PSA: Powder Foundations Are Back. We Put M.A.C's Reformulated Studio Fix Powder Plus To The Test
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
In Partnership with M.A.C Cosmetics.
A few months ago I wrote about being back in my 'M.A.C era'.
The translation: I found an oldie-but-goodie lip and fell in love (again) with their MACStack Mascara (truly, it's one of the best on the market).
And I'm pleased to share my self-proclaimed 'M.A.C era' is still going strong. Only now my focus has shifted to their iconic base range...
M.A.C has been quietly reformulating two of its cult complexion products; the Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and the Studio Fix Powder Plus.
The brand’s reputation for skin-perfecting formulas is practically unmatched. Decades of artistry have shaped M.A.C’s approach to base products that are professional yet wearable and ultimately, long lasting.
And these reformulations? They’re proof that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning their legacy but rather levelling-up.
So with a primer in one hand and a puff in the other, we dived straight into testing what might just be M.A.C’s most exciting complexion refresh in years.
The Base Edit: Meet M.A.C’s Two Primers
What: M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer 30ml& M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing & Illuminating Silk Primer
Now this wouldn't be a complexion review without mentioning M.A.C's Primer offerings.
As we know, every great base begins with even greater prep. This invisible layers decides how your makeup wears, how it feels and (most crucially) how long it lasts.
For the shine-prone, the Studio Fix Mattifine 12Hr Shine-Control Primer is a dream. Its gel-to-powder texture smooths onto ski instantly mattifying without that uncomfortable tightness.
Formulated with M.A.C’s Oil-Check Complex (plus lactobionic acid, algae extract and witch hazel), it helps refine texture and minimise pores while keeping oil firmly in check for up to 12 hours. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic and perfect for those whose makeup tends to slide by 3pm.
I like to focus this on my t-zone and cheeks (where my pores tend to appear the most enlarged). I definitely notice a difference (SMOOTHNESS), when I use it.
On the other side of the texture spectrum sits Studio Radiance Moisturising & Illuminating Silk Primer. I like to think of her as the glow-giver.
Ideal for dull, dehydrated or combination skin types, this one drenches the complexion in moisture. It’s dosed with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oils and antioxidants like vitamin E.
The water-gel texture feels cooling and fresh. Eight hours later, the radiance still lingers.
M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Review
Fast Facts:
- 2-in-1 foundation and setting powder
- Buildable coverage from medium to full
- Blurred-matte finish
- All-new talc-free formula
- 24 hours of shine and oil control
It's no secret powder foundations have struggled to find a place in the age of glass skin and even-glassier skin filters.
But with fast paced trends comes an impeding shift towards more subdued, silky skin (Aka put down the highlighter). And powder foundations? Oh, they're officially back. *With a few slight adjustments.
It's no surprise M.A.C are leading the herd, with their revamped talc-free formula that boasts 24-hour shine control and an extended shade range that covers every undertone.
The finish is a soft-blurred matte without being chalky. Gliding on effortlessly, instantly refining pores and evening tone. It can be worn alone for light, polished coverage or layered for a more perfected, photo-ready effect.
And crucially, it’s been designed to complement the brand’s other bases. Which means less guesswork, more glow (or matte, depending on your preference).
My Review:
When I first opened the compact, I’ll be honest – I hesitated. The shade looked suspiciously orange in the pan and visions of an unfortunate Cheeto puff cosplay briefly flashed before my eyes.
But, in true M.A.C fashion, the shade range delivered. Between my average colour-matching skills and M.A.C’s impressively cohesive system, I landed on the perfect tone. A quick swatch along my jawline confirmed it: we were in business.
Pro tip: for your best match, test foundation along the jawline in natural light. If your face is lighter than your neck (which it often is), take cues from your chest and shoulders for a balanced, all-over match.
Application, however, took a moment of trial and error. Using the included sponge gave me quite a heavy application. I found it to be a little patchy and noticed it clung (for dear life) onto spots of freshly applied primer.
Note to self(and all): Wait for your primer to dry down completely before applying a powder foundation.
After a short pause and deep breath, I restarted with a loose powdered brush (one I would typically reach for when applying setting powder), and found it worked a treat.
It produced a softer, veil-like finish that felt a little more breathable and (objectively) looked better on my skin.
I really liked how buildable it was with the brush application. I stopped somewhere around the medium-coverage mark, but can see this layering to a beautiful full coverage (if that's your thing!). The finish was a true velvety matte (with a hint of radiance).
I did like my look, but I wasn't completely sold yet (powder is just so far out of my glow-chasing comfort zone). However, it wasn't until I was complimented by a friend (they said my base looked exceptionally healthy) and had a chance to properly assess my selfies from the day, that I really appreciated this beauty.
My skin looked even, blurred and unexpectedly luminous. I liked how my skin peeked through (just enough). I also noticed it photographed particularly well throughout the day (no glistening forehead).
There was a little fading around my hairline (where I had worked my bronzer in) by the 6 hour mark but it was minimal. Colour me, impressed.
Senior Beauty Editor, Sadaf's Review:
"I am a liquid foundation girlie to my core. Give me glow, give me luminosity - I want to blind astronauts in space with my dewy base! Powders, on the other hand, have never been my friend.
Coupled with the fact the last time I used a powder was the nineties (dark times) where the shade ranges were dismal and every formula left my complexion looking muddy and completely dull, I never dared to use one again.
Until now.
This is the first time I've attempted to use a powder foundation again and when I tell you I could not have been more pleasantly surprised.
I first tried it on its own as an all over foundation base and yes, and while it delivered that expected matte finish (side note: you’d think with my oily t-zone I would be a powder convert), it wasn’t dull or chalky.
Instead, my complexion still looked vibrant, smooth and gave that soft focus finish that photographed really well too.
The real test though? That same day, I was greeted with midday rain and humidity (classic Sydney), and I also had a bit of a cry (life) and here is my base after all of that at 5PM:
I put this powder foundation through its paces and it STILL held up.
The next day, I used it just to powder down the parts of my face I get a lot of shine (around my nose, my forehead and chin) and just like the creator says in this video) I agree that it totally elevated my makeup game.
Knowing I can now confidently incorporate a powder into my routine particularly on days I want a little shine control - game-changer.
If I was going to reach for the best powder foundation for my skin, it would definitely be this one.
But should I really be surprised? This is M·A·C Cosmetics we’re talking about here, the masters of crafting makeup that performs beautifully on everyone.
And I can’t believe I’m saying this, now I’ll actually be reaching for a powder again. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always have a soft spot for my liquid foundations (I am a dewy girl through and through), but now, my long-standing fear of powder foundations is over - and that in itself feels revolutionary for me."
M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Review
Fast Facts:
- 24-hour buildable, breathable foundation
- Soft-matte, natural finish
- Contains 87% skincare ingredients
- Comfortable, lightweight wear
- 71 shades for all skin tones and textures
If you’ve ever worn a foundation, chances are you’ve tried M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid. It’s been a backstage mainstay, a celebrity favourite and a first-foundation memory for millions(including me!).
The remastered Studio Fix Fluid retains its same 24-hour wear and buildable, breathable coverage but now boasts an impressive 87% skincare ingredient make up.
It's dosed with sugar kelp extract to help balance oil, red algae extract for hydration and hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth over time. It also harnesses a Pro Fluid Technology™ so it moves seamlessly with the skin, rather than sitting atop it.
The finish sits somewhere between soft satin and dewy. A real 'your skin, but better'.
I did find the formula performed very similarly to the original (which I loved). This was maybe slightly more dewy?! Hard to tell... it really was very similar.
On the sensorial front, it's a little lighter weight and more breathable. I used the M.A.C Cosmetics 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush to apply it (with soft stippling motions) and was thrilled with how seamless (near flawless) the finish was. No streaking or creasing. It layered beautifully over both primers too.
By evening, my skin still looked fresh and radiant. Another, consistently great complexion winner.
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