MAC Foundation Review No 4: Full Coverage.

Hi Everyone,

Another foundation review for you all! This time for MACs Full Coverage foundation. For those of you who are familiar with MACs Studio Finish concealer, then this is often described as a large version of that, as it is similar in both consistancy and level of coverage which can be achieved.

As with my other reviews I'll try to add in some of the other views expressed on review sites, so that you can form a balanced view of whether this product is suitable for you.

MAC describe this as;

"A smooth-to-apply, easy-to-blend, emollient-based foundation formulated to provide opaque coverage. Full Coverage Foundation was developed for the professional makeup artist who wanted an emollient-based foundation with opaque coverage. Water-resistant and long-wearing, it can cover most scars, tattoos, blemishes and birthmarks. This easy-to-blend cream cake formulation is available in a wide range of colours. Coverage can range from sheer to opaque. Achieve sheer coverage by applying a small amount of the foundation using a moist sponge. For opaque coverage apply the foundation using a dry sponge and a stippling motion. Compatible with latex and other synthetics used in special effects makeup, it can be used on the face and body. Great for beauty photography."

The product is a creme foundation, it comes packaged in a compact similar to those which the mieralize skinfinshes do. It costs £19.57 for 28g/1oz. and a little goes a long way, so this will last well, especially if you don't feel you need really heavy coverage. The lack of sunscreen in the foundation means that it doesn't give any 'glare' on photo's but you would need to use a decent SPF in your moisturizer!

This foundation again (surprise, surprise for a MAC foundation!) got mixed reviews on the makeup alley site out of 122 people, 77% of reviewers there would buy again. That means that although less people reviewed it, a higher proportion would repurchase this than say Studio Tech or Studio Fix Fluid...

Scanning the reviews the major problems experienced with this seem to be, problems with application and the dreaded breakouts after a couple of weeks use...

Being such a thick formula does mean that the 187 brush will not cut it with this foundation, a more traditional brush such as a 109 works well, as does a sponge. The foundation can then be buffed with a 187 brush. A 109 can jus about cope with it, to give a less heavy coverage. This foundation does give really good coverage, as the name suggests - It can even be used to cover tattoos apparently. Coverage is buildable, and is best layered, rather than applied thickly as this will just look like a greasy mess.

Some people find that warming the foundation up for a couple of seconds in the microwave makes it easier to work with, but I don't actually think this is necessary, and I wouldn't really recommend it ! It can also be buffed in with a couple of sprays of fix+ to give a slightly sheerer and dewier finish.

I find that this foundation actually feels fairly moisturising and supple on my dry/combination skin, and doesn't highlight any dry spots in the way that studio fix fluid does. It is also a major bonus that this can be used as a high coverage concealer either over large areas or spot application.

People with very oily skin, seem to find that this foundation slips off them quickly, and needs to be set with powder to avoid this.

As for breakouts, a primer can be used to prevent the foundation clogging in pores, and as always, thorough cleansing is really important to minimise risk of this...

Hope this helps.

As always, would welcome any comments and your experiences with the product.

MizzWorthy xxx