MAC • Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation • Liquid
(966 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 3.5 |
| Would buy this product again. | 58% |
| Package Quality | 4.2 |
| Price | 3.5 |
| Ingredients | |
cheriebeary73 on 2/8/2013 9:16:00 AM more reviews by cheriebeary73
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
I got a sample of this awhile back and never tried it until this past weekend, I was bored and decided to pull it out and give it a try. At first I loved the way it covered and thought it looked real nice. So I ventured out to the nearest MAC counter and purchased full size along with Blot powder everyone seems to rave about. Well, I wore this foundation Sunday-Wed and noticed everday at work my face around my chin and mouth felt itchy. Drove me nuts because I hate touching my face after makeup all done. Then I notice by end of day my face looked way darker and almost orangey. The final straw was when I just happen to take a closer look in my bathroom mirror with brighter lights then my usual makeup mirror and that is when I was HORRIFIED! Upon close inspection the foundation has smeared all over my face, especially upper lip and around nose and the powder was all cakey and balled up looking. It disgusted me so much I instantly pulled my hair back and washed my entire face, and had to re-do my makeup. I was embarrassed to think I had just run out doing errands to grocery store, banks, etc looking that way! I grabbed the box and receipt so fast and headed back to Macy's to return. All I can say is YUCK. I am not sure what the hype is behind MAC, but I am having real hard time finding anything great about it. Their foundations feel very Mask like. I am a true Lancome girl and will stick with my teint miracle foundation and never stray again!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
elliestone271 on 2/8/2013 3:36:00 AM more reviews by elliestone271
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
A great medium-to-full coverage foundation. I often have breakouts and acne scarring and find that this covers them brilliantly. Its is medium coverage but very easily buildable with a dewy finish.
The only slight drawback is that is not as long lasting as some of the more matte finish products on the market and it can tend to look and feel very heavy. But if you're like me and you need something heavier that might not be a bad thing!
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tjvr on 2/7/2013 3:38:00 PM more reviews by tjvr
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Very Dry Hair: Black Eyes: Black
I love this foundation so much. There's only one problem; NC42 is too light for me & NC44 is a bit too dark.
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emilyannh on 2/6/2013 8:08:00 AM more reviews by emilyannh
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
I am usually an NC20, but for some reason this foundation is a bit darker than the other ones from MAC I have used... or maybe I am just paler. The latter is very possible. I have dry, peely, acne prone skin and it is even more dry from acne medications. Maybe I am just used to putting on too much moisturizer (Kat Von D Lock-It is my HG right now, but requires a heavy-duty moisturizing) but I thought it just didn't "sit" right on my skin. I was dewy to the point of looking oily which is very strange. Also, I could tell that it was one of those foundations that was going to make my acne come out and party. I will say the coverage is very nice, but I think I will send it back and try something else.
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Mrsnaz on 2/6/2013 12:57:00 AM more reviews by Mrsnaz
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Tan Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
This is a great foundation for dry skin and a little definitely goes a long way - I have used this loads of times but still look like I have the whole tube left!
Packaging is really good. Comes in a slim tube that won't break if dropped and can squeeze out the desired amount without too much product pouring out and being wasted. Smells a bit weird though.
I use mac strobe cream on my face to begin with to help give my face a dewy glow then squeeze a pea sized amount of the foundation on the back of my hand. Then, using a flat foundation brush I apply small amounts of product all over my face and blend. Whenever I have had this product put on me by a mac mua they always make my face look AMAZING but I can never get the same sort of finish! They usually buff the foundation in using a stippling brush or eyeshadow blending brush and my face looks flawless! My method still gives pretty good results though as long as I set with my msf powder and spray with fix+
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Colorlicious on 2/5/2013 5:59:00 PM more reviews by Colorlicious
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm Hair: Red, Straight, Fine Eyes: Blue
Well, reading the reviews others wrote, I got to the conclusion that I'm weird: my skin looks really dry and cakey after I put this foundation on!
Coverage:
Now, from the few times I wore it, I can say it has a high coverage and a pretty matte finish, at least on my skin. It wasn't what I was going for; I prefer light foundations, since I don't have skin problems and don't need to cover anything. But for the ones who are looking for coverage in a foundation, I think it would work wonders.
Long lasting:
It lasts the whole day on my skin. It didn't transfer, it didn't move, it didn't oxidate.
Shades:
Well, let me tell you that instead of paying 50$ in a glance, I should have taken a sample first. I was just so enthusiastic that I had finally bought my desired 217 brush, that I forgot to look in the mirror after putting on the Studio Sculpt foundation. It seems it has an orange pigment or something, because I looked like the great designer Valentino afterwards. The shade selection they have isn't the greatest from my point of view. Anyway, I didn't find my shade, so the girl from MAC advised me to buy the N25, which was way too dark for me. I wasn't able to wear it much, so I ended up giving it to a friend. On a positive note, the friend I gave it to seems happy with it and her skin looks great, so Studio Sculpt, it's not you; it's me :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
jorates on 1/29/2013 9:41:00 PM more reviews by jorates
Age: 36-43 Skin: Acne-prone, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
I wore this foundation from samples, for a week now. I prefer to mix it with a little serum- this way it gives me the exact coverage and finish I want and also gives me more time to work. With primed skin it does not settle into lines, it lasts all day and takes time to get shiny (I promptly correct it w/ a swirl of powder) on T zone. It is so versatile.
I mean, it does not look like Diorskin, but it would be a great foundation to have.
Only thing is, it runs lighter than other MAC I wore. The NC25 is my winter peak colour with this one (I don't want to buy it just for a month or two period in the year), whereas it is my spring/summer colour in other foundations. The NC30 is scarily orange for me and way darker even for summer (although it is still lighter than other NC30s).
So I'll pass.
And I really do not understand the discrepancy. Hello, MAC? What about being consistent with the colour range?
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daisy5679 on 1/26/2013 9:06:00 PM more reviews by daisy5679
Age: 30-35 Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
I really wanted to like this. First the pros:
- I like that it is in a squeeze tube.
- It has a thick consistency.
- It covers well.
Now the cons:
- The smell. Is MAC serious? It's like swamp mixed with sewer. Do all MAC foundations smell like this?
- MAC's color selection. Every time I get matched for a foundation the MA picks a neutral shade. Apparently I am neither cool nor warm. I don't have that choice with MAC. I got matched to NC20 and it was just too yellow. I looked like I had hepatitis. And it seemed to get more yellow as the day went on.
- It felt like a mask on my face. I hate it when it feels like I have a ton of makeup on my face.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Mellymoomar on 1/26/2013 3:26:00 PM more reviews by Mellymoomar
Age: 19-24 Skin: Very Dry, Fair Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse Eyes: Green
I really love this foundation for a few reasons. Mainly, I love the fact it gives really good full coverage with a nice finish to it and literally with or without a primer will be there all day. I also love the packaging as it comes in a tube which I find a lot more hygienic and easier to get the right amount rather than some bottles when you end up with far too much. Also, the consistency of the product is really nice, quite thick, and like most people have said in their reviews a gel like substance. I have dry skin so its really good for me, it gives me a nice sheer glow to my face, though I could see this for oily skin being slightly problematic. The only thing that stops this foundation from getting top marks for me is that the shade of the foundation isn't too good. I'm and NC15 in all mac foundations and normally thats fine but this one goes on too dark for my skin. My face literally looks a different colour to my neck when first applied! It looks quite yellow toned to start with then suddenly starts to look orange. I have to really buff it in with my brush before it starts to lighten up. I normally solve this by using a few pumps of Soap & Glory Hocus Focus and buffing in a really pale setting powder and it seems to do the trick. But still, its a hassle having to do that just for the sake of flawless, full coverage foundation, but it is worth it because it looks good. Overall, I'd definitely buy this again, because it is my most favourite foundation, but if you're pale expect it to be hard work getting it to look natural!
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*TOP REVIEWER* Parisa909 on 1/26/2013 5:45:00 AM more reviews by Parisa909
Age: 19-24 Skin: Other, Olive Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
The consistency of Studio Sculpt is unlike any other foundation I’ve ever tried – it’s gel-based so it’s thicker than my Estee Lauder Double Wear, and you only need around a 10p sized blob to cover your entire face. Coverage wise, it really does deliver a medium-full coverage on the skin, yet unlike Estee Lauder Maximum Cover, the finish isn’t totally matte, it’s more of a satin-glow, which I suspect is where the ‘hydrating’ part of the description comes into play. It covers all of my blemishes, redness and problem areas, but it never feels heavy or as though it’s sitting on top of my skin. Drier skinned ladies will appreciate the fact that it does not cling or emphasise dry patches in the slightest. I have a slightly dry area under my bottom lip and am pleased to report that no flakes were visible – bonus! However, it does not keep my oily skin at bay all day long, around 6 hours later it slides around my t-zone and wears off my nose. Compared to Estee Lauder Double Wear, Studio Sculpt is long-wearing, but not to the extent that Double Wear or Maximum Cover is. I actually don’t think anything comes close to beating those foundations! Having said that, it does say pretty fresh for around 6-8 hours on it’s own, but if you wear powder over the top, you can easily extend it’s longevity for a couple more hours.
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maddie1997 on 1/19/2013 10:25:00 AM more reviews by maddie1997
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse Eyes: Hazel
I'm really liking this foundation! It gives a medium, buildable coverage and lasts all day. I LOVE the finish! I would describe it as a demi-matte finish. It is matte in all the right places, yet has a sheen along the high points of your face. I like the formula of it as well. Its creamy- so it's super easy to blend into your skin. The application process can be tricky with a brush, so i use my fingers. Overall, great foundation!
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*TOP REVIEWER* spaflam on 1/16/2013 11:28:00 AM more reviews by spaflam
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
A decent foundation with standard MAC shades to choose from (I can always count on my NC 15 (NC 20 or even 30 in summer). Buildable coverage (You can lay it on thickly in areas where it is required) that lasts - and good for my dry skin (Not sure if an oily skin person could use this.). Photographs well. (No chalky flash from the SPF, somehow.).
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dollheart on 1/16/2013 7:02:00 AM more reviews by dollheart
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
Pro's -
Amazing coverage varying from light to heavy (build-able but if used sparingly can be sheer)
- Has an SPF of 15
- Is relatively long lasting when set with powder and primer is used underneath
- Gives face a flawless look
- Packaging comes in a toothpaste like tube - with a twist top and is smooth, sleek and hygienic
- Amount of product lasts for a long time
- Smells amazing - Like coffee in my opinion! has like an old book vintagey sort of smell... hard to describe.
Con's
- Colour range for MAC foundation is terrible NC15 is about 4 shades too dark for my snow white skin so I have to add white foundation in it to match.
- Is one of MACS more expensive foundations, retails for around $60 Australian so about $30 American or around there.
- Is incredibly sticky and Dewey finish wise - needs to be set with powder even if you have dry skin - I often feel I need to wear a lot of powder in order to keep this foundation from melting off me completely and being almost shiny.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* dddoxie on 1/15/2013 12:16:00 PM more reviews by dddoxie
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Hazel
I wear this on days I know it's going to be pretty cold outside because my skin throws me for a loop in the dry/cold weather.
The texture of this is on the thicker side, almost like a BB cream. I find it takes a long time to blend into my skin well, even when using over a primer.
The coverage is light/medium but does not do a good job of covering my redness or acne scars.
It feels a bit heavy on the skin but once it settles after a few hours it feels very nice and comfortable. Delivers a satin finish.
Overall, I like it but I'm not gaga over it. I feel like since it's such a thicker consistency it should cover my redness more than it does which is a drawback because my $8 CG aquasmoothers does a better job and is half as thick as this stuff.
Would not repurchase.
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Brokenblush on 1/15/2013 11:54:00 AM more reviews by Brokenblush
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Blue
I love this foundation time and time again i go back to using it. its brilliant for dry skin types and its gel base blends well and adds to a good finish. i would say it provides medium coverage but is definitely build able for full coverage. Great product would recommend to anyone.
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Runnergirl24 on 1/15/2013 12:01:00 AM more reviews by Runnergirl24
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Grey
I really like this foundation. I understand why it doesn't agree with everyone. It is a gel base so it is more moisturising and if you have a more oily skin type it probably would not bode well. My skin is normal so after applying moisturister I put this on and it spreads so easily. Some foundations I find harder to blend in with my skin but this one smooths on well and looks so even. I then set it with powder and I love the finish! It lasts for a long time and I get surprised with my reflection hours later (lol) because im use to foundations rubbing off or getting dry and patchy! After purchasing my friend told me I was glowing when she saw me a few days later so I highly recommend it!
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tutlitu on 1/13/2013 12:42:00 PM more reviews by tutlitu
Age: 25-29 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium Eyes: Blue
I'm a NW15, and this foundation blends very well with my skin. The MAC salesperson recommended it because of my dry, sensitive combination skin, and while it doesn't dry out my skin, I feel that it really accentuates dry, flaky skin.
It has nice coverage (medium to full), and is easy to build up. I use concealer as well, to cover red spots and acne. It has to be set with powder, or else it looks very shiny on me, but sadly, I feel that it often gets cakey, especially on my forehead and my nose. Without primer, setting powder and urban decay setting spray, I barely get an hour of wear before it looks cakey, but with primer, setting powder and setting spray, it lasts for at least 8 hours. I wish it lasted longer and caked less.
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Fitouesumwe on 1/10/2013 10:19:00 AM more reviews by Fitouesumwe
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette, Fine Eyes: Green
My first foundation EVER. I use to go with the studio fix powder before but now, in winter, my skin is too dry for powder.
I love this foundation, perfect finish. Apply with a MakeUp sponge (Quo/pharmaprix are the greatest in my opinion).
ÉDIT: OK, I have now switched to Laura Mercier. MAC foundation are way too yellow for me. Laura Mercier's foundations are more ''beige'' so it's a better match for me.
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moonzika on 1/8/2013 4:37:00 PM more reviews by moonzika
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse Eyes: Brown
This foundation gets a bad rap for a lot reasons that I understand. It's one of those formulations that makes a lot of people scratch their heads and wonder why anybody would really care about it since it has characteristics that most people don't look for anymore. It's full coverage, thick, and pretty heavy on some skin types.
However, I recently gave this foundation a third chance after returning it a few times and figured out how to use it properly. I will stress that having a dry skin type will make this foundation perform better, and the finish won't get ruined in cooler, drier climates.
You could skip primer, but my skin looked much more alive when I used Prep + Prime Natural Radiance underneath this foundation. One makeup artist used the 190 paddle brush with it, and I highly recommend using that or a similar brush that has that level of control. The MAC makeup artists who insist on using the 188 or another floppy but popular brush aren't doing the formula justice since its viscosity requires a lot of control (damp sponge, paddle brush, duo-fiber brush with short/densely packed bristles, etc). Spritzing your application tool with water, setting spray, MAC Fix+ or Mineralized Charged Water will also get this foundation to behave. I don't think this foundation will set without powder, so use one that caters to your skin tone and type. I switched from MAC Mineralize Skin Finish to Studio Careblends and got a dramatically different result - more hydration, and the yellow-toned powder made the foundation melt into my skin better instead of clashing with my skin tone.
Despite having to go through all these steps, it only took about 3-5 minutes to do my foundation. I got a smooth, lively looking finish, and my face in makeup matched my neck for once. My skin is incredibly difficult to match for some reason, and I finally got it right. On top of that, my face was happy instead of getting all the moisture sucked out of it. I may have gotten one small pimple on my face after wearing it, but that was most likely due to sleeping in my makeup after a night out and not washing my face until almost a day after applying it.
This review is far too long, but I want to give everyone an idea of how this foundation can perform. It performs well if you have the skin type it targets (dry), and you need to know how to work with it. Playing around with different primers, tools, and setting powders will change what you get out of Studio Sculpt. For some, it's worth the effort.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
xosofielulu on 1/7/2013 5:14:00 PM more reviews by xosofielulu
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
Got this foundation today because I've read so many great things about it. The MA in the MAC store matched me to be NW15 which is such a good color match. I really like this foundation on, not too matte and not too shiny, very pretty finish and great coverage. Smells really good, too. The MA applied it with a sponge and the finish was amazing, but since I think using a sponge wastes a lot of product, I just use (clean) hands, and it still looks good! To get an even more flawless finish, I finish off with the Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Plus, love it!
Will definitely repurchase this when I'm out!