February 04, 2012

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation NC25 and NW25 - Review and Photos

A few weeks ago my skin went a bit psycho on me, it was dry, flaky and my usual foundation (Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse) just couldn't cope with the personality change! So I did what any social media addict would do... I put an SOS out on Twitter to get a foundation recommendation for dry flaky skin. There were two constants that kept getting mentioned: Bourjois Healthy Mix with Serum and MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation.

In the end I decided to go with the MAC one, because even though I love Bourjois somehow their foundation colours never work on me, turning me kind of grey coloured. Grrr...
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC25 (left) and NW25 (right)

Colour
Initially I was colour matched to NC25 (as I thought), which I bought... then 3 days later I went to the beach and despite me slapping on sunscreen everywhere I managed to get a tan. Oops. NC25 no longer looked good on me, but because I liked it already I thought I'll visit MAC again and get the next shade up. Except when I tanned instead of going NC30 I somehow turned into NW25.

Anyway long story short, I now have 2 foundation colours! My tan has faded a bit now but not enough to wear NC25 alone, so I just mix the two to get my perfect colour. I don't mind that at all as I've always mixed my foundations shades, so all good.
Swatches of MAC Studio Sculpt foundation in NC25 and NW25

Coverage & Consistency
It's kind of a gel / cream consistency. You only need a little bit to get a really good medium to full coverage. I wouldn't say it's a matte coverage, more like a satin one so there's still some sheen. I apply it with my fingers as I find it blends better that way. I'm happy to say my skin is no longer as dry or flaky as it was a few weeks ago, but even in its driest phase this foundation did not emphasize any flakes.

Longevity
I apply it around 7 am in the morning and my foundation still looks fresh when I'm taking off at night. I always set it with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder, which helps it last that long. I don't get any shine at all, except maybe towards the end of the day when the sides of my nose get a bit oily.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation on face - Click photo to enlarge

Smell
Aahh the smell... It's a bit of a weird one. It has a somewhat sweet alcoholic smell, kind of like sweet sherry. At first I really liked it, then as my pregnancy hormones played havoc with my sense of smell I couldn't stand the smell, but now I'm fairly neutral to it. So if you have a sensitive nose, definitely have a sniff before buying it!

Final thoughts
Overall I'm extremely happy it and will re-purchase when it runs out, but I'll probably try to buy it online as I don't want to be paying the Aussie prices for it! ($51AUD). It has SPF15 in it which is a plus, and even though some foundations with SPF give a white cast to the face in photos, I don't find that the case.

Have you tried this foundation before?

25 comments :

  1. This foundation sounds amazing, I've read wonders about it!
    I'm currently trying to finish all the foundations I have around AND I'm on a shopping ban.
    But it surely will be the next foundation I'll buy :D xxx

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    Replies
    1. I have so many unfinished foundations as well that I need to somehow get through, but this was a necessary purchase for me due to my skin. Now that my skin is a bit better I'll have to start using up some of my old ones too! Good luck with your shopping ban! xo

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    2. Happy you've found the right foundation :) xxx

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  2. Woo! I actually just tried this stuff out finally not too long ago, and I'm in love with it, too. It's so nice!

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    Replies
    1. Yeay, another person that loves this foundation. It's fabulous!

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  3. I've bought this foundation in the past. I found that it applies really well with the Beauty Blender, as the foundation is slightly on the thick side. It looks really good with the MSFN on top.

    So envious of your weather right now - it's so damn cold over here in London!!! :) x

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    Replies
    1. Our weather is all over the place at the moment, one day it's hot one day freezing and rain! Soon you guys will have warmer weather though and I'll be the jealous one!

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  4. I think you have really nice skin even without the foundation! Nevertheless, the foundation sounds and seems amazing but from the pictures, I think that the real deal breaker is the MAC MSFN! It gives the most amazing and natural glow after u layer it over the foundation..

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    Replies
    1. Thanks hun, besides dryness I don't have too much of a problem with my skin. But yeah the MAC MSFN is just great over foundation, love it!

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  5. Great review, hun! I was thinking of getting my first Mac foundation and had my mind set on Studio fix fluid, now I think I have to reconsider! It's a good think Studio Sculpt didn't accentuate dry areas on the face. Strange though that you were given a NW shade for your tan! It looks great on the pics though ;)
    xx

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    Replies
    1. I think my tan gave me different undertones hence the NW match, but it's a good much so can't complain. I haven't tried the Studio Fix Fluid yet, so good luck with whichever one you end up getting! xo

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  6. This is what I use in my kit and I do love working with it as it is so natural!

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  7. I'd rally love to try more Mac foundations, but as I have a bit of a collection going, can't really justify buying more.. But I wish!
    xx

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  8. Gosh, this looks amazing on you - I wear Pro Longwear most days, but a satin finish definitely sounds up my alley. I'm investigating when I'm my ban is up :)

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  9. I have been meaning to pick this one up. It looks great. And, NC25 is my shade, and it looks like it would be a perfect match for me. Thanks for sharing, Lilit! :)

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  10. I've always been curious about this foundation, as I never hear that much about it. Maybe I'll give it a try in the winter time when I'm drier :)

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  11. This foundation looks amazing on you! It's usually a nightmare to apply foundation when I have dry patches of skin. I'll definitely be checking this out. Which online stores to you use for MAC?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer, I usually buy my MAC either from www.allcosmeticswholesale.com (their shipping is pricey though!) or from an authentic ebay seller called Mirror Mirror http://stores.ebay.com.au/Mirror-Mirror-Beauty?_rdc=1

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  12. You have gorgeous skin, even without the foundation! Definitely will be picking Studio Sculpt up, thanks for the review!
    xx

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  13. You're pretty and have great skin even without the foundation, anyway I think I am gonna try this one when I get to a MAC store, hopefully soon ! I am a bit afraid I get my right color wrong, I hate it when it happens and I get a color that is too pale or too yellow ! Kisses

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  14. This is definitely going to be my next foundation purchase when I finish up my SFF. It seems ideal for my dry skin. I've never heard about the smell though~ Yay for your pregnancy super nose?

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  16. I found the foundation was really thick, and so therefore was difficult to apply and my dry skin ended up showing through after a couple of hours. Do you have any tips? :/

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  17. I have so many great things about this foundation. Next on my to-buy list. Your skin looks great by the way. :)

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  18. Been wanting to get this.. but I don't understand when the other brands such as Lancome and Estee Lauder manage to lower their foundation prices to $50, this has gone up to AUD$52, yes yes $1 difference, but that's still an UP instead of DOWN ... Although, perhaps if this foundation looks that good, I might as well just give in and get one.. haha

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