MAC • Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation • Liquid

Where To Buy?

kaikaii on 4/5/2013 8:33:00 PM more reviews by kaikaii

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I cannot get past this foundation, I have indeed tried but I just cant! It is definitely my go to. I love the consistency, & the coverage is immaculate for me. It gives a radiant dewy effect and has great lasting power. If I am a tad oily at times I will need to blot later into the day/ wear. I am usually an NC20 - 30 depending on whether I tan or not. I also like the fact it comes in a squeeze bottle as I find this is so much easier to use up, I have tried so many other foundations to find something that gives the same coverage with the same consistency but have been unsuccessful so far. highly reccommended :D

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Nunu1981 on 3/28/2013 6:30:00 AM more reviews by Nunu1981

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium Brown   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Loving it. Gives me a dewy finish. Makes my skin glow and totally flawless. Comes in a tube which is really good. A pea size is enough for the whole face. It's creamy and gel based. And the shades are outrageous. I'm an NC45 and its a really good match. Doesn't break me out or anything. Try it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

evakea on 3/27/2013 9:22:00 PM more reviews by evakea

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Ok, so I don't normally post reviews unless a I find a product that really impresses me, and Studio Sculpt is one foundation that I will never be without. Yes, I can understand why this foundation is not for everyone, particularly those with oily skin, but for dry or combination skin this stuff is amazing. Can be difficult to work with, I use a flat top buffer brush to really buff it into the skin, it's a foundation that you have to spend a bit of time on to get it right, but the results are so worth the time you put into it. The finish is dewy, which I personally love, but you can tone down the dewy finish by applying a setting powder. The range of shades are the best I've found in a MAC foundation, and a little of this stuff goes a long way so one tube will last you months if used correctly. LOVE this foundation, please don't ever discontinue this MAC!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cpalencia87 on 3/26/2013 11:28:00 PM more reviews by cpalencia87

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love this as my winter foundation. Since it is a creme base foundation it helps me feel a bit more moisturized. My color is nc25. It does make me oily which every foundation does due to my oily skin but holds up alot longer than any other foundation.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

shones22 on 3/24/2013 3:29:00 PM more reviews by shones22

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Orangey claggy gunky greasepaint. Maybe perfect for being on stage but not suitable for everyday use. Got matched with the second lightest shade in the warm range and was still the wrong shade, too orange and clearly too thick and greasy on my skin. The mac girl applied it so thickly that I could see streak marks on my nose with my white skin poking through the mask of make up. Professional application? Debatable. She tried primer to prep my skin but it still was shiny not dewy and she told me not to look in the main mirror as was unflattering. She took me over to a side mirror which was partially lit so that the foundation looked better. She added mineral finish as I said it was shiny not dewy but then it looked really caked on. I asked for a tester thinking if I applied it on my own at home and much less thickly it might have possibilities. How wrong I was. On walking into my sister's house she noticed straightaway that my foundation was thick and the wrong colour. Now I had been frugal in application and blended it really well but it is quite unworkable for my skin type. I am oily on the t zone with cheeks that are slightly dry but the MAC girl kept telling me I was dehydrated and needed primer and studio sculpt for my very dry skin. Dewy? No. Good coverage? Masking coverage. No matter how thinly applied it still gives a caked on appearance. Gave it to my sister to try as her skin is lovely and slightly oily on the t zone. She has perfect skin but it looked awful on her as well. Gave her a Vaseline like sheen. Not for me. Also the smell is off putting, one of those which had the potential to induce a headache, like toilet rim cleaner.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

amyzzing23 on 3/15/2013 2:58:00 PM more reviews by amyzzing23

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I bought this product a couple months ago and just ran out a couple days ago.

With this foundation you will want to put a light moisturizer on, since you should always wear moisturizer. Then apply the foundation with a stippling brush. Its much faster to apply then just using your fingers and blends nicely. I highly reccomend using a finishing powder after applying the foundation and then using a pressed powder to even everything out. My face has felt sticky with this foundation if I dont use enough powder and I hate that feeling. I have acne prone skin and i'm sure this is probably pore clogging but in return it does cover my blemishes very good and gives your face a nice look. I actually really like that its creamy rather then liquid. Its not as messy and it is easier to blend in and not get a big mess everywhere!! You just need to make sure you wash your face twice a day to ensure all makeup, dirt an oil are off of your face before you go to bed!! Its very hydrating which is nice for dry skin but like I said to get the best results you need a finishing powder to set the foundation and can wear that alone or wear a pressed powder. I use the MAC pressed powder and love it!!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

HollieDahhrlinn on 3/14/2013 4:44:00 PM more reviews by HollieDahhrlinn

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

As a certified foundation hopper, i'm constantly changing my foundation trying to find a better product for my combination/dry skin. Currently using NC15 in MAC Studio Sculpt, I have to admit that i'm incredibly impressed with the overall finish and feel of the product.

Use: Moisturise, Concealer, Foundation
With Studio Sculpt, I use Olay Anti-Wrinkle cream due to its thick consistency and non-greasy finish however If used with oily skin, I'd say no pre moisturising would be needed. Teamed with Benefit Boi-ing Concealer under the eyes and to conceal any spots; Studio Sculpt glides over the other products giving a light finish.

Finish: Dewy not Greasy
As I have freckles, I look for something with medium buildable coverage that doesn't give a thick and heavy finish. Studio Sculpt quite an average work time, allowing time for one layer to finish drying before going over where I maybe need more coverage. The overall finish is dewy, not greasy like some "dewy" foundations claim to be however the gel base reflects light, gives a weightless finish and glides over dry spots perfectly.

Colour: A tad lighter than other MAC Products
Previously using Studio Fix and finding it was far too dry/heavy for my skin, the colouration in Studio Sculpt appears to be lighter than that of other MAC products. NC15 is incredibly pale, good for my skin but no where close if I had even an ounce of natural pigmentation from the sun. Sometimes I mix this foundation with NO 7 Stay Perfect in Cool Ivory to give a touch of colour using the ratio of 2 pumps of MAC to 1 pump of NO 7.

Price: £24, Great for MAC
Personally, having paid in excess of £50 for some foundations I have tried, £24 is average and I wouldn't say overpriced for the product - I wouldn't pay any more for the foundation but wouldn't expect to pay any less.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

RxA on 3/12/2013 7:23:00 PM more reviews by RxA

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This foundation completely broke me out! And my skin isn't sensitive ! It was perfect the way it covered and stayed on, but it would clog my pores like there was no tomorrow!!!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

FrazzleDazzle on 3/12/2013 1:11:00 PM more reviews by FrazzleDazzle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I am so disappointed/annoyed. This foundation is literally PERFECT for me. Hydrating (i have extremely dry skin), flawless finish, long lasting, water resistant, looks like skin and not cakey, easy and quick to apply, comes in a useful tube. My reasoning behind buying this is because even though I have good skin and no spots so technically don't need foundation, sometimes I would love that flawless look for nights out, special occasions or whenever I feel like it. The SA told me I can use a pea sized amount all over my face for everyday wear and it would be just as good but use more for special occasions. (multi-purpose... I like!) She applied it with a stippling brush but i prefer it with my own elf powder brush. As long as you get a flat brush it will work well. I found using my fingers was hard but I guess you have to warm it up for a while. This product actually has Shea Butter in it which the SA said would change the condition of my skin within a week and make it more moisturised. Well you know what this foundation broke me out!! (Not really badly broke me out, but it gave me spots) The first day i wore this I noticed my skin was bumpy and I prayed it didn't give me spots but it did. The spots died down a bit the next day and nearly went away. I tried again but again more spots in different places.Each time they go away a bit and then I put on this foundation and more come back!! To put this into perspective, I hardly EVER break out. Only in certain times of the month. That's it. What's more is I really love the finish of this and even my mum complimented me on my foundation and she pretty much hates every foundation I've ever worn lol. True to the SA's word it has changed the condition of my skin and it is softer and more moisturised. But I actually think the spots are from the Shea Butter as it is too heavy for the face. (think about it, you are putting thick butter on your skin!) So if this is the case I would rather have dry skin :( Anyway I still haven't decided if the spots are from my pillow or not as theres more on one side of my face (but this is a long shot. The only thing I changed was this product) and whether or not I will still use this for special occasions or put it up for swap. I will update but for now I feel so annoyed :(

EDIT: I find that heavily powdering the foundation (i used rimmel stay matte) really helps stop your skin from reacting to it and breaking out. As another reviewer pointed out, this stuff feels extremely sticky on your face after it is applied. I think thats causing it, and I find that if I powder till the stickiness is gone I have less issues with the product!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

surfinjan on 3/4/2013 7:46:00 AM more reviews by surfinjan

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I think I began with MAC back in the late 1980s. My skin was younger then and even more prone to breakouts than now. Even then, MAC was hailed as "the industry" makeup line and I had to wear their products on camera. Thank goodness that wasn't often as the color selection then was not as good as today and the products really clogged my pores. After 1994, I stopped using their foundations altogether.until a friend reintroduced me to the newer, more extensive lines that exist today.

I don't know how they do it, but I mentioned multiple skin issues, combination skin, discoloration, need for sunscreen, my rather unusual skin coloring, and pooffff: they deduced I needed Studio Sculpt. They were correct - it makes my skin look great.

The shade matches so much better and the formula hides most sins. It is one of the few foundations that does not flatten my Asian face. Somehow, it adapts to my contours and adds light where I need it.

However, after a few days, I do start to notice small bumps below the skin and realize I need to take a foundation vacation. The bumps clear faster than they arrive but I would hate to see what would happen if I didn't take many foundation breaks.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jaylee78 on 3/3/2013 3:48:00 PM more reviews by jaylee78

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have very dry skin during the winter and most foundations tend to disappear on me throughout the day. This foundation holds up very well, giving me great coverage and wear. Not sure if I will be able to wear it during the summer, though.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Eloiserose92 on 2/27/2013 2:30:00 PM more reviews by Eloiserose92

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product as I was on the look out for a new foundation and even after doing my research and deciding against this one, the lady in the store convinced me it was right. I told her my skin was usually oily but I have just come off acne treatment so I have a couple of dry patches and I was looking at either matchmaster or studio fix fluid. She then convinced me and colour matched me to this, and in the store it looked okay, a bit more dewy than my usual choice but alright. So I took her word for it. And I really wanted to like it, but I couldn't! I look after my skin very well and use a good moisturiser and primer and apply with a real techniques buffing brush and after 4 hours it would just slide off my face and fill up my pores on my forehead, chin and nose. Before I would have said my skin wasn't that oily really, but this made my skin feel greasy even after I'd properly cleansed my face at night! It also broke me out, not a lot but a little. Also even though I asked the sales assistant if it had flashback and she said no, I wore it on a night out and hello ghost face! Off in tomorrow to swap this bottle for the studio fix I think, just goes to show they're not always right and you should go with your instinct! A

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Fieeeh on 2/26/2013 3:47:00 PM more reviews by Fieeeh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

I had to give this a go although I knew it wouldnt be good for my skin - I'm extremely oily, so of course this foundation would just slide right off after about an hour. I gave it a few tries because I think it looks so great on, I tried with different primers and powders, but it just wont stay on my skin. This is absolutely great on drier skin types though, it looks so good on.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* nicolegryne on 2/24/2013 1:01:00 PM more reviews by nicolegryne

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Dark, Neutral   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this foundation. I initially went into MAC looking for their tinted moisturizer, but purchased this instead. I have it in NW43, and I am in love. This foundation is perfect for my dry skin. It gives me a flawless finish, and lasts for about 5 to 8 hours. I like that it leaves my skin looking like skin, instead of makeup. Good Job MAC!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

RiriG on 2/22/2013 5:56:00 PM more reviews by RiriG

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I found this really thick, cakey and drying... I also got colour matched in London Selfridges but when I used it for a few days I found it really orange. I know I could have bought a lighter colour but I have sensitive skin so where it is so thick I came out in a rash around my nose. I wouldn't buy it again personally... The only good about it is that it is really pigmented so covers redness well. Price is great if only it worked for me!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

helen35x on 2/17/2013 5:00:00 AM more reviews by helen35x

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I think with this product it really depends what you are looking for, and with their other foundations this I found was not long lasting at all. Which to me is important.
I bought this as I have freckles, and hate them. And class a good foundation to b one that can cover them well, this I cannot fault. It had fanastaic coverage, great colour match to my very pale skin, which I think this is the only Mac foundation that does not make me orange. It has a lovely dewy finish and you can either cake it on or leave a natrual layer. The packaging looks neat, but you cant get it all out the tube which can be a little frustrating.
But, it lets me down due to the poor staying power this has, if you apply a powder foundation or finishing powder, it looks cakey, patchy and no longer dewy. If you want a good thick coverage foundation which is buildable, with a dewy glow, and you don't mind touching this up often through out the day, bearing in mind this is pricey, then I would reccomend, but this didn't do it for me. I have actually bought this twice, as I believed was great first time. But now I have tested other Mac and other foundations this is not in my top list.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

orenjinominh on 2/14/2013 12:57:00 AM more reviews by orenjinominh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I originally bought this online in NC20 after reading many reviews that it ran dark and I should buy a shade up. While I wasn't completely delusional about my skin tone like some other Asian girls are (Hello, BB cream is not supposed to be the color of paper), NC20 was a little lighter than my taste. It wasn't a stark and obvious difference from my neck, but my neck is yellow like a boiled chicken skin. I decided to head over to the MAC store in person and ask for a sample of NC25. Bingo! Now the foundation that is perfect for my dry skin is now also in the right shade.

Pros: Lasts long, is a great finish that isn't too matte or one dimensional, good coverage. I don't use concealer with this, but then again my recent (and very dark) acne scar shows under.

Cons: smells...like spackle, a little fake looking if you accidentally use a strong hand.

I recommend the beauty blender with this and working in one section at a time. I tried with a Sigma F80 and OH MY GOSH. Absolutely worthless. Am I supposed to wet the brush or what?

Edit: I've been wearing this throughout the fall and winter and one hot spring day I found out the true beauty of this foundation.. My dry/normal skin now suddenly has a beautiful goddess glow to it...not an oil slick but a true sheen of Health. Will repurchase for summer in nc25 if I get darker.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

florencesophieallen on 2/13/2013 1:26:00 PM more reviews by florencesophieallen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I really like this foundation. I'm still not set on if its my favourite, like many of you guys I will keep on searching for the perfect foundation, but this one is pretty good! Firstly, I have very dry and fair skin, I can even use Vaseline or oil on my face it will soak it up! But it's not sensitive, so I can use most foundations. I wanted a good foundation for my wedding day so I went along to mac in Covent garden as my friend recommended. I have never had such good service, the lady was amazing and listened to what I wanted, which was a long lasting, medium to heavy coverage foundation which had a dewy finish. And that's exactly what studio sculpt is. If you have an oily skin type, then this probably isn't for you. Much more suited for dry skins. The foundation lasted pretty much all day on my wedding day, although I think that looked better in real life than in pictures, but I'm not that photogenic anyway. I use the nw15, and the texture is kind of gel like, and it blends in well with fingers. It's kind to dry skin, making it look like you have lovely clear, soft dewy well moisturised skin. The coverage is very build-able, and it can look cakey if you use too much. All in all it's a really good foundation, but I think I have found a dupe. The new revlon nearly nude is pretty much the exact same foundation but it has a slightly more watery consistency on application, but it does exactly the same thing, is longer lasting, and even more dewy looking which i really like.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lillibell on 2/12/2013 6:04:00 PM more reviews by Lillibell

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This was a really nice shade for my skin, I find it really hard to find a match and I flit between NC15 and NW15. But for me NC was perfect, it made me look flawless and didn't oxidize at all! It smelt quite nice too!
It's quite a thick and gel/mouse/liquid texture so I felt like I didn't need a lot as it is medium/full coverage.
I think this is more of a winter foundation as it is a bit thick for summer and can feel restricting.
It did however settle in the creases under my eyes, not a good look and put me off a bit. BUT. This was before I discovered eye creams/gels and the dehydration lines.
So I would probably but it again and give it another go xox

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

usebydate on 2/12/2013 12:10:00 PM more reviews by usebydate

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Generally, the main problem I had with this foundation was a terrible match. It was the first MAC foundation I bought, so I let the MUA match me - she gave me a NW15, when I am an obvious NC15 (what I realised much later...). Hence, it tended to look orange on me on some days. The product is aimed at the dry skin and really, use it on dry skin ONLY. I had few more oily days while using it and it just looked veeery bad then - shiny, patchy, cakey - no-no. It gives a nice, satin to glowy finish, not matte at all. I like the packaging, I managed to use up the really the whole product it was very convinient to travel with The tube is 35 ml, not the usual 30 ml but the price is not higher than other MAC foundations at the same time. Overall - I find the product enjoyable, but I like other MAC foundations better :)

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No