Update for all MAC foundation fan-atics: Thanks to the new MAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Sticks, this fall we’ll have yet another reason to stick around the MAC counter.
One of my tried-and-true all-time MAC faves is their Studio Fix Foundation (it’s wicked dermatological wizardry when mixed with a few drops of Strobe Cream and set with Mineralize Skinfinish Natural), so I’m excited about this cream stick foundation, which comes in 33 colors and hits shelves beginning September 5.
Like the O.G. Studio Fix Foundation, these sticks promise a flawless finish and a formula that’s theoretically supposed to last 86,400 seconds…which is 24 hours, in case you were wondering.
However, unlike the original Studio Fix Foundation and its ultra-perfected, complete coverage, Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation is medium coverage and made to appeal to makeup minimalists, a la the low-maintenance girl (or guy) looking to even out their skin tone and ever-so-slightly blur some pores.
From the official MAC PR:
“There’s a definite skin moment happening right now,” says Terry Barber, MAC Director of Makeup Artistry in London.” We’re not talking rawness here, or the whole no makeup, makeup thing. “It’s premium skin; enhanced, plumped, smooth and packed with moisture. Matte in the past was associated with dryness and dullness, whereas the new matte is about soft focus and blur with no blanket coverage and light hitting in all the right places.”
MAC recommends applying Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick with their 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush, the 182 Foundation Brush, the 130 Synthetic Short Duo Fibre Brush, a sponge, or swiped directly on the face and tapped with fingers.
Starting today here in North America, you can find the Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Sticks at MAC counters and online for $23, and they join the rest of the permanent items in the Studio Fix face family, which includes Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 ($31), Studio Fix 24-Hour Concealer ($23), Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation ($31) and the Studio Fix Brushes ($35-42).
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I just bought a bottle of Studio Fix Fluid to wear for photographs at events! What shade do you use in this formula, Karen? I’m usually in the same shade range as you, so I’d like to know what I should test out when I check this out later this week.
Hi Monika,
I’m an NC42. 🙂 I usually mix it with MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite, then I set with Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Tan. It’s one of my go-to face makeup combos because it covers just enough but doesn’t look heavy. Sometimes I like to mix it with MAC Face and Body (I wear a mix of C4 and C5) when I want a sheerer coverage.
Excited for you to try it!
I literally just bought some F&B in C5 to mix with the SFF in NC40 to loosen up the SFF for some event makeup I need later this month! I also bought Strobe Cream and a new bottle of Natural Radiance to chill out the matte finish a little bit. I looked up one of your old posts about SFF and basically followed everything to a a T with the makeup artist at the MAC counter, and I really liked the way the finish looked. I’m looking forward to picking up the stick, too!
As always, thanks for being so thorough, Karen!
NICE! Yeah, I really like how well Face and Body melts right into the Studio Fix Foundation. MAC does such a great job of making their products compatible so you can easily mix and match.
What event are you going to?
I’m in my bff’s wedding! I’m doing my own makeup for it, so I want to make sure my face doesn’t look washed out when I’m photographed.
That sounds amazing! Just like what I need for my day to day makeup needs.