Beauty Product Review: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

During an internet search for a foundation that would provide full coverage with a flawless "non-cakey" look, I came across MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation. And after reading rave reviews about this product, I decided to give it a try.

MAC's Studio Fix Foundation is a powder foundation that comes in a sleek, black compact with a mirror and application sponge. MAC promotes this product a being "a powder and foundation in one that combines good coverage with ease of application". The foundation can be applied with either a cosmetic sponge or a brush.

I couldn't find many places that sold MAC cosmetics, but one place that did is Macy's department store. So, I went to Macy's to check it out. The Macy's employee applied it to my face using a cosmetics brush, and it did in fact have a nice matte finish and gave my skin a smoother appearance. So even though it was pricey at $26.00, I decided to purchase it. I also purchased a powder brush and brush cleaner (at the suggestion of the Macy's cosmetics counter employee) bringing my total to a whopping $75.00! (Hopefully, you will not be as susceptible to suggestion.)

The next morning after purchasing the foundation, I applied it to my face over foundation primer using the brush that I purchased along with it. The foundation glided on smoothly and had a beautiful velvety texture. It also gave my skin a nice matte finish - goodbye shiny forehead. However, I was a bit disappointed at the coverage. I had read reviews of this product declaring that it was a full-coverage foundation, and I was under the impression that this powder would work the same as a liquid foundation (as that is what the product claims). But, in my opinion, it does not provide the same coverage that you get from a liquid foundation at all. I later tried applying it with the sponge, and got a bit more coverage, but it still wasn't enough for me.

So I started using this powder foundation over my regular liquid foundation (applying it with the sponge, instead of the brush). I find that it gives a better result when applied over a liquid foundation - you get a nice matte finish and the powder helps to even out your skin tone. And since it's a light-weight product, it goes on over your liquid foundation without looking "cakey". Furthermore, the powder is milled very fine which allows your skin to breathe, thus eliminating breakouts. I should also mention that I have sensitive skin, and it doesn't cause me any irritations. This powder foundation also contains Silica which absorbs oils on the skin, so it's a great choice for anyone with oily skin.

Bottom Line: MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation isn't cheap - it costs $26.00, but it does last a long time. I've had mine for about four months now, and I still don't have to replace it. It's also a great product for oily skin and for sensitive skin. It gives you a beautiful matte finish without looking like it's caked on. However, since the coverage is light, I recommend that it be used on top of a liquid foundation for anyone who needs that extra bit of coverage. I also recommend using the application sponge it comes with instead of applying it with a makeup brush (this will also save you a boat load of money). So overall, I do feel it is worth the money, and I will continue to purchase this product.

On a side note, I plan to pick up a bottle of MAC's Studio Fix Liquid Foundation sometime in the near future to try it out in comparison to the drug-store brand I'm currently using. Check back later for my review!