For over a decade, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation reigned supreme in my makeup kit, a holy grail for bridal makeup and professional use. Its flawless, long-lasting, soft matte finish consistently delivered exceptional oil control and coverage. Then came the news: discontinuation. However, MAC has reformulated this beloved foundation, incorporating skincare ingredients for a more natural, skin-like feel. This review dives deep into a comprehensive comparison between the old and new formulas, examining coverage, longevity, shade matching, and overall wear. As a freelance makeup artist with over 20 years of experience, I'll share my honest assessment of whether the reformulation lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.This in-depth review explores the changes in the new MAC Studio Fix Fluid, analyzing its performance against the original formula. From initial application and shade matching to wear throughout a long day and even a side-by-side comparison, I'll detail the texture, coverage, and longevity of both versions. Ultimately, I'll reveal whether the updated formula maintains the exceptional qualities that made the original a favorite among makeup artists and consumers alike, and if the added skincare benefits justify the changes.
Pros And Cons
- Good coverage
- Long-wearing
- Soft matte finish
- Helps control oil for hours
- Doesn't emphasize texture or make pores look big
- Discontinued
- Pump sold separately
- Good coverage
- Long-wearing
- Soft matte finish
- Helps control oil for hours
- Includes skincare ingredients (sugar kelp extract, red algae extract, hyaluronic acid)
- Feels lightweight
- Comes with a pump
- Shade may be slightly off compared to the original formula (depending on skin tone)
- Shine control not amazing (may require touch-up with powder)
Read more: Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin: Top 5 Picks
Devastating News: My Holy Grail Discontinued
Last month, I received some upsetting news: my beloved MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid foundation, a staple in my makeup kit for over 10 years, was being discontinued. This foundation was my go-to for bridal makeup, consistently delivering flawless results on combination to oily skin.
As a freelance makeup artist for many years, Studio Fix Fluid never let me down. It provided incredible coverage, was incredibly long-lasting, and created a beautiful, soft matte finish that effectively controlled oil for hours.
I rarely use the term 'holy grail,' but Studio Fix Fluid truly earned the title. I’ve repurchased it countless times and recommended it to everyone I know. The news of its discontinuation was truly heartbreaking.
The Reformulation: Good for Skin?
MAC has reformulated Studio Fix Fluid to include skincare ingredients, aiming for a more natural skin-like feel. The new formula boasts 87% skincare ingredients, including sugar kelp extract to control oil, red algae extract, and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
The brand also touts 'new Pro fluid technology' that moves with the skin for a natural and comfortable, lightweight wear. While I never found the original formula cakey, my application technique is more advanced than the average user, having over 20 years of professional experience.
This reformulation is part of a wider trend in the cosmetics industry, removing talc from powders and blushes and adding skincare benefits to keep up with changing technology and consumer preferences.
First Impressions and Swatches
I received samples of shades NC20 and NC25 from a MAC counter. Initially, NC20 appeared more yellow than I'm used to.
NC25, after oxidizing, looked peachier. Both shades were highly concentrated and blendable; a small amount covered a large area of my skin.
I wasn't sure the NC shades would work for me, as they are what I've historically used. I was grateful I only received samples and didn't purchase a full size immediately.
Day One Wear Test: Initial Observations
I applied NC20 using my preferred method – applying a small amount to the palm of my hand and blending with a brush. Even without a pore-refining primer, my pores appeared more refined than usual.
The coverage was medium, similar to the original formula, and the shade blended well, even though it initially appeared off. I prefer my foundation to be slightly darker, so I blended it down my neck.
After applying concealer and the rest of my makeup, the foundation looked good. I used my Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream beforehand.
Evening Update: Longevity and Oil Control
After a long day and dinner, my foundation still looked great. No major touch-ups were needed, only minor adjustments to eye makeup and lipstick.
This was incredibly impressive, as I usually have to redo my makeup after an evening out. While I did use some powder throughout the day, I didn't feel the need for a complete reapplication.
The foundation maintained a shine-free look for far longer than other foundations I've tried, lasting several hours without significant oil breakthrough.
Day Two: Old vs. New Formula Comparison
On day two, I compared the old and new formulas side-by-side. The new formula initially appeared slightly lighter and less peachy than the original.
However, after oxidizing, both shades became very similar. This suggests an ingredient in the new formula oxidizes more, resulting in a color shift.
Applying both with fingers, the new formula seemed slightly more spreadable. The coverage and overall wear were nearly identical.
Eight-Hour Wear Test: Final Thoughts
After eight hours, both formulas showed similar wear. While not completely shine-free, the shine was manageable, and the foundation hadn't separated or emphasized texture.
The coverage remained consistent, staying put throughout the day. The new formula held up equally well, demonstrating long-lasting wear and excellent oil control.
Overall, I am incredibly happy with the new formula. The longevity, coverage, and finish are comparable to the original, and the inclusion of skincare benefits is a welcome bonus.
Final Verdict and Purchase
I ultimately purchased the new MAC Studio Fix Fluid in shade C3.5, finding the NC shades too yellow for my skin tone. I often mixed shades in the past to find a perfect match, but C3.5 provided a perfect neutral shade.
The new formula includes a pump, unlike the original, eliminating the need for a separate purchase. The price increase from $42 to $44 is acceptable given this improvement.
I highly recommend the new MAC Studio Fix Fluid, especially for combination to oily skin. The improved formula provides similar performance to the beloved original, with added skincare benefits.