A few months ago I went out to restock on my favorite MAC Foundation which is the Studio Fix and to my shock and horror I came to the realization that the price shot up again! R380 for a MAC Studio Fix Foundation! Now I was almost certain that the price had already gone up the previous time I purchased the foundation but I couldn’t be certain. It was that day that I decided enough is enough and I needed to find a suitable dupe!
The beauty community is one that always has each others backs so I decided to turn to my blog readers and followers to find out whether they knew of any good dupes. I didn’t expect it but so many suggestions started pouring in and some of the popular ones that popped up were L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matt and L’Oreal True Match. Obviously L’Oreal proved to be a strong contender so I went out to my local Clicks store where all the colors were in stock plus they were running a promotion so I saved sum $$$ too! I ended up picking the L’Oreal Infallible Stay Fresh Foundation (not the Pro Matt as that was too drying on my skin)
I ended up paying about R150 with the discount I got for the foundation so already I was winning! The color I got was 230 Radiant Honey which seemed as close to my MAC NC37 as can be. I think I might actually need to go one shade lighter in the L’Oreal Infallible so I’ll test another one next time round. Below I’ve got swatches as well as a comparison so that you can see how the 2 compare to each other:
MAC Studio Fix NC37
♥ Price: R380.00
♥ The consistency of the foundation is thick which contributes to maximum coverage
♥ Many shades to choose from
♥ MAC has a pleasant foundation scent
♥ Not available in many stores
♥ The packaging is of higher quality and looks more attractive
♥ Works well with primers and even sunblocks
♥ Face can appear oily later in the day
L’Oreal Infallible 230 Radiant Rose
♥ Price: R185.00
♥ The consistency isn’t as thick as MAC, however coverage is very close to maximum
♥ In South Africa, available in 14 shades
♥ L’Oreal has a scented fragrance which might not appeal to everyone, I didn’t like it
♥ Available in a wide variety of stores including drugstores and pharmacies
♥ The writing on the packaging seems to come off easily and you need to pump the foundation a few times to get the initial runny foundation out before using
♥ When used with a sunblock, it causes streakiness to appear on your face
♥ Long wear and matt finish the entire day
So as you can see, both foundations have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide what’s more important to you when wearing a foundation. Personally I used the L’Oreal Infallible Foundation throughout my entire New York trip when I was there in September. The weather was hot and balmy and my face held up the entire day.
I’m happy to announce that I’ve converted over to L’Oreal foundation for my everyday foundation as it wears well on my skin, it’s cost effective and the coverage is probably the best-cheap-non-MAC foundation I’ve used. If MAC was a 10/10, I’d say that L’Oreal comes in at a well-deserved 8/10 and if it’s going to cost me half of what MAC costs me, then I’m happy 🙂
Finally a strong MAC Foundation dupe has been found!
XOXO
I’ve always looked at Mac as ill never ever be able to afford it , this was a helpful post i think a lot of people would look for a dupe.
Thanks for blog post hun !!!
Author
Sometimes MAC can be a bit overrated. They are so expensive which is why I could only ever buy the foundation. But if you can get something that does the same thing for a bit cheaper – then why not!
Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 xoxo
This is amazing! L’Oreal for the win
Author
So happy to have found a dupe! Going to save loads of money now xx
I use this L’oreal one and the 24hr Matte. I really love the coverage and the way it feels on my skin. I was concerned when I bought it though that something was wrong with how watery and runny it was. Glad to know it’s normal. I’ve never used MAC foundation though.
Author
It’s actually so nice to see that SO many people are already on the L’Oreal train (I’m a bit late lol)
I know right! I had to pump a few times as to get the oily/runny bit out first and then it was okay, it also had me worried!
MAC is okay though, a bit pricey to use as an everyday foundation but if you had to use it only for special occasions and events then I think it would last you quite a while. The formula is just a bit thicker.
Great review, eager to try the Loreal one. Hope I find my shade!! 😉
Author
Thank you Sibusisiwe 🙂
Did you manage to find your shade?
I’m also using loreal, and I only bought my infallible matte two months ago, so I’m also late on the loreal bandwagon, lol.
I’ve been wanting to try the Stay fresh version for a while now, and after reading your review, I think I will. I feel like we might be close in complexion, I’m mac nc30, 35. I sometimes buy makeup that’s too dark for me, so at least now I can use your colours as reference, and I’ll be sure not to go any darker than the shade you have. Though I think the radiant rose might be a good match for me- i always look for yellow based foundations, and sadly most of the proverbial “drugstore brands” aren’t yellow enough for me…
Author
Well I haven’t gone back to MAC since so I’m happy I found this gem! I must say that with the summer months I did change my shade as the other one got a bit too light at one stage. I must just look at which shade it is when I get home and then update my post 🙂