How to Apply M.A.C Foundation

Once you’re armed with your new M.A.C foundation, it can be daunting to figure out how to apply it to achieve that professional look. M.A.C foundations are known for their often high-coverage and highly pigmented formulas, which can be slightly trickier to apply to create a seamless finish. However, with the right shade and the right tools, you can enjoy a flawless M.A.C makeup base that looks natural and perfected from morning to night.

Start by browsing through The Most Common Mistakes We Make With Foundation Application to avoid the most common mishaps.

The Different Types of M.A.C Foundation

M.A.C has a variety of foundations available in different finishes, coverage levels, and formulas to suit different skin types. While some are sheer and dewy, others deliver a full-coverage, matte finish. Typically, the higher the coverage, the more attention you need to pay to your application technique. A sheer foundation blends in quick and easy. But you may need to buff your high-coverage foundation a little more to blend it fully with your natural skin tone and eliminate that dreaded demarcation line on your jaw. Read our 4 Tips to Applying Foundation When Your Face and Neck Are Different Colours to find out more about blending foundation at your jawline.

M.A.C offers both powder and liquid foundations, which require different techniques and tools to apply expertly. Discover more about choosing the perfect foundation for you in our guide Find Your Perfect M.A.C Foundation and Concealer Match

Why Is It Best to Use a M.A.C Foundation Brush?

One of the best ways to evenly and seamlessly apply your M.A.C foundation is by using a M.A.C foundation brush. These have been carefully designed to complement existing M.A.C foundations and ensure gorgeous application every time. Using a brush is one of the quickest and easiest ways to apply foundation without losing coverage or spreading bacteria.

As many M.A.C foundations provide buildable coverage, a foundation brush can also help you effortlessly layer your foundation and adjust your coverage. Additionally, brush bristles easily reach into the crevices of your face to create an even makeup finish.

How to Apply M.A.C Foundation With a Brush

Different foundations require different brushes and techniques. Your makeup application approach depends on the product’s consistency as well as your skin type. It’s important you find out how best to apply your new foundation before you get started!

How to Apply M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation is a popular choice for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. This M.A.C makeup helps control oil levels and provides a natural matte finish. The lightweight liquid formula offers buildable medium-to-full coverage to suit any occasion.

• To apply M.A.C Studio Fix Foundation, first prep your skin with a mattifying primer such as M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance to help rebalance your skin. Then use the M.A.C Cosmetics 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush to effortlessly buff and blend your makeup for even coverage. This brush works particularly well with Studio Fix Fluid, as the rounded slant shape adapts to the contours of your face and ensures a seamless finish.

• Start by applying foundation to the centre of your face. Then, buff the product in circles towards the outer edges of your face. This technique eliminates harsh lines around your jawline.

How to Apply M.A.C Studio Sculpt Foundation

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation is a hydrating gel–cream foundation that’s best for dry, dehydrated, and dull skin. Instantly boosting radiance and moisture, this medium-to-full coverage foundation blurs imperfections and enhances luminosity for healthy-looking skin. The silicone-based gel formula has been designed to smooth over your skin easily to ensure flawless blending.

• To apply M.A.C Studio Sculpt Foundation, we recommend using a hydrating primer such as M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion . Then, apply the foundation with the M.A.C Cosmetics 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush, as this brush works best with liquid and cream foundations. As with Studio Fix Foundation, apply Studio Sculpt to the centre of your face and buff towards the outer edges. The gel formula will smooth over any dry or rough patches.

How to Apply M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a multipurpose face powder. Use this product on its own, build your coverage from sheer to full as desired. Or apply Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation on top of another makeup to set your foundation in place. Suitable for all skin types including dry skin, M.A.C powder foundation is a velvety formula that blurs imperfections, conceals discolouration, and control oil levels without causing dryness.

• To wear this M.A.C powder foundation on its own, we recommend applying it with the M.A.C Cosmetics 196 Slanted Flat Top Foundation Brush. This brush can be used with liquid, cream, and powder foundations. The densely packed, slanted bristles ensure that every contour of your face is covered while providing an even and long-lasting finish.

To find out more about using Studio Fix Powder Plus on top of other foundations, keep reading!

HOW TO: Best Way to Build Coverage Using Foundation | MAC Cosmetics

How to Layer Your M.A.C Makeup

To completely tailor your beauty routine, you may want to layer various makeup products to create a flawless complexion. Applying different formulas in the right order and with the right tools is vital so you don’t create a cakey, streaky, or uneven finish.

How to Apply M.A.C Foundation and Concealer

Layering foundation and concealer is a common approach to complexion perfection. Your foundation evens out your overall complexion, whereas concealer is concentrated to address particular areas of concern. This means you can pair a sheer or light foundation with a high-performance concealer for a more natural look.

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer works particularly well with M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation. This combination smooths out imperfections while hydrating the skin and boosting radiance.

M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer is best paired with M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation. This duo of long-lasting formulas works to control oil levels and shine with a natural matte finish.

• If you’re using a liquid foundation, we recommend applying your concealer after buffing and blending your foundation. Foundation first creates the perfect base for your concealer to blend into for seamless coverage. The M.A.C Cosmetics 195 Concealer Brush is the perfect beauty tool for applying concealer, as the slightly pointed but flexible synthetic bristles ensure precise application, even in hard-to-reach places such as around the nose. Even if your concealer has an applicator already, we recommend blending with a separate concealer brush.

• If you’re using a powder foundation, we recommend applying your concealer first. Applying liquid products on top of powder products never results in anything other than a mess.

How to Apply M.A.C Foundation and Powder

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation has been designed to be worn alone or on top of other foundations such as Studio Sculpt and Studio Fix. By applying the powder on top of your liquid foundation, your makeup will be set in place to last, with a mattified finish. This is a great step if you have oily and combination skin that’s prone to shininess throughout the day.

• The key is to always apply your liquid products before your powders. So be sure your liquid makeup base is perfected before moving on. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation comes with a sponge applicator, which can be dabbed on top to set makeup in place. The sponge is also perfect for touch-ups throughout the day. Alternatively, apply the powder with the M.A.C Cosmetics 196 Slanted Flat Top Foundation Brush if you want greater precision.

Ever wanted to get your daily makeup so on point it looks like you work for M.A.C Cosmetics? Well check out these routines from M.A.C. Cosmetics staff members and pick up some hot new beauty tips...

• How to Prep My Dry Skin Before I Put on Makeup

• How to Get a Bronzed Glowing Makeup Base with Skincare

• The Daily Makeup Routine Products I Use When My Skin Looks Dry and Dull

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