MAC • Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation • Powder

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MetteRA on 2/16/2013 9:37:00 AM more reviews by MetteRA

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I sooooo want to love this product! But it just doesn't work on my oily skin. First of all - I can't seem to get a good coverage out of it. Maybe I lack the proper technique, but it's just not providing enough coverage for me. I have oily skin, not super-duper oily, but still. After half an hour of applying this powder foundation, my whole forehead, nose, inner cheek area, and chin feels oily - and I hate it. I mean, come on, after half an hour!! :-( So I can't even use it to set a liquid foundation, cause it will just make it oily. I like the way it looks when first applied, but not the feeling 30 min after. The color, on the other hand, is spot on! I got the NC20, and it's perfect! But won't be buying it again...

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walkingdiktionary on 2/14/2013 5:16:00 PM more reviews by walkingdiktionary

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Makes my skin look flawless and amazing!

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londoncouture on 2/10/2013 11:48:00 PM more reviews by londoncouture

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

Great coverage, however, this has broken me out a lot so I had to stop using it. It also oxidizes later on in the day so I end up looking darker/orange. It also feels extremely heavy on my skin compared to other foundations. If you have sensitive skin, be cautious when using Mac products.

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KaiJones on 2/8/2013 10:42:00 PM more reviews by KaiJones

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

You will look like a ghost in your pictures if you just use this product alone. You will need a real foundation underneath and then this powder on top. Then, you will need another powder to set. It will also dry you out. I noticed when I started taking pictures, I was looking like a ghost. But, never attributed it to the makeup. Then, I noticed that in winter time, my face was often dry with this. Dont get me wrong, it does provide coverage, but it just cannot be worn alone. Also, it starts to cake, and if you have wrinkles it would seep right in there so that people can see just how "young" you really are. Its good, just not great.

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thisisashley on 2/8/2013 8:26:00 PM more reviews by thisisashley

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

This is the best powder foundation I have ever used!! I am onto my third compact. I use it with Smashbox Photo Finish and get excellent coverage over my moderate acne. I do need to blot after about 4-5 hours but that's not a big deal to me. What matters to me is good quality coverage without a thick layer of makeup. I don't think it's overpriced for what it is. In the past, I have paid more for powder foundation (for example, MUFE) and been less impressed with the level of coverage.

I have never used the applicator that comes with the compact so I can't speak for the quality of it. I have always used my Sephora Classic Retractable Travel Powder Brush (#51) and been pleased with the results.

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anamaria25 on 2/7/2013 10:25:00 AM more reviews by anamaria25

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

it is a great product

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killercupcake on 2/6/2013 4:10:00 AM more reviews by killercupcake

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I used this product from 8th to 11th grade. Then, my family moved to a remote farm community, so it was difficult to access this product. There were only drug / grocery stores in the area. NO DEPARTMENT STORES = NO MAC :(

I went 5 years without this product. I jumped from this drugstore mineral make up to that generic liquid foundation. EVERYTHING felt terrible and broke me out SO BAD! I stopped using foundation all together for years. Then I moved back to the city and one of the first things I did was head to a Macy's to get my Studio Fix.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TiaDGB on 2/5/2013 5:05:00 PM more reviews by TiaDGB

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I'm a powder foundation devotee and have tried a multitude. I've yet to find my perfect one, but this is one of the crappier ones that I have tried.


Like most powder foundations, this offers very buildable coverage and a matte finish. The initial application is beautiful, and the finish is flawless...Just be warned that you WILL be able to tell that you have makeup on though. It makes the skin appear almost surreal.


If this foundation stayed looking as flawless as it does initially, I'd have rated it higher...However, after a few hours it starts to melt off and pretty much disappears completely! I left the house at 7 in the morning, and by the time I got home at 12, I literally had practically none of this left on my face.

This powder does NOTHING to control oil and tends to oxidize on oily girls. It's definitely better for combo or dry skin types. Oily girls should try something with better lasting power and more oil control.


This hasn't broken ME out, but I have heard that it breaks a lot of people out, so avoid if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin.


Bottom line? This product is great for when you want to look flawless for a very short period of time. It's not for girls who have oily, acne-prone skin, or need all day wear.


If you're planning on investing in this, I suggest that you also invest in Fix + or some other thermal spray. I find that it looks less porcelain-doll like when set with some sort of mist.


BTW- Don't even THINK of using this as a setting powder. It does not control oil, plus it'd look WAY too cakey layered over a liquid foundation.


BTW x2- This really clings to and exaggerates dry skin. I literally looked like I had a beard or something!

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akneil on 2/3/2013 9:59:00 PM more reviews by akneil

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I love this powder! It is my alternative to foundation. I use concealer on any blemishes I have and then apply this with a powder brush. I wouldn't recommend using the applicator included if you don't want a cakey finish. This powder keeps my face matte and stays on all day. I was really surprised with the coverage that this powder gives, especially for acne and an uneven skin tone. I don't wear foundation when I wear this, I find it's just too much makeup and looks cakey. It's best alone!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Parisa909 on 2/1/2013 10:47:00 AM more reviews by Parisa909

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

As a stand-alone powder foundation, it's terrible. Cakey finish, not enough coverage, and doesn't keep oily skin at bay for long. I've used it on top of my other foundations, tapping my powder brush in it and applying all over my face for a sheer-medium even coverage. It doesn’t photograph well in my opinion, I’ve noticed you get that dreaded ‘ghost-face’ which I suspect is because of the SPF15? Won't repurchase.

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msred2u42 on 1/31/2013 1:10:00 PM more reviews by msred2u42

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

IMO I just feel that this powder is way too drying. There doesn't seem to be enough shades to cover everyone either. Although that price isn't steep, the coverage isn't that great. I prefer Dual Finish over studio fix anyday.

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julespena on 1/29/2013 7:29:00 PM more reviews by julespena

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This used to be my favourite everyday foundation until this year when my acne calmed down and I could begin to explore the world of liquid foundation. When I was using this powder I loved the full coverage it achieved without breaking out my skin. Great to use with really creamy concealers as it just seals them in and really gives you that flawless finish. I wouldn't recommend this to people with dry skin as it seemed to just cling to any dry patch I had and make it really stand out. But if you have acne-prone or oily skin I would definitely go to MAC and make this investment and see how great it can make your skin look!

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hellothere2013 on 1/26/2013 5:49:00 PM more reviews by hellothere2013

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is my alternative to wearing foundation. I slather olay moisturizer on my face and use a brush to put this on.

good for:
-People who have uneven skin tone that would like to even it out without looking like you wear a mask
-people who don't mind medium-slightly heavy coverage
-people who don't like foundation but want coverage
-people who like a natural learning towards matte finish

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RoxyOhSoFoxy on 1/24/2013 3:39:00 AM more reviews by RoxyOhSoFoxy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Dark, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Ok, so i have the weirdest skin, its dry on the surface and oily under. So if i use a powder it would look dry and peeling, Well, i purchased this powder on a whim cos i wanted something i could use on the go. I have tons of liquid foundations but it takes a while to put on. I was very surprised with this product. The coverage is amazing! I used a buffer brush and really worked it into my skin. I few spritz of Fix Plus and i was out the door! I find that it works best with fix plus else you will look overly matte and flat. It looks even prettier if you apply Mac strobe cream above your cheekbones and the powder everywhere else. Im pleased with this product and will purchase again. I took off a lippie because yes you have to blot at least twice a day! As with any oily skinned gal.Thats a small price to pay considering that i do alot more blotting with a liquid foundation.

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loanchlam on 1/23/2013 10:12:00 PM more reviews by loanchlam

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Overall, a great product. I have dry-combination skin. At first, I tried it out and I wasn't sure whether I liked it. When I went back to it after trying other foundations, I forgot how amazing this powder worked. I used to apply this product with a highly dense flat top kabuki (Sigma F80) and I noticed it was SUPER cakey. I realized that because it's not just a powder, but rather a powder foundation. However, I switched it up and tried applying it with a fluffy powder brush (Sigma F25 because it's my favorite!) and it applied so smoothly. I love the canvas it creates because it doesn't look cakey nor does it look like I have any makeup on! It can, however, cling to dry patches, but that's if they're pretty severe. It's a great product and remember a little goes a long way.

Btw, I apply it over concealer because foundation alone doesn't give me the coverage I desire--dark pigmentation scars and mild undereye circles.

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neevebabyx on 1/23/2013 2:20:00 PM more reviews by neevebabyx

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

this is a powder foundation which can be used as a light coverage foundation or over your liquid foundation. i really do like this powder, i use it over the studio fix fluid and it makes my skin look flawless pretty pricey but i've been using mine for about 6 months now pretty much everyday and there's still product left. will be repurchasing for sure

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Daatch on 1/20/2013 8:17:00 PM more reviews by Daatch

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I do like this powder. I would probably purchase again. Good coverage over my foundation which is liquid. I have other powders high and drugstore that are just as good.

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EmiriamdD on 1/19/2013 5:04:00 PM more reviews by EmiriamdD

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I'm not sure why Studio Fix is categorized as a powder--it's a powder foundation. This was the very first MAC product I ever used and I still consider it the very best powder foundation. If you need light coverage, use a fluffy powder brush. If you need heavier coverage, use a kabuki or other flat-topped, densely-bristled brush. As others have noted, the coverage you get is absolutely matte. If you want to bring back some dewy-ness, use a finishing spray like Skindinavia. But for those with oily skin looking for a full coverage matte finish, you can't do better than MAC Studio Fix powder foundation.

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*TOP REVIEWER* sweetfart on 1/19/2013 2:27:00 PM more reviews by sweetfart

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Short opinion: ideal as an everyday foundation for those with very oily skin needing medium-full coverage, but not seeking a radiant, photo-friendly finish.

Long opinion: I usually hate powder foundations, despite the fact that I have very oily skin so I should be using them. I used Bare Minerals, Alima, Laura Mercier loose, and many other "healthy" mineral powder makeup foundations before. My usually complaints are that the finish is too grainy and wheat bread-like, and the coverage is usually poor.

Well, Studio Fix powder is a little different, I guess, in the sense that it's not loose but a compact powder. Don't know how much of a diff that makes. It's also not necessarily marketed as a healthy mineral powder. I haven't broken out from in the three days I've been using it thus far, but someone else might.

Lowest grade for SF powder: the finish. It's matte, which I like. Most loose powders seem to have this silky finish which is awful for my shiny complexion. But MAC SF does have that powdery finish. That's unavoidable with matte finishes, I guess. Definitely not made for dry skin, as this WILL patch up.

Highest point for SF powder: the coverage, pigment, and durability. This trumps any loose MMU I've used, because the coverage is almost (but not quite) full. I still need concealer for my darkest scars. MAC is phenomenal with skin shade varieties, which I like. I am using NW20, which is roughly the equivalent of Dior 020, Revlon CS Sand Beige, and Laura Mercier Warm Ivory. NW22 has a strong pinker, peachier undertone to it. Average wear time before I get oily for most foundies is about 4 hours. I went about 6 hours before breaking shine on the t-zone with this, and even then the shine wasn't as noticeable as with liquid foundies.

But I won't be wearing this for special events. The finish is not radiant and glowy enough. This will be my daily work & run errands foundation.

UPDATE 01/21/2013: Okay, I took off a lippie. I'm rethinking this. The finish is awful. Very powdery and very cakey look. And I retract what I said about the coverage. Let's call it light-medium, because if you try to build it up to full you will be a cakey mess. It's very obvious that I am wearing foundation with this.

But I still give it some lippies because of the oil control and MAC's excellent shade ranges.

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flylikeacg on 1/19/2013 12:05:00 AM more reviews by flylikeacg

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

i love this product, i use this to set my mac studio fix fluid and it gives me full coverage without looking cakey but its so expensive here in singapore from the MAC store, its $51 dollars for just a powder, not that i cannot afford it but yeah the price is ridiculous , the thing i love about this is because its full coverage and keeps my face matte all day , doesn't break me out, and do note that i have acne prone skin and extremely sensitive skin. i use this in NC35 and its amazing <3

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