1st Impressions: MAC Studio Sculpt

MAC STUDIO SCULPT 

Spf 15

I've been watching youtube reviews on this foundation and reading about it online.  A lot of makeup artists use this on photo shoots.  The Jersey Shore girls wore this one of their promo shoots.  The fact that it's a gel based foundation interested me.  I like nice coverage, that still has a natural look & feel.  I had been using MAC's MatchMaster foundation in shade 5.0 for days when I wanted good coverage and for special occasions, but lately, that foundation has been looking well "foundationy" (& I don't like to look like I'm caked with makeup).  I wanted a change for days when I wanted medium to full coverage, without looking overly made up.  I already have a foundation for light (everyday coverage). 


I was going to order this in NC42, based on recommendations from the online artists at MAC.  I decided to wait, and I went to the MAC counter when I was at the big mall (45 min away) on Saturday.  The artist actually found me the perfect match this time.  (Usually, at that particular counter, I'm always matched either too light or too dark.)  My MAC artist matched the side of my face (along the jawline) & said "Wow! I'm good!".  I was impressed too.  NW40 matched me spot on (her first choice for me).  My girl friend who was with me even was impressed.  She said it matched so well it didn't even look like I had makeup on.  (& She would tell me if my makeup wasn't right.)  

(a little bit wet from the constant rain, but surviving Sandy)

I have been wearing this for the past 3 days, and I must say, I'm impressed.  When I asked the MAC artist what the difference between this & the MatchMaster were, she told me that the MasterMaster is more matte & oil-obsorbing, while the Studio Sculpt is more moisturizing (great cause my skin is drier in the colder months) and has better coverage.  I like that it's water based. The coverage is fantastic, but it doesn't look heavy or cakey.  This is buildable as well.  A little goes a long way.  You don't need much to get good coverage.  This covers blemishes, dark areas, and even darkness under the eyes.  I don't even need to use concealer with this. The MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder is nice to set this with, though I prefer wearing the foundation on it's own.  It's been raining nonstop here since Sunday, with Hurricane Sandy in the works, but this didn't budge or get messed up in the rain (unlike the MAC Studio Moisture Tint).  This stayed put all day for me & wore really well.  I had it on for 10 1/2 hours yesterday, and at the end of the day, it still looked just as fresh as it did when I put it on in the morning before work.  (I have no tried this with a primer yet).  

First Impressions: Overall, I really like this foundation.  It's nice for normal to dry skin, has a natural finish & great coverage.  It doesn't look or feel cakey & felt lightweight on my skin.

*I recommend always getting a sample of the foundation & getting color matched to ensure the correct shade.  Everyone's skin is different & it's always smart to try before you buy.*