MAC Studio Fix Tech Is A Unique Cream to Powder Foundation Formula

Studio Fix Tech promises to be lightweight with a buildable medium coverage.

Cream foundations don’t get a lot of hype in the makeup world, but their popularity is increasing due to their convenience. Typically, cream foundations come in either a stick form or a compact with a mirror. Both are perfect for on-the-go or traveling, especially when flying. MAC Studio Fix Tech is a unique cream foundation that transforms to a powder finish. This cream to powder foundation makes a lot of claims, and MAC never seems to let me down. Luckily, Studio Fix Tech performed well.

Promises vs. Performance: MAC claims 12 hours of creaseproof wear.

Studio Fix Tech promises 12 hours of crease-proof, sweat and humidity resistant, fade proof wear. The formula is a “tri-system blend” featuring water, emollients, and powder that work together to create a soft, creamy, lightweight texture that transforms as it’s applied. The “tri-system blend” helps provide immediate and long term moisturization, so your skin shouldn’t feel dry when you wear this foundation. MAC promises a medium buildable coverage that doesn’t cake and feels lightweight on the skin. And, in true MAC fashion, Studio Fix Tech comes in 42 inclusive shades.

This cream to powder foundation from MAC sounds amazing and unique. For testing purposes, I did use the included sponge to apply (MAC says you can use a brush or sponge to apply). The formula is thick, but it is pretty easy to blend in. It feels like a typical cream foundation, with that balmy texture. You do have a good amount of playing time with Studio Fix Tech before it transforms to the powder finish. I was able to get a solid medium coverage, as MAC claimed, that had a really pretty finish on my skin. I appreciated that the natural matte finish was more on the natural side instead of being super matte and flat.

The wear throughout the day was mostly comfortable. It didn’t feel dry or tacky on my face. By the end of the night, it was breaking apart in the center of my face and looked really dry. As I moved my face, you could see the foundation moving with any lines. It was exaggerating my lines and dryness by the end of the night. But, to compare to the Dermablend Cover Creme (rated ***3.2), MAC Studio Fix Tech is less heavy, more comfortable to wear, and wore better overall.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4)

:MAC Studio Fix Tech Foundation

Price: $40.00

0.35 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(3.5)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(3.8)

Longevity

(3.8)

Shade Range

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(3.8)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

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How It Compares: MAC’s cream to powder foundation wears well throughout the day.

Cream foundations are a good product for versatility, but they are on the heavier side. The thicker formula can accentuate lines and dryness and settle throughout the day. On the other side, they are great for convenience if you need to apply on-the-go or don’t have many imperfections for them to exaggerate. I do think MAC Studio Fix Tech is a solid cream foundation. It wore mostly well throughout the day and gave my skin a solid medium coverage with a really pretty natural finish. It wasn’t as heavy as most cream foundations, which I enjoyed.

Milabu Beauty Method: The best way to apply cream to powder foundation.

Unless you’re in a pinch, skip the sponge that comes in the compact. I’d recommend using a dense brush, like this one from Bobbi Brown ($52), or a Beautyblender ($20).

1. Because this foundation can exaggerate and settle into lines, I would use a pore filling primer like Benefit Porefessional ($32).
2. Dab your brush or sponge into the compact to pick up product.
3. Swipe the foundation across your face.
4. After you have a few swipes of foundation across your face, begin blending it into the skin.
5. If needed, repeat steps 2-4 to achieve more coverage.
6. I don’t find I need to set Studio Fix Tech because of it’s long wear and powder finish. If you are looking for a setting powder, one of my favorite is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder ($39). If you’re looking for a spray, you can’t go wrong with Urban Decay All Nighter ($33).