MAC • Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation • Liquid

*TOP REVIEWER* jenja536 on 5/17/2013 11:59:00 PM more reviews by jenja536

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

My favorite of all MAC foundations. MAC NC42 and I use 5.0 in matchmaster. Never looks cakey even after building and provides medium coverage. Stays for an entire workday. Would definitely purchase again.

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MilenaBR on 5/17/2013 10:31:00 PM more reviews by MilenaBR

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

I apply it with my Real Techniques Buffing brush, from the Core Collection and just finalize it with my fingers, for warmth. I didn't think applying with my fingers from the start worked very well.
I've found the texture very light and easy to blend. The finish is not quite as natural as I would like. I can still see I'm wearing foundation, but I don't think it looks (and I don't feel) cakey. Actually, I think the finish is quite beautiful and radiant, even though it's more matte than satin, definitely not dewy.
For coverage, I'd say medium. It's certainly more than light (and I did apply it lightly), but I could not skip concealer for under-eye area and blemishes. They say it's buildable to full coverage, but at least for me, whenever I've tried to put on a second layer, it felt and looked cakey and heavy.
Color match: I'm around NC30 and I've found shade 2.0 to match me perfectly. I'd think it would be too light or too orangy by looking at it in the bottle, but it truly adapts and matches, as the name says. From other reviews I've seen around, I think shade 3.0 would be too dark, but I haven't tried it.
My skin type is usually combination-normal, but these days it's been a little bit dryer. This foundation has emphasized a few dry patches around my mouth ever so lightly. So, I would recommend you use a good moisturizer before application. If you have dry skin, maybe stay away.
It has a strong chemical smell at first, but it dissipates after a few minutes and I don't feel it at all after that.
Longevity: On a normal day, it lasts about 7-8 hours for me and it disappears gracefully, if you know what I mean, not patchy, not melting. I feel it does control the oil in my t-zone quite well, but I haven't tried it on a very hot, sweaty day. I'll come back and update if I do. (Oh, and I usually set the foundation with my MAC Prep+Prime powder, which might help)
I haven't used it long enough or frequently enough to tell if this foundation would break me out. It hasn't happened so far...
Overall, I really like the Matchmaster. If it were more "invisible" and natural and less expensive, I'd give it 5 lippies.
I don't think I will be repurchasing it, though, for I can find drugstore foundations that are as good or better, for much less. There are so many good drugstore options out there, I think the so-called high-end brands have to really deliver something extra-ordinary.

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cpkgirl1116 on 5/17/2013 9:09:00 PM more reviews by cpkgirl1116

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Brown, Curly   Eyes: Brown    

If your skin is combination/oily with few blemishes/imperfections, I would recommend this product for you! If you're like me who has old acne scars & likes to cover them up w/minimal time in the AM, I dont recommend this for you. The MUA made my face up w/the color #8, recommended this b/c I have combo. skin. I prefer full coverage, yet Matchmaster only offers medium coverage. The most decent results I have gotten w/this foundation is to apply it w/a stippling brush, 2 pumps/applications. Idk y but Im attracted to the smell of this foundation. It kinda leaves me w/an ashen appearance. I really wanna like this cuz its very $$$, but I only wear it when I want to use minimal make up.

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BeautyRage on 5/11/2013 4:37:00 AM more reviews by BeautyRage

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The thing with MAC foundations is you can never tell if they are going to break you out or not! Jokes aside, I bought this in 4.0 as 5 looked slightly dark on my NC 40/42 face.

I don't know why but it looks awful on me. I have dry skin and I have been applying it with a flat top brush and it just didn't sit well. Was better with a sponge.. I am going to try it with a flat foundation brush and update this or a damn sponge as seeing this product can have a powdery matt finish.. The MAC artist told me it was suitable for dry skin ( but they would say anything to sell won't they )

I have not returned it yet as I broke out after a week of trying it and would try applying this again to check if this broke me out. Overall I believe its great for those with oily skin.. People with dry skin should stick to other MAC foundations ( face and body or studio fix )

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Lornaa on 5/9/2013 2:54:00 PM more reviews by Lornaa

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I use MAC Matchmaster nearly everyday. It blends into my skin perfectly using a foundation brush and keeps my oily skin at bay. Also, the 'matchmaster' part allows me to keep wearing the same makeup even in the summer as the makeup somehow changes with your skin tone. It is light enough to wear in the summer and heavy enough to wear in the winter, it smells good and the 35ml bottle lasts a good few months. Perfect.

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blairpeony on 5/9/2013 9:17:00 AM more reviews by blairpeony

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

Nice. I am a NC15 and I have oily skin and this foundation seems to control the shine on my T-zone.Creamy,very pigmented and it blends really well into my skin. I use the beauty blender sponge and it looks like I have nothing on my face.HOWEVER,I have noticed that during application there are some flakes (!) going on.Don't know why but it gets flaky sometimes. Do you have any idea what this could be? Please message me .

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JayMUA on 4/18/2013 10:56:00 PM more reviews by JayMUA

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

I was on a hunt for the perfect foundation color because Pro Longwear (my favorite formula) is a bit off on color for me. I should be about NC25/30 but closer to 25.

I searched thru every brand for the staying power of Pro Longwear. It lasts all day on me & I have very long full days. but I needed something less ashy in color.

I tried Lancome TIU, ELDW, Stila, Tarte, MUFE HD.

Finally I came back to MAC & tried matchmaster. PERFECT MATCH in number 2! I should have never strayed too far from my usual brand.

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Nene2012 on 4/18/2013 11:49:00 AM more reviews by Nene2012

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

took it back because this is not for my skin type. I have combination skin but my dry areas are SUPER DRY. after a few days of using matchmaster, I noticed dry patches all over my cheeks, jaw line and forehead. i should have trusted my own instincts and not go along with the SA recommendation. I went into MAC to purchase the Mineralize foundation in the compact form but since it's being phased out in my shades NW50 and NW55 in the summer, the SA told me I needed to try something that will be permanent and that's how I got to buying Matchmaster. I am sure it is a very good product but those girls at the Mac counter need to be better trained about the products they are selling.
this foundation is better suited for oily skin and maybe normal. But beware: if you have any dry areas it will suck the life out of your face.

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Chrispy21 on 4/9/2013 5:28:00 PM more reviews by Chrispy21

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought the lightest shade and its supposed to match your skin tone. this however does not match the skin tone. It oxidizes badly and i get a major yellow line from the cheek to my neck. I have super fair skin anf this did not work for me.

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QueenofHeartsx on 4/8/2013 11:58:00 AM more reviews by QueenofHeartsx

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

Love this foundation - it glides on easily and is a dream to blend, and the finish has got to be one of the most natural i've ever seen in a foundation. IM IN LOVE. I get oily on my nose and it did show through, so te oilier skins should be preparer to blot/powder once or twice a day. I think it's a small sacrifice for how totally NATURAL this foundation is. I know I keep repeating it but wow. I've tried a lot of foundations and this truly makes me look airbrushed, not painted. Coverage is medium buildable, shade range seems a little on tye yellow side so keep that in mind. Definitely get a tester and try it out, i love this foundation.

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bmacieje on 4/6/2013 9:56:00 PM more reviews by bmacieje

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

If you are looking for a completely natural look this foundation is perfect. I was a bit nervous buying my first product (because it's sooo expensive!) but it was time for a change from my Pur Minerals and Cover FX powder foundation.
I am a 1.0 with this foundation and it 99% closely matching my skin. So I believe that MAC products has the ability to match any skin colour.

BTW, my face is dry and occasionally has pimples. I have minor scarring on my cheeks but this covers it up. Also, I apply this sometimes without a primer and it turns out great. However with primer, the results are much better.


Pros:
Covers any minor imperfections
Feels light
Easy to blend
Perfect finish
Does not smudge
Does not oxidize
Lasts all day

Cons:
The price...
Does not give FULL coverage (medium)
People say one pump can cover the entire face, I use 2.

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abao09 on 4/6/2013 3:25:00 PM more reviews by abao09

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

I have been on the search for the PERFECT foundation. I have extremely combination skin. Mostly oily. So oily I could scrape it off of my face and it would get all under my nails... Ew. Sorry had to give a vivid visual of how bad it is. Things I look for in foundation: coverage (medium-full), oil control (so many claim to be but they don't!), SPF, color match, blendable, travel friendly (small size and not leaky), pump. This has it ALL.

Overall rating: 5
- GREAT for oily skin
- LONG WEARING. SERIOUSLY.
- doesn't oxidize
- excellent color match for me
- mattifies & keeps you mattified for 14 hours
- not too matte, because of my oily skin it looked just under dewey (not out of control shine!)
-stays on for 14 hours (through dancing at a rave) changed from looking 100% to 95% that's STELLAR.
-helps hold up blush/bronzer (didn't fade very much)
- buildable coverage (1 layer for everyday, 2 layers for FULL coverage looking flawless!)
- easy to blend (I found it works best with a flathead kabuki)
- SPF is ALWAYS great!
- doesn't look cakey

Price: 3
- I bought mine for $33 (before tax) for 1.2 fl oz in California
- Not horrendous, but it is more than usual 1 oz
- GREAT price for package quality

Packaging Quality: 4
- Quality of packaging is great considering price
- LOVE the pump. 1 full pump is a little bigger than a "pea size amount"
- you can control how much product you want. It isn't a "1 full pump or nothing"
- LOVE how you can lock it so it doesn't pump by itself
- Glass is very thick
- Glass being thick causes it to be heavy/bulky
- I've seen an ounce of makeup in smaller packaging
- fits well in hand
- simple, shows shade, name, and amount of product


Foundations I've tried:
Chanel Aqualumiere
Sephora Loose Powder Foundation (They no longer sell this)
Loreal True Match (made me break out)
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (After one hour, I looked like a huge pored greaseball)
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Full Coverage
Tarte Maracuja Miracle 12 Hour Broad Spectrum
Loreal True Match Lumi
Bare Minerals Matte Foundatoin Broad Spectrum
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + (made me break out)
Makeup Forever Multiuse Powder Foundation


As you can see I went up and down with different brands/types of foundation/foundation for different skin.. After all of these Matchmaster is THE FOUNDATION.

Unforunately, it breaks me out in a couple crater like pimples. I am going to try it again hoping it was my hormonal time of the month. I'm pretty sure it was the foundation. I'll keep you all updated. But... Other than that. It is seriously perfect. I would suggest trying it out 100% to anyone who wants long wearing foundation. You don't have to retouch at all! And I am a retouching/blotting fiend!

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Flurby on 4/6/2013 12:01:00 PM more reviews by Flurby

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Not the right foundation for me! The consistency is quite thick and slightly gloopy, and does not go on very nicely on my normal to dry skin. It settles in every dry patch, and looks so cakey on. I really dislike the smell, and I'm not normally bothered by smells, but both the consistency and the smell reminds me of paint. So I feel like I'm putting paint on my face every time I use this. The only way I can use it is to mix it with some moisturiser first, but it's still not great. Might be good for oily skin. Gives a rather matte finish, which I don't like much, because I think it looks too unnatural. And unflattering. Packaging is good and practical.

I bought this in a MAC store in Budapest after asking the MUA for a foundation for dry skin. This product is definitely NOT suited for dry skin, so feel kind of irked. Never buy foundation without doing "research" first, the girls in the store don't always know what they are talking about!

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moni4u on 4/3/2013 4:17:00 PM more reviews by moni4u

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've very pale skin so looking for drugstore foundations that are my shade (in my country) it's quite a "mission impossible". But I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on Bobbi Brown, Nars, Estee Lauder... that's why I went for MAC.
I told the lady at the counter what I was looking for in foundation and suggested this one.
The consistency feels quite light and once you apply it on the skin it sets really quickly, with a powdery finish (you can even skip powder!).
The coverage is light to medium. Don't expect it to cover every blemish, every scar because it won't (that's what concealer is for, right?)
On me it barely oxidazes, which is good because you don't want to come back home after a long day to realize you look like an oompa loompa! lol
My shade is the lightest (1.0) and it's a bit pink on me so it's not my exact match.

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MacNW45 on 4/3/2013 4:15:00 PM more reviews by MacNW45

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Ok guys, if you are looking for a medium coverage foundation with a demi-matte finish...this one is THE one.
I am trying to put all my excitement and fangirl-ism aside so I can give you an objective review but it's really hard!

I got my MAC Matchmaster SPF15 in 9.0 and it matches me so perfectly, I mean it's like my skin in a bottle! It takes the best tone of my face and makes it my overall skin tone while hiding those darker spots in a VERY natural way (no cakey effect or "look at me I own a bottle of liquid foundation and I just used a LOT").
It's hard to tell that you have anything on at all, when I have it on people say "you are glowing!" not "which foundation are you using?". It's amazing. It is so light and airy, your face feels normal, no extra weight.
I never had to touch it up it doesn't fade away like some foundations do.

Again, this is a medium coverage foundation, if you try to put on more product in attempt to achieve a full coverage, your face will very quickly turn to a vivid orange!

The only con (and this really doesn't deserve a lippie off) is a little bit of transfer, on a napkin or a white pillow... but other than that, this product is amazing, I just got two more bottles (just in case my dear 9.0 is sold out!) and I am NOT buying any other foundation, I found mine!

YOU NEED TRY IT!

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PurpleLipstik on 3/31/2013 10:07:00 AM more reviews by PurpleLipstik

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I'm a NW47 in normal MAC foundations but a 9.0 in this one, I love it! It's long lasting and matches my skin tone very well. I have dry skin so I moisturize very well and prime my face and this will last me all day without touching it up or anything. I set it with MAC MSF in deep dark

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philipjfryxx on 3/25/2013 11:47:00 AM more reviews by philipjfryxx

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

NC15-NC20, normal/oily skin (but gets dehydrated easily), yellow/olive undertones
---
Okay, I have it in colour 2.0. Don't buy this, if you are on the lighter side of NC20, it's just quite dark, more for NC25-28 I'd say. Anyways, I can wear it. Usually mixing it with 180 revlon colorstay - i get perfeeeeeect match then. PERRRRFECT.
The 2.0 colour is quite orangey toned, definitely not pink or cool toned - good for us living in Springfield! (okay, just trying to be funny, hahahha)
The finish is quite matte, but after a while it can get shiny. Definitely needs to be set with powder. (well, who doesn't set a foundation with powder? -_-)

THE "MATCHMASTER" thing.. Well... No. I applied it on my NC10 hand and I just had orange line there. Waited for like 30 minutes and no, it maybe oxidized a bit and doesn't look that orange, but still doesn't match. Anyways, my mistake, I should buy the 1.5 probably.

Coverage is good medium - not too light or too heavy for everyday use. Just perfect for me.
Packaging is perfect - that's what I love about MAC. Okay, sounds weird. I just LOVELOVELOVE how their products look. Thanks god for the pump.
The consistency is quite dry... I mean... Not DRYING, but dry. When I swatch/apply my baby REVLON colorstay, it looks liquidy - watery a little while, this already goes on matte ... I don't know. The texture is just weird. Special. But blends nicely and is not too runny or thick.
Doesn't make some of my dry patches more visible, looks smooth, covers pores & redness & blemishes.

Okay, I live in Czech republic. I'm a student buying make-up with my own money. MAC is sooo expensive there. This foundation is about $46 here. That's a lot!
Will I repurchase? Probably not. It's a perfect foundation, there are just so many other ones that I want to try too.

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Xexuxa on 3/21/2013 12:42:00 AM more reviews by Xexuxa

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I think this is one of the better foundations the brand has to offer. I got a sample in shade 1.5 and I'm typically an NC20; it was a good match. It goes on very nicely and provides decent coverage. The only issue I have found with the product is that it accentuates flaky skin if you don't exfoliate.

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DonDiva on 3/17/2013 9:30:00 PM more reviews by DonDiva

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

Love the glass bottle, the pump Im in love with and the locking feature is wonderful. The product Im not so crazy about. The closest shade was 9.0 but Matchmaster failed to find my match. its thick, easy to cake ( not a good thing ) and easy to rub off!!!! all day i see "samples" on my paper work and clothing, and walls and doors... It encourages oil on my face.
The pro is its full coverage... but it covers everything.. blankets, seats, who ever I hug etc.... had to mix with drug store brand to cancel some of the orange and concoct what I call MatchMaker lol. Over-all I love my MAC products but this Matchmaster and I are not a match made in makeup heaven. :(
wont waste more money on another bottle of this.

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Aimeerose on 3/17/2013 8:54:00 PM more reviews by Aimeerose

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark, Neutral   Hair: Black, Relaxed   Eyes: Brown    

I have mixed feelings about this foundation. It was easy to apply and blend. The color match was ok, I bought the 7.5 because the MUA insisted darker was better. I knew that was a mistake because after about 2 months the product oxidized about 1 shade deeper in the bottle!!! Is that even possible???? Anyway. I can't wear it alone anymore. It's way too dark for me what a waste! The bottle is still pretty full. I'm on the fence about purchasing the 7.0 shade. I'll prob get a sample first.

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