The Difference Between These MAC Foundations (& Which One Will Give You Flawless Skin)

Updated:

8 Nov 2023

Amelia Singson is a Sydney-based Makeup Artist with over a decade in the industry. She loves glowing skin, bushy brows and is partial to blush on the nose. Her relationship with skincare is deep and real, and she can talk about products until your ears fall off.

which mac foundation amelia

When MAC - full name M.A.C Cosmetics - burst onto the scene in the mid 80s, the inclusive brand quickly became the authority in makeup.

From their innovative formulas to an extensive MAC shade range right from the start, MAC products have always been made to suit everyone, no matter your age, ethnicity, gender or skin type.

MAC continues to sit amongst the top makeup brands at Adore Beauty to this day.

As a makeup artist and former MAC girlie (I worked at MAC back in the day!), I've been using MAC foundations for well over a decade.

There's a lot of hype around the cult MAC Face and Body foundation, but it's not for everyone...

So, which MAC foundation will give you the flawless base you're looking for?

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about MAC's most popular foundations, including what they look like on my skin and which one's right for you.

How to Choose a Foundation.

This YouTube video above does an amazing job of breaking down how to choose a foundation.

Don't have time to watch just now? No stress, here's the quick version.

When it comes to finding the right foundation, there are a few things to consider:

How much coverage do you like - sheer, medium or full?
The finish - do you want to be glossed to the gawds, or more matte, or somewhere in the middle?
Have a think about where you’ll be wearing it - do you need a long-wearing formula that can last through hours of dancing, or something more for every day?
What's your skin type? Do you find foundations suck the moisture from your face, or slide off your t-zone?

Once you’ve nailed the what and the why, choosing a foundation will be easy as.

My MAC Foundation Reviews.

M.A.C Foundations

Today, we'll be reviewing four key MAC foundations:

MAC Face and Body Foundation.
MAC Studio Fix Foundation.
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation.
MAC Powder Foundation.

Shades-wise, all of these MAC foundations are available in Global Shades at Adore Beauty.

This means you have access to every shade the brand makes of these foundations so you can find your perfect match.

As for how to pick your MAC foundation shade, each shade is identified by a letter and a number.

The letters refer to the undertone of the product, you've got:

C = Cool, NC = Neutral Cool, N = Neutral, NW = Neutral Warm and W = Warm.

The number indicates how light or dark the shade is, from lowest to highest.

Now, let’s break down these foundations.

1. MAC Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation.

mac sheer radiance face and body foundation

What:

M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

Fast facts:

MAC Face and Body Foundation is a cult foundation for many a good reason.
This liquid foundation leaves your skin looking fresh and radiant, but never greasy.
Water-based, waterproof formula has 8-hour wear, and works great on the body for an airbrushed look, too.
The name and packaging recently changed, but can confirm, it's the same original MAC Face and Body formula inside.

Coverage: Super sheer, but buildable. I love this, but it's not for everyone.

Finish: Super dewy! This formula instantly hydrates, giving even the driest skin a glass-like finish.

Here's how it looks on the skin.

mac sheer radiance face and body foundation amelia

Packaging: A squeeze-y bottle with a cap and nozzle.

How to apply MAC Face and Body Foundation:

My favourite way to apply this foundation is with fingers.

The warmth from your hands activates the formula and allows it to grip to the skin.

In my experience, brushes and sponges tend to just move this particular product around.

Shop M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Foundation

2. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation

What:

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation

Fast facts:

MAC Studio Fix Foundation is probably the brand's most well-known foundation.
This long-wearing, oil-free formula instantly blurs the look of pores and evens out the skin.
24-hour wear that still feels comfortable on the skin all day.
Contains SPF15, which is a nice bonus but not enough sun protection to replace your primary SPF50+ sunscreen.

Coverage: Buildable, medium to full coverage.

This can be worn super natural or built to very full coverage, depending on your vibe.

Finish: Natural matte. Here's how it looks on the skin.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation amelia

Packaging: Glass foundation bottle with a pump dispenser.

How to apply MAC Studio Fix Foundation:

I find I get the best finish using a sponge or a foundation brush. Matte formulas like this one tend to blend better with a makeup applicator.

You’ll get the most coverage using a brush. Try a sponge if you're after medium coverage.

shop M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation

3. MAC Pro Longwear Foundation.

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

What:

M.A.C COSMETICS Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

Fast facts:

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation is a waterproof, hydrating foundation that can be worn as a concealer or a foundation.
Pro Longwear foundations are known for their ability to withstand sweat, humidity and water (very mask-friendly).
The oil-free nourishing formula is comfortable enough to wear all day, while also ensuring there’s no caking, creasing, settling or streaking.

Coverage: This is a MAC full coverage foundation, but it can be thinned out or applied sparingly for more sheer coverage.

Finish: Satin finish, with a 36-hour longwear claim.

Here's how it looks on the skin.

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

Packaging: A squeeze-y tube and a lid that screws on.

How to apply MAC Pro Longwear Foundation:

With this MAC full coverage foundation, you can use a foundation brush, sponge or your fingers.

I’m partial to a sponge, but this formula is more forgiving and can work with any method of application.

Bonus tip: Finish with a layer of the new M.A.C Cosmetics FIX+ STAY OVER 100ml to help the foundation stay flawless for even longer.

shop M.A.C COSMETICS Pro Longwear Foundation

4. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

What:

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Fast facts:

The MAC powder foundation is a two-in-one product that adds coverage, and controls oil and shine.
Compact foundations are a bit of a throwback, but they still have their place!
The convenience of a compact is unmatched, and the ultra-blurring matte finish leaves skin looking airbrushed.
Can be worn alone or over makeup as a setting powder, and won't oxidise, streak, cake or settle.
I wouldn’t recommend using this as a setting powder on top of another matte foundation like Studio Fix Fluid, as they are both foundations (10 years ago, we used to sell these as a duo lol).

Coverage: Buildable, medium to full coverage.

Finish: Velvet and ultra-matte, with 12 hours of wear.

Here's how it looks on the skin.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation amelia

Packaging: Foundation compact with a mirror and traditional sponge applicator.

How to apply the MAC powder foundation:

It depends on how you want to use it!

Want to use it as a foundation? A kabuki brush or foundation brush will deliver medium coverage, while pressing the product into the skin using the included sponge will give you fuller coverage.

To use this as a setting powder, lightly dust all over using a large fluffy powder brush, or spot set areas like under the eyes or the chin using a small, fluffy blending brush.

A few pats of the powder using the sponge is also great for quick touch ups while you're out.