Our Virtual Try On Tool lets you try on different MAC foundations, so you can explore our extensive range of shades and formulas from the comfort of your home. If you want some help choosing your foundation, use our Foundation Finder to find your dream foundation for your skin type. Or try Findation, which lets you enter two foundation shades you already use (from any brand) and it will present you with your MAC match.

The perfect brush to apply, bluff and blend cream and liquid foundations is the MAC 170S ROUNDED SLANT BRUSH. To evenly apply foundation in hard-to-reach areas, the angled and dense 171s SMOOTH-EDGE ALL OVER FACE BRUSH is a must-have. For a full application recommendation, read more here.

The STUDIO FIX FLUID SPF 15 FOUNDATION is the perfect foundation for combination skin as it has a soft-matte finish and includes hyaluronic acid and red algae extract to hydrate the skin, and sugar kelp extract to help control oil.

Face foundation is a makeup formula that helps smooth and even out skin tone and texture. Foundation makeup also helps create an even base for other makeup, like blusher and bronzer. Depending on the level of pigment and opacity, foundation may also camouflage blemishes and dark spots.

MAC has an array of different types of foundation, including cream, powder, and liquid foundation.

Liquid foundation
The liquid formula is one of the most popular types of foundation. An example of this is our MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, which has lightweight and buildable coverage, as well as an oil-free and sweat-resistant formula.

Cream foundation
Cream foundations tend to have a thicker, creamier consistency, making it a good option for those with dry skin or those wanting to cover blemishes or dark spots. Our MAC Full Coverage Foundation has a smooth, blendable formula and provides opaque coverage.

Powder foundation
Great for those with oily skin, a powder foundation generally offer lighter coverage and has a matte finish. The MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation provides an ultra-matte, long-lasting finish that controls shine.

Serum foundation
Similar to liquid foundation, but with a twist, serum foundation is a makeup and skincare hybrid. Our MAC Studio Radiance Serum-Powdered Foundation is super moisturising and buildable and is infused with a 10% hyaluronic acid solution that plumps and hydrates skin.

Water-based foundation
Ideal for those with blemish-prone skin, water-based foundations have water as a main ingredient instead of oils. The MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation instantly hydrates and provides sheer coverage and a satin finish.

Natural finish

A finish that closely resembles your normal skin – neither matte nor dewy. The MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation comes in a new soft matte finish, and its iconic formula is remixed to give natural-looking coverage that looks and feels like skin. Explore our collection of light coverage foundations.

How to achieve a natural finish:

1. Create a petal-smooth, even canvas for makeup by prepping skin with Hyper Real Serumizer™ or Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm™ Moisturizing Cream.
2. First, apply Studio Fix Fluid to the centre of your face – or areas you desire more coverage – using a 170S Brush; then blend out using a tapping and swirling motion for a natural, photo-ready finish.
3. Set makeup all day with Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder to diffuse, smooth and add dimension to your look.
4. Pro tip: Mix with Fix+ to sheer out your coverage or with Strobe Cream to create a luminous finish.
 

Matte finish

A shine-free finish; popular for those with oily skin. The MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a one-step powder and foundation that gives skin an ultra-matte finish with medium-to-full buildable coverage that lasts for 12 hours, while controlling shine. Explore our collection of medium coverage foundations.

How to achieve a matte finish:

1. Prep skin with HYPER REAL SERUMIZER™ by dispensing one to two pumps directly onto fingertips or using a brush to apply evenly onto freshly cleansed skin.
2. Apply onto face using a fluffy brush, like the 129S BRUSH.
3. For further coverage, apply with the included sponge applicator.
4. Pro tip! Finish your application with a light veil of FIX+ to give skin a fresh appearance.
 

Dewy finish

Radiant and glowy; perfect for those with dry skin. The MAC Studio Radiance Serum-Powdered Foundation is a moisturising foundation with buildable coverage and an advanced new skin-first formula, that is powered by 80% skincare ingredients like Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil.

How to achieve a dewy finish:

1. Prep skin with HYPER REAL SERUMIZER™ by dispensing one to two pumps directly onto fingertips or using a brush to apply evenly onto freshly cleansed skin
2. Apply onto face using a makeup sponge, the 196S FOUNDATION BRUSH, or your fingers.
3.Build to desired coverage and blend it out. Pro tip! Increase the longevity of your makeup wear by applying your choice of primer. We recommend using STUDIO RADIANCE MOISTURIZING + ILLUMINATING SILKY PRIMER as your radiance-revealing partner in prime for that dewy, all day glow.

For oily skin
We recommend the Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation, which contains sugar kelp extract to help control oil, and it is transfer-, sweat-, and humidity-resistant. Our Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is also a great foundation for oily skin as it is designed to control oil and shine for up to 8 hours, and immediately reduces the appearance of pores.
 

For sensitive skin
We recommend Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation. This tri-system blend of water, emollients and powder glides onto skin as a soft, creamy emulsion. It provides immediate and long-term moisturisation and a flawless finish.
 

For mature skin
We recommend Studio Radiance Serum-Powered™ Foundation – this advanced new skin-first formula is enriched with vitamin E, jojoba oil and 10% hyaluronic acid solution, that promises to hydrate skin all day. It strengthens and reinforces the skin barrier while smoothing texture and evening out tone.
 

For dry skin
We recommend Studio Radiance Serum-Powered™ Foundation – this delivers +209% instant hydration for plumper, smoother-looking, more radiant skin. The Strobe Dewy Skin Tint is also a great foundation for dry skin, as it is a sheer, illuminating tinted moisturiser that is infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane and vitamin E.