REVIEW: MAC Studio Fix Fluid

I've been raving about the MAC Studio Fix Fluid for ages. And up until now, I never actually wrote about it.

Yes, I may have mentioned it several posts saying how good it is, but not a separate post.

Well, now it's finally time. This MAC foundation finally gets its own post!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

I bought my first bottle more than a year and a half ago when I was shade matched in their store.

Until then I only heard about MAC and never tried anything. It seemed so expensive and why would I buy something so expensive if I can get cheaper products?

Plus I've heard all about how the quality went downhill and that's a bandwagon I didn't want to jump on.

So, when I got myself into the MAC store I had quite a bit of opinion about the brand.

I only tried their baked blush (and loved it) but other than that, the brand remained a mystery for me.

It was a hot summer day; I was sweaty and my original makeup melted. Probably off to hell.
I was offered a small makeover (foundation) to try and see how long it would last on me.
I got the whole shebang - primer, fixing powder etc. Everything.
In the end, I was so impressed by the foundation (how easily it applied and how evenly it looked!) that I just bought it. My idea was to get a sample or three before purchasing it. Well, I liked it instantaneously and needed it in my life.
That must have been the most I've ever spent in a makeup store. I got everything they used on my face. *shock*

Anyhow, off I went into the heat and I got so many compliments at the state of my skin. Like how perfect it looks! How well put together I look. Like a doll. What is this sorcery?!

My skin at the time wasn't that great. It was pretty oily, with lots of blemishes and PIH marks. A bit of an unpleasant look but nothing too drastic (I can say that now, but at the time it was the end of the world).

Two bottles later I can say that I love this foundation. It's perfect. Exactly what I was looking for.

I love it because:

It lasts the whole day
Has amazing coverage (medium to full)
Easy to use
Makes my skin look good
Survives practically anything (okay, maybe not rubbing!)

I've changed how I use the foundation since I started using it, but my love didn't fade.

Back then I used 2-3 pumps because I was applying it with a makeup sponge and it would eat up the foundation (what a waste!). I got a full glam look.

Now my skin is in a far better condition so I use only 1 pump and I apply it with my fingers *gasps*. I get an even look that is more on the natural side.

Liquid finish
medium-to-full coverage
Long-lasting formula up to 24 hours
Gives a natural matte finish
Long-lasting formula
No need for top-ups
SPF 15

When purchasing the bottle you need to buy the pump separately. Why? I guess it's marketing. :P

With a pump, the application is way easier. I can't imagine using it without one.

The MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation will even your skin tone and cover any minor blemishes.

PROS:

+ It will last you quite a bit (6-8 months, depending on use)

+ full coverage

+ great for combo to oily skin

+ stays put through the day and all-weather

+ lots of shades to chose from (mine is NW13)

+ can be applied using different techniques

CONS:

- the scent. It smells like paint. It's something that I needed some time to get used to.

- the pump needs to be bought separately

- expensive (40-45€)

- it will cling to dry areas

OVERALL:

Despite the MAC Studio Fix Fluid being expensive, it remains one of my favourite foundations. It does exactly what I was looking for. It's long-lasting, full coverage (or less, if I apply less of it) and I don't have to worry about reapplication during the day.

To some people, it may feel like wearing a mask, and it does - if you apply too much of it. But even with it, you can get a natural-looking base. I apply it over my morning routine (the last step is sunscreen) and I don't bother with primers. It, however, does work wonderfully with them. I did use it with the MAC primers (stick and cream) when I had some dry areas that I wanted to address. Now I don't bother. Who's going to look so closely anyhow? :P

I'm all about time management so I'm happy that I don't have to spend too much time thinking and doing my foundation. I love it and will keep repurchasing it! You can also find it on Notino.