, why not give Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder a try?
The Studio Fix is priced at around $40.25 and the Stay Matte powder is only $11.07. They show the same finish and the same coverage, but the price difference is huge!
4. MAC Studio Fix Concealer vs NYX Full Coverage Concealer
|
MAC's Studio Fix concealer is a product women swear by. If getting one jar after another is too costly, give NYX Full Coverage concealer a try.
The price difference? $21.75. MAC concealer is priced at $26 while the one from NYX is only $4.25.
5. MAC Melba Powder Blush vs NYX Mauve Powder Blush
|
Adobe editing software for mac. The MAC Melba blush is inside a lot of professional makeup artist's kit and is priced at $30.91, while the NYX Mauve blush is priced at $14.99. What a big price difference considering the color and finish are identical. Savings for a makeup dupes blush!
6. MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Gold Deposit vs Makeup Revolution Vivid ‘Rock on World' Baked Bronzer
|
If you're looking for a makeup dupes bronzer which is very close to the shade of MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in Gold Deposit, the closest thing you can buy is Makeup Revolution's Rock On World Baked Bronzer.
Although Rock On World is slightly lighter, the price difference makes it an essential buy. Gold Deposit is priced at around $42.98 while Rock On World only costs around $16.50.
7. MAC Nylon Eyeshadow vs Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup
|
Looking for a cheaper alternative to MAC's Nylon eyeshadow as your highlighter? Well, next in line is the Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup.
Look at how they are almost identical. Nylon is priced at $26.99 while Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup will only cost you $13.95, and that's a whole palette.
RELATED: 10 Gorgeous Holiday Makeup Looks
8. MAC Eyeshadows vs NYX Cosmetics
|
Smokey eyes, nude eyes, or golden eyes? No problem!
Instead of filling your palette with all-MAC eyeshadows, I've got this NYX Cosmetics as MAC dupes for you. Playon on mac.
9. MAC Spiked Eyebrow Pencil vs Maybelline Define-A-Brow
|
Filling in your eyebrows is crucial to your look, but getting the right shade is just as important. If you've been using MAC's Spiked Eyebrow Pencil, you can switch to Maybelline's Define-A-Brow instead.
MAC's pencil is priced at $29.16 while Maybelline's pencil is only priced at $8.99.
Mac Powder Plus Foundation
10. MAC Liquidlast Liner vs Milani Infinite
|
If you want to wear eyeliner which is long-lasting and won't smudge, MAC's Liquidlast Liner will definitely deliver. But if you finish your tube fast, maybe you can try a cheaper alternative like Milani's Infinite liquid liner.
Liquidlast will cost you $25.89 a tube, while Milani will only take $6.99 from your wallet.
11. MAC 1 Faux Eyelashes vs Elegant Lashes in #006 Black
|
If you're a big fan of false eyelashes, I'm sure you've noticed how expensive it can get when you're continuously having to buy new sets. After all, MAC 1 False Eyelashes at $25.50 a pop is just not right!
There's an exact dupe of this in Elegant Lashes' #006 and how much does this cost? $11.99 for 3 pairs, that's $3.99 each pair.
When you get more, the price goes down even more. Whoa!
12. MAC Prep + Prime Lip vs NYX Lip Primer
|
Wearing a liquid lipstick every day can make your lip primer run out fairly quickly. Instead of buying MAC Prep + Prime Lip over and over again at $34.99, perhaps you can buy NYX Lip Primer instead at only $4.79.
MAC Prep + Prime costs $34.99, while Rimmel's primer will only set you back $3.99, saving you $31 just by making the switch.
2. MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation vs Maybelline FIT Me! Foundation
|
MAC's popular face and body foundation is known for its lightweight coverage and natural finish. Surprisingly, Maybelline's FIT me! foundation offers the same coverage and finish as well.
What's the price difference? You can get the MAC foundation at $52.97 and the Maybelline Fit Me! for only $5.34.
3. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation vs Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
|
Practice poker games. If MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation has been a staple in your makeup kit, but you find the price to be getting more expensive by the day, why not give Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder a try?
The Studio Fix is priced at around $40.25 and the Stay Matte powder is only $11.07. They show the same finish and the same coverage, but the price difference is huge!
4. MAC Studio Fix Concealer vs NYX Full Coverage Concealer
|
MAC's Studio Fix concealer is a product women swear by. If getting one jar after another is too costly, give NYX Full Coverage concealer a try.
The price difference? $21.75. MAC concealer is priced at $26 while the one from NYX is only $4.25.
5. MAC Melba Powder Blush vs NYX Mauve Powder Blush
|
Adobe editing software for mac. The MAC Melba blush is inside a lot of professional makeup artist's kit and is priced at $30.91, while the NYX Mauve blush is priced at $14.99. What a big price difference considering the color and finish are identical. Savings for a makeup dupes blush!
6. MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Gold Deposit vs Makeup Revolution Vivid ‘Rock on World' Baked Bronzer
|
If you're looking for a makeup dupes bronzer which is very close to the shade of MAC's Mineralize SkinFinish in Gold Deposit, the closest thing you can buy is Makeup Revolution's Rock On World Baked Bronzer.
Although Rock On World is slightly lighter, the price difference makes it an essential buy. Gold Deposit is priced at around $42.98 while Rock On World only costs around $16.50.
7. MAC Nylon Eyeshadow vs Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup
|
Looking for a cheaper alternative to MAC's Nylon eyeshadow as your highlighter? Well, next in line is the Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup.
Look at how they are almost identical. Nylon is priced at $26.99 while Best Pro Eyeshadow Palette Makeup will only cost you $13.95, and that's a whole palette.
RELATED: 10 Gorgeous Holiday Makeup Looks
8. MAC Eyeshadows vs NYX Cosmetics
|
Smokey eyes, nude eyes, or golden eyes? No problem!
Instead of filling your palette with all-MAC eyeshadows, I've got this NYX Cosmetics as MAC dupes for you. Playon on mac.
9. MAC Spiked Eyebrow Pencil vs Maybelline Define-A-Brow
|
Filling in your eyebrows is crucial to your look, but getting the right shade is just as important. If you've been using MAC's Spiked Eyebrow Pencil, you can switch to Maybelline's Define-A-Brow instead.
MAC's pencil is priced at $29.16 while Maybelline's pencil is only priced at $8.99.
Mac Powder Plus Foundation
10. MAC Liquidlast Liner vs Milani Infinite
|
If you want to wear eyeliner which is long-lasting and won't smudge, MAC's Liquidlast Liner will definitely deliver. But if you finish your tube fast, maybe you can try a cheaper alternative like Milani's Infinite liquid liner.
Liquidlast will cost you $25.89 a tube, while Milani will only take $6.99 from your wallet.
11. MAC 1 Faux Eyelashes vs Elegant Lashes in #006 Black
|
If you're a big fan of false eyelashes, I'm sure you've noticed how expensive it can get when you're continuously having to buy new sets. After all, MAC 1 False Eyelashes at $25.50 a pop is just not right!
There's an exact dupe of this in Elegant Lashes' #006 and how much does this cost? $11.99 for 3 pairs, that's $3.99 each pair.
When you get more, the price goes down even more. Whoa!
12. MAC Prep + Prime Lip vs NYX Lip Primer
|
Wearing a liquid lipstick every day can make your lip primer run out fairly quickly. Instead of buying MAC Prep + Prime Lip over and over again at $34.99, perhaps you can buy NYX Lip Primer instead at only $4.79.
Now you can rock a bold liquid lipstick without worrying about drying out your lips.
13. MAC Lipsticks vs Wet n Wild Lip Colors
|
I know you guys love MAC's lipsticks because of their awesome shades, but hold on just one minute. Did you know you can buy beauty dupes in the same shade of lipstick you love in the form of a Wet n Wild Lip Color?
Mac Studio Fix Powder Review
You can save up to $14 on your lipstick allowing you to collect some more. Hurray for MAC lipstick dupes!
14. MAC Rollerwheel Liquid Liner vs Revlon ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner
Mac Studio Fix Powder
|
When news first broke about MAC releasing a pizza cutter eyeliner, the internet went wild. Why not?
MAC Rollerwheel Liquid Liner is the first of its kind. For $51.55, you get to draw a thin and precise line on your lid but if the price is too much for you, then perhaps Revlon ColorStay Exactify Liquid Liner will suit you.
For a fraction of the price ($4.01), you get to save alot!
15. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray vs Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Setting Spray
|
Setting sprays are heaven-sent in a world where makeup must be on fleek and last all day. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray does just that but for a hefty $24.51.
Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Setting Spray, on the other hand, just costs $3.98. Talk about a lot of dollars in savings!
It's guaranteed to keep your makeup in place all day. What's more, is it's cruelty-free.
We all know how much we love MAC lipsticks so check out this video by KathleenLights to find more dupes:
A good bargain is irresistible, especially when it comes to makeup. Why spend $30 on makeup you can get for less than $10?
This is exactly why a lot of women are on the lookout for the best drugstore dupes out there. MAC is one of the most popular makeup brands in the world, but its price is big time as well!
Starting today, you'll know where to go when you need to shop for makeup. You'll smile ear-to-ear with all the savings, and I'm sure your wallet will be left smiling too.
Splurge or save? Definitely, save! Go and share the good news with your friends!
Did you find the perfect makeup dupes for you? Or do you have more to share? Don't forget to comment below and share your thoughts!
UP NEXT:
Pricing Disclaimer: Please note that prices on this list are subject to change without further notice based on price fluctuations on the shopping sites. Please refer to the links for actual prices. All prices on this list are accurate as of November 11, 2019.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on March 19, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
