MAC FOUNDATION SHADE-MATCH DESTINATION

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MAC FOUNDATION SHADE MATCH

Our foundations are uniquely based on colour theory, but you don’t have to be an Artist to meet your match. Determine your depth, learn your undertone and let us walk you step-by-step through finding every shade of you.
Here’s how our Pros break it down...

STEP 1:
GET TO KNOW
MAC SHADE NAMES

STEP 2:
DETERMINE
YOUR DEPTH

STEP 3:
FIND YOUR
UNDERTONE

STEP 4:
MEET YOUR
SHADE MATCH

STEP 5:
CHOOSE YOUR
FINISH

STEP 1:

GET TO KNOW MAC SHADE NAMES

ALL FOUNDATION SHADE NAMES FEATURE:

LETTERS REPRESENT UNDERTONE

Warm (W) undertones are defined as rosy.

Cool (C) undertones are defined as golden.

Neutral (N) undertones are an equal balance of both.

Other brands tend to define cool and warm tones as the opposite.

NUMBERS REPRESENT SHADE DEPTH

The lower the number, the lighter the shade.

The higher the number, the richer the shade.

STEP 2:

DETERMINE YOUR SHADE DEPTH

See which set of bare-faced models best matches your natural complexion

to decide your depth and narrow your search.

STEP 3:

FIND YOUR UNDERTONE

MAC shades are based on the Artist’s colour wheel, a standard of colour theory in the art world.

Hear how Terry Barber, MAC Creative Director of Makeup Artistry, breaks it down.

STEP 4:

MEET YOU SHADE MATCH

Explore our exclusive tools designed to make shade-matching easy for all.

MATCH YOUR CURRENT SHADE FROM ANOTHER BRAND

Use your shade from another brand to find your MAC foundation match across all formulas.

FIND OUT YOUR SHADE

FIND YOUR SHADE IN ANY FINISH WITH VIRTUAL TRY-ON

Discover your colour-true foundation hue using your camera phone.

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SHOP RISK-FREE WITH FREE DELIVERY + RETURNS

On all orders, all the time.

LEARN MORE

STEP 5:

CHOOSE YOUR FINISH + FORMULA

From soft matte to radiant glow, find your perfect shade across all of our formulas.

Find your foundation formula
in four simple steps

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*Your shade may vary across foundations due to formula variations.

**Live chat with a M·A·C Artist now to meet your best match.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Live Chat with a MAC Artist now for expert advice on all things foundation and beyond.

CHAT NOW

MADE FOR EVERY SHADE OF YOU

Explore our all-inclusive lineup of high-performance Studio formulas in matte to radiant finishes.

EXPLORE FACE

FIND YOUR SHADE Scan the QR code with your camera phone to pick your formula and try on our iconic foundation collection.

HOW TO FIND YOUR MAC FOUNDATION MATCH? 

Want to try on a MAC foundation? Use our Virtual Try-On Tool to explore our extensive range of shades and formulas.

Want some help choosing your foundation? Use our foundation finder to help you find your perfect MAC foundation shade match.

Want to find your perfect MAC foundation shade? Simply use Findation by entering two foundation shades you already like to use from any brand, and Findation will present your MAC foundation shade match – wherever you are.  

HOW DO I APPLY FOUNDATION?

WHAT IS THE BEST FOUNDATION FOR COMBINATION SKIN?

WHAT IS FOUNDATION MAKEUP?

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

Foundation makeup comes in multiple forms, including liquid, cream and powder – with sheer to opaque formulas and all types of finishes, such as satin, radiant and matte. MAC has a variety of formulas and finishes for all types, all tones and all textures – in a wide range of all-inclusive shades.

HOW DO I FIND MY FOUNDATION SHADE?

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOUNDATION?

MAC has an array of different types of foundation, including liquid foundation, cream foundation and powder foundation – all types, all tones, all textures.

Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation is a lightweight fluid formula that provides a buildable sheer finish, while Full Coverage Foundation is a water-resistant cream foundation with full coverage.

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 delivers buildable medium-to-full matte coverage and SPF 15 protection, and Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation’s transformative texture medium-coverage formula is also sweat- and humidity-resistant. For a one-step powder and foundation, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is the ultimate on-the-go option that gives an ultra-matte finish, while controlling oil and shine.

There are different types of foundation for every skin type and coverage preference - whether you want a full coverage foundation, a medium coverage foundation or a light coverage foundation.

WHAT IS MEANT BY SATIN FINISH?

MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

or