I wanted to love this product. I want to love all products by MAC. Unfortunately this was just a so-so :(
Remember when I blogged about getting so giddy to get a new foundation? At the time, I quickly browsed through MAC online to look at possible choices to replace my current fave, Maybelline (I think it's called Aqua Smooth foundation, I forgot, sorry :|) . Seeing that I've loved all things MAC that I've purchased, I was kinda expecting I'd love the foundation I'll get from them too. I was eyeing the Studio Fix Fluid since I really liked it liquid formulation and matte finish.
I first dropped by MAC Shang, but my shade was already out of stock and since they can't give me an exact date on their next shipment, I decided to go to the newly opened Trinoma branch. The Trinoma branch is not a whole store (yet), just a small stall near Aldo Accessories. By this time, I was intent on getting my hands on the foundation already coz I really had no foundation left at home. Lone finishing powder on me just doesnt work. My face is just THAT uneven :/ Unfortunately, they're also out of my shade for the Studio Fix Fluid. Bummer! The sales lady just recmmended another line that I may be interested in, the Studio Sculpt. She even said that this is a lot better than the Fix Fluid since this gives a more even coverage with a dewy finish. I tried it on the counter, saw that it perfectly blends with my skin tone, and with the approval of my sister Boomie, purchased it. This cost me Php 1,900.00 for a 40mL tube. I believe it only comes in this size.
Here's the product description on MAC's website:
A creamy, luxurious, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. Hydrating, instantly revitalizes the skin while keeping it looking smooth, soft and plush. Long-wearing, water-resistant
The verdict? I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and I can't say I'm fully satisfied with the product. Or I just probably expected too much? I was actually happy the first time I used it. It was the night I was hailed as Reyna Elena of San Miguel, Bulacan (HAHA!). But it just started to go downhill after that. A few hours after application, I feel that the product's just too heavy on my face. But true to what the sales lady promised, it does give me a dewy glow. Only, I dont think dewy goes well with OILY. It just highlighted my oiliness :( I think the product would work a lot better on someone with normal, or even dry skin. The coverage is really light on me, that or it just really blended well with my skin tone. Haha but I would believe the former as it didnt really cover my acne marks well. It is buildable though so covering marks isnt really a problem, but then that would only make it feel heavier. :( Finish is matte upon application, but an hour after dewy/oily (on my skin) already. Also, I can't use my Beauty Blender with this as the formulation is more gel-like than liquid. I just use my fingers to apply this. On the pro side, it is long-wearing and really looks natural. I also like the tube container, easy to squeeze and estimate just the needed amount.
Studio Sculpt isn't really a product I'd consider affordable, so I'm currently working with it rather than getting a nepw one. I use my mineralized finishing powder over it after about 2minutes of application to set. I also switched to an oil control cleanser so that kinda helped minimizing the oiliness level of my skin. (I'll share the VERY EFFECTIVE product with you soon on this blog :) I also ensure that I have oil blotting strips with me all the time... and my trusty Maybelline Compact Powder which I'm about to replace soon as well. (Drop me a line to suggest any if you know a good Compact Powder :)
Would I recommend this product? YES, if you have normal skin. It really does blend well with your skin and the dewy finish is just BEAUTIFUL :) But if you have oily skin like me (I can't stress it enough HAHA) then SKIP this.
