Ask Danielle: Applying MAC Studio Fix Foundation
The Style and Beauty Doctor reader Ericka writes in asking, “I just discovered your site and I love, love, love it. I have a question: What is the proper way to apply Mac Studio Fix (NW45) from start to finish?”
Hi Ericka!
Glad you found my site and that you enjoy it.
Studio Fix can be a tricky foundation to wear since it can have the tendency to look “powdery” and “cakey”–even moreso if you have dry skin.
What you want to do first is cleanse and properly moisturize your skin as usual. I like to use a foundation primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer or MAC Prep and Prime Skin to fill in any pores and smooth out the skin (you want a nice foundation to start with so that the Studio Fix doesn’t settle into your pores). Then, give yourself a few spritzes of MAC Fix+ Spray. This will help prep the skin for the Studio Fix. After the Fix+ dries, lightly dip a fluffy powder brush (try MAC #187–its design allows for a more controlled application of powder products plus it can also be used with liquid foundation, bronzer, blush, shimmer, and more) into the Studio Fix. Tap off any excess product and then lightly brush it on your face making sure you get all areas up to the hairline (or else you will get the mask look). It’s a good idea to do light applications and then build up more coverage as needed being extremely careful not to apply too much.
Last, give your face a few more spritzes of Fix+ Spray to help prevent the “cakey” look.
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8 Comments
Thanks Danielle for this post –I will try these tip because some mornings after applying my mac studio fix, I do get the cakey look and then I spend more time trying to get rid of it. I will def invest in the MAC Fix+ Spray.
Thanks- Great post!
Yes—once you get Fix+ you will wonder what you did without it
You’re welcome
Danielle helpp!
So I love love love makeup but lately I have been dreading putting it on in the morning.
The reason is I’m BORED. I got the eye looks perfected…but the face is just…BLAH
Here’s what I use: NW45 STUDIO FIX FLUID. BLOT PRESSED POWDER IN DEEP DARK. FOR A KINDA HIGHLIGHT I USE MINIRILIZE IN WARM SOUL. BLUSH IS RAIZIN OR TIPPY…ahh jus talking about it I’m bored. I need a nice glow but also just a overall pretty look..please help.
Hey Sophia! How are ya?
Try using a luminizer under your foundation like Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Glow: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P9888&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3990. You can also try NARS The Multiple in St. Barts: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2866&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3976 in a “C” formation starting from the top of your cheekbones.
I like pressed blot powder to touch-up my face throughout the day, but I love using something else to set my foundation. Have you ever tried Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder http://www.beccacosmetics.com/COMPLEXION-Powder/c3_13/p17/Fine-Loose-Finishing-Powder/product_info.html? This stuff makes your skin look gorgeous—like skin, not powdery or cakey like other powders can.
Let me know how this works out for you!
Also, how often do you exfoliate? You may need a light exfoliating treatment to rid your skin of dead skin cells that can cause you to lose your glow.
Thank u for the advice I’m off to sephora.
Here’s another question..let’s talk nars foundation
If I’m a nw45-mac
What color am I in NARS
Hey! Try Tortuga or Trinidad.
Hi Danielle,
After toning and moisturizing my face, i use mac prep + prime to prime my face. After that, i’ll use mac 187 to apply MAC studio fix fluid as my foundation. Follow by a face brush to dust mac select sheer pressed powder.
However i find that my foundation is very cakey and my pores look very visible. Also due to weather changes, my nose and forehead are peeling. And its very obvious after foundation.
What should i do?
Hey Madeleine!
Let me run a few scenarios by you to pinpoint the issue
Have you always done the routine you described above? If you have but added something different than you regularly do, that might be the culprit.
I also think it may be the amount of Studio Fix Fluid you apply and perhaps the brush you’re using with the Select Sheer might be too heavy and is picking up too much product. I love the 187 brush because it’s so versatile. I also like to use it to apply powder (but I realize if you’re using it for liquid foundation it won’t work as well for you). You might need a lighter brush to apply your powder—maybe invest in another 187.
OR what you really need is just some MAC Fix+ Spray. It’ll help to break down the cakey-ness and will help your makeup look radiant.
What moisturizer are you using? Sounds like you need something a tad heavier for the peeling.
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