MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation: New vs. Old Formula

Long post ahead!

I guess it’s true—you really shouldn’t judge a product by its reformulation.

I’ll admit, I was hesitant when MAC announced they were reformulating the iconic Studio Fix Powder Foundation. It’s been one of my go-to base products for years, so I was worried they might change what already worked.

After reading reviews, thinking it over, and finally trying it at the MAC store myself, I decided to give the new formula a chance.

I’m glad I did.

Also, a little tip: I bought mine on Shopee because it was much cheaper.

• MAC Store: ₱2,500
• Shopee: ₱1,750 (I’ve even seen it go as low as ₱1,500 during sales.)

Shade Comparison

My previous shade was NC25, but with the new formula, NC15 turned out to be a much better match for me.

If you’re planning to repurchase, don’t automatically assume you’ll wear the same shade. I highly recommend swatching it first if you have the chance.

What’s New?

The Packaging

The compact is now slimmer with a matte finish.

One thing I do miss, though, is the holographic rainbow effect the old compact had when the light hit it. It was such a nice little detail.

The sponge has also been redesigned. It’s now black, thinner, and features a pointed tip that’s meant to make application around the corners of the nose and under the eyes easier.

The Formula

Although the powder looks a little more orange in the pan, I actually found the new NC15 to lean more neutral once applied compared to my old NC25.

The biggest difference is the finish.

The new formula feels less chalky and looks much more skin-like. Instead of a flat matte finish, it has more of a natural satin look that blends beautifully into the skin.

That said, I still think the old formula offered slightly better oil control.

Coverage

The coverage remains the same.

It’s buildable from medium to full coverage and still delivers the flawless finish Studio Fix is known for.

One Small Downside

The new formula does have a bit more fallout than the original.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something I noticed immediately.

Wear Test

Just like the previous formula, this foundation actually looks better after it’s had time to settle into the skin.

Once it warms up and blends with your natural oils, the finish becomes even more seamless and natural-looking.

Final Thoughts

I’m officially back to MAC.

I genuinely expected to miss the old formula more than I do, but after wearing the new one several times, I actually prefer it. The finish looks more natural and skin-like while still giving me the coverage I love.

If you’ve been hesitant about trying the reformulated Studio Fix Powder Foundation, I’d say it’s definitely worth giving it a chance. Just make sure to get shade-matched first, as your old shade may no longer be your best match.

Overall, I’m really happy with it.