Wayne from GossMakeupArtist on Youtube has two videos that I really love (yeah I've seen them a lot) and find them extremely helpful. One is on his favourite liquid foundations and the other, on his favourite cream foundations. From what I understood, one of his favourite, if not his favourite foundation is the MAC Full Coverage which can only be purchased through the MAC pro store or ordered by telephone. So you know I had to cop that. I went to Soho and they didn't have my shade there, so they sent me to Covent Garden where one was saved for me. Great customer service, which to be honest unusual for MAC but I guess you just have to shop at the Pro stores to get that kind of service. When something from MAC has 'full coverage'on it, you might expect a bucket of cement, a shovel and note that has a list of side effects- death, rare (but possible).
- Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
- Mac Studio Fix Foundation Stick
- Where Is Mac Studio Fix Foundation Made
So what powder to buy to go with this foundation? Unarchiver mac os x. An amazing MAC artist at the Covent Garden's Pro Store suggested the Studio Fix Foundation. He asked 'Do you want a flawless finish?' Who doesn't? I think it was Wayne who said that this foundation was great for photoshoots, and I'm always ready for the camera darrrhling! *Vogue*
I know what you're thinking but please calm down. Using two foundations may seem too much, but it really makes sense. You don't want to take away anything from the foundation, the wrong powder could ruin the work of a good foundation. So what powder do you know of that actually enhances the colour and finish of a liquid/cream foundation, none but a powder foundation can do such a thing.
MAC Full Coverage Foundation (NW45)
This smooth, blendable formula was developed for the professional Artist who wants an emollient-based, full-coverage M∙A∙C foundation. This water-resistant foundation provides opaque coverage and is long-lasting, covering most scars, blemishes and birthmarks. MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15: rated 3 out of 5 on MakeupAlley. See 2980 member reviews and photos. Full-Coverage Foundation Favorites. Top Rated Liquid. With medium coverage that can easily be built up to full, M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation minimises the appearance of pores and imperfections, and gives skin a smooth, flawless look. Perfect to use day and night, Studio Fix Fluid has UVA/UVB SPF15 sun protection while still looking flawless in photographs. This long-wearing.
- MAC put their Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to the ultimate test of seeing how long it wears and, not surprisingly, the formula lasts for a full 12 hours! This one-step powder and foundation gives skin a smooth and even ultra-matte finish with medium-to-full buildable coverage - with a velvety texture that allows skin to breathe.
- Free shipping Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. A modern lightweight, natural matte foundation with shine-controlling, medium-to-full buildable coverage and 24-hour wear – available in an all-inclusive, colour-true range of 63 shades.
Colour: The colour of this foundation reminds me of my MAC pro long wear concealer, I guess due to the fact that the foundation is full coverage its going to be more orange in colour. Which is great for me, as orange will counter against darker areas of the face.
Consistency: Its a cream foundation so its extremely thick and might be a little difficult to apply. I use a q-tip to exact the amount I need and you may want to mix a little with your moisturiser to apply evenly, though this too is difficult as it doesn't mix well at first, but keep mixing!
Coverage: Full and I don't believe any other coverage can be achieved, as I have tried and failed. Well it is called full coverage.
Feel: You might find it cakey if you apply to much and if you have never used cream foundations, you might not know how much is enough. You only need a tiny bit on your cheeks, forehead and chin (or anywhere you usually apply your foundation). I would recommend using a dense brush that has tight bristles. The real techniques face brush is a good and affordable option. How a foundation feels on your skin really depends on the tools you use to apply it. Using your hands to apply it is a good idea, then use a buffing brush to set it, this will help you evenly apply it
Finish: Matte. Its definitely not the foundation to use to achieve a dewy look. I tried making a tinted moisturiser out of it (by mixing the foundation with my moisturiser) but I instead achieved the same matte look. You could however finish off with the MAC Fix+ to achieve a dewy yet full coverage look.
Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation
MAC Studio Fix Foundation Powder (NW45)
Ending notes?
The cream foundation is definitely a good product to have, but you need a lot of time on your hands to apply it. Its great for special occasions but I've been wearing it everyday since I bought it, because every day is an occasion daaarhling!
The powder foundation is a definite repurchase, I won't be needing any press powders or translucent powders anymore, it should have always been powder foundation for me. It all makes sense now.
Links to Wayne's foundation videos:
That is all from me…
*Vogue*
Some of my readers know that I have been using MAC's Studio Tech cream foundation since last summer, which I actually bought because I was looking for their Full Coverage Foundation (which is a PRO item only). While I have enjoyed it over the last half year or so and have even re-purchased it when I finished my first compact, I wanted to try the Full Coverage Foundation to see if there was a real difference or not between them.The first difference you'll notice is in the packaging. Studio Tech comes in a compact similar to Studio Fix, which comes with a mirror, pan of foundation and another compartment with a sponge. Personally I never use the sponge or mirror, so it's kind of unnecessary and bulky. Full Coverage Foundation comes in a big compact without the extras.
Mac Studio Fix Foundation Stick
I was a bit alarmed when I turned them around, just to show a comparison of the back.Studio Tech only contains 10g of product and Full Coverage has 28g of product. They cost the same price! So now I definitely know that Studio Tech is definitely a rip off in comparison.
The compacts opened. You can't really tell the difference in texture from here, but this is just to show the difference in pan size.
I decided to swatch both of them on a piece of paper if it was possible to see a difference.
The shade is the same (thank god, I would probably be mad if it weren't), but you can see a bit of difference in the texture. Studio Tech applies a bit uneven and blotchy while Full Coverage applies evenly.
So now for the face comparisons! I started my face off with MAC Prep + Prime Skin along with MAC Fix+ to prime my face.
Here you can see my bare face:
You can see that I have skin issues including some dark spots, under eye bags and redness.
For applying this foundation, I used a MAC 130 brush (duo fiber brush with a small head) that was sprayed with MAC Fix+. Using Fix+ is helpful when using cream foundations because it makes it apply more evenly and hydrates the cream. These pictures will be a bit bigger so you can click on them and see the imperfections better. Remember to set cream foundations with a powder as well!
First up is Full Coverage:
As you can see, it covers up my skin perfections incredibly well! You can't see my redness or dark spots, my under eye circles aren't showing up too much and it covers up most of my pores. I also really like how it looks nice and airbrushed on my face!
Studio Tech:
This application is just of when using the brush. I feel like it can be kind of cakey, streaky, and blotchy in spots without touching it up.
I touched the foundation up with my hands to blend it better. As you can see it looks MUCH better than the picture without the touch up. It does a fairly good job of covering my imperfections but I feel that the Full Coverage covers more.
So now that you've seen the pictures, I'll do a pros and cons for each of them.
Where Is Mac Studio Fix Foundation Made
Full CoveragePros:
- Lives up to the claim of being full coverage! Concealer is unnecessary to use.
- Doesn't feel too heavy on the skin.
- Applies evenly, no touch ups needed through out the day.
- Don't need to use a lot of product to cover the whole face.
- Same price as Studio Tech but comes with more product.
Cons:
- Only available at MAC Pro Stores or online at very inflated prices.
- Might be too drying for dry skin types.
- Thick formula, so might not be good for every day use.
- Is a bit hard to wash off due to the thick formula.
Studio Tech
Pros:
- Coverage is buildable! Starts as a medium coverage that can be built up to full coverage.
- Don't need to use concealer if you build up the coverage.
- Nice creamy texture, doesn't feel heavy.
- Easy to apply, good for everyday use.
Cons:
- Pricey considering the amount you get.
- Streaky application without touch ups and can be cakey if built up too much.
- Need to use more product depending on the coverage you want.
- Touch ups are needed sometimes.
Overall
Both are great cream foundations, but you need to pick it on your personal preferences. Studio Tech is a good foundation for everyday use and beginners. Full Coverage really lives up to the promises, but can be hard to use for beginners or for everyday use. Definitely a must use for those that have really bad skin problems.
Where to buy
Studio Tech: Available at all MAC stores and counters worldwide or online, $30.
Full Coverage: Available only at MAC PRO stores worldwide, $30. It's possible to find it online, but the prices are highly inflated.
