What I love about this product is that it's fast, extremely effective in covering up imperfections and redness, one step (no extra powder required), and is versatile enough to use as a foundation alone or setting powder to control oil in the T-zones without becoming cakey when used with a full coverage foundation. **If you like Bare Minerals but have oily skin and it cakes in your pores, this product is for you!!** It is also great for setting concealer under the eyes to cover dark circles. Studio Fix is easy to tote around as well- throw it in your purse to use for touchups or if you're like me, grab it at a red light on the way to work. It's excellent for oily skin as it really soaks up any oil that's present, and it seems to last throughout the workday for me. An added plus... even if you've been wearing it all day, it only takes a few small swipes to make it look perfect if you're headed to dinner.
I will say, and I may get some hatemail for this... I'm not a big fan of the liquid version of this. It is extremely heavy, does NOT do well with oily skin and, like most MAC liquid foundations, the colors tend to become a little orangey if one has particularly pale skin.
As a pledge to keeping it real, I've taken a before and after picture of myself using the product.
You'll notice right away I have a TON of red undertones, and I'm having a bit of a problem with blemishes this last week.
I applied concealer (MAC studio finish) with a concealer brush to my blemish areas very lightly, then using a plain circle sponge I went to town with the Studio Fix. For a full coverage feel, use the sponge like a powder puff in any pressed powder set. If there are some areas that need a little extra, just make sure there is a little extra powder on the sponge. If you prefer a lighter, more flawless look and have extremely clear skin, then use a big fluffy powder brush to apply. Just dip it in and swirl it in big circles across the entire face. Either way, please don't forget to blend it down the jawline and onto the neck! As with any foundation, always apply moisturizer (even if you have oily skin... you can get an oil and fragrance free one) and, if you have time, a foundation primer.
So you see the difference, right?? HUGE! And it is so FAST. I really can't tell you how much I love this product. It is available in an extremely wide range of colors, and if you go into the MAC Store or a MAC counter at Department Store, the Makeup Artists there are always ready and willing to match you to a particular shade. Listen carefully when they do so you can pick up any tips they may share about the product! (That is one of the best ways to learn new application techniques!)
And I have to add in a finished picture. I would never leave the house in just foundation...
(The lighting in my house is just not agreeing with me today. I tried to fix the colors, however, unfortunately I am terrible with photoshop... so I apologize for the needed color correction, but you get the picture, right?? :))
Here is the link to the MAC website for the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.
Like all products, there are a couple of situations in which I would not recommend using this product; Formal occasions- use a heavier quality liquid foundation such a Laura Mercier or Makeup Forever HD foundation. Extremely dry skin... (see below), and last but not least... sporting events. This product will hold up in humidity, however not through tons of sweat. Better to try a silicone based product for that, or just go without.
If you have dry skin or some light wrinkles, MAC offers a creamy version of this product that dries to a powder finish. Still the one step, very blendable and quick, Studio Tech will do the trick for you!
Thanks for reading! I have endless topics coming up soon, including eyeshadow brushes and application techniques, how to find quality cheap products, makeup reviews on various colors, mascaras and other products, how to shape, maintain and fill-in the eyebrows... LOTS of things I'd love to share!
Happy Fast-Foundationing!
