Viral beauty buys come and go, but there are myriad cult classics that have stood the test of time; renowned gems with proven track records across haircare, skincare and make-up that continue to rank among beauty's best selling buys. MAC Cosmetics certainly knows a thing or two about the anatomy of a cult classic. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that a number of those MAC products you relied on in your teens are still there in your make-up kit today, albeit in brand spanking new packaging. Case in point: MAC's Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £34, a base favourite that has undergone its very own revamp for the first time since 1992.
Known for delivering a flawless matte base that controls oil, supplies second-skin coverage and is available in a plethora of shades, the industry titan has benefited from a refresh - enter sleek, refillable packaging, a reformulation, and a new(ish) name: the Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £34.
News of its makeover, though, has met with mixed reactions. Some firm fans who have stayed loyal to the OG product throughout its over 30-year life span even took to TikTok to air their frustrations. 'My heart is broken,' said Niko Haagenson, while Lordthivi said, 'Everyone's talking about it, a lot of people are mad.'
But before we all start to panic, take a breath, because there is serious method in the reimagined iteration. Terry Barber, director of make-up artistry at MAC Cosmetics explains, 'When I started at MAC in the early 90s, Studio Fix Powder was a phenomenon that became one of MAC's true icons. I never thought it could get any better, but Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a major upgrade for Artists and consumers who want all-in-one results.'
The two-in-one foundation and setting powder now creates a smooth, ultra-blurred, soft-focus matte finish with 24-hour control, meaning it withstands sweat, water and the elements. It's also lightweight and allows your natural skin to shine through, making the job of blending it in a breeze – something that is only helped by the whopping 78 shades available, which have been updated to match the (also reformulated) Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 foundation shades, while other shades have been added to ensure all skin tones are catered to. Perhaps the most interesting update is the removal of talc, which the brand claims 'instantly smoothes and evens skin tones without leaving a grey cast behind'.
The jury might be out where mega fans of the original are concerned, but from where we are sitting it's out with the old and in with the new. Here's what the Grazia beauty team make of it.
Our honest thoughts on the new MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Annie Vischer, beauty director, says: 'I'm not big on powder foundation formulas but I have always been aware of the hype around MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I was interested to try 2025's new version. It's easy to apply and goes on in fine layers that melt into skin. It doesn't eradicate your glow like many people assume powder foundations will do, it lends skin a satin-like sheen. I have combination skin, so this works really well across my T-Zone, I go a lot lighter across my cheeks and the higher point of my forehead - anywhere that's drier and doesn't need as much coverage. There's no denying the convenience of a powder when it comes to foundation application on the go too - no need to balance a bottle on your knee mid-commute while applying with a brush. It doesn't count as a liquid through security at an airport either - precious space saved if you're travelling with hand luggage only. While I'll never bee a die hard powder foundation wearer, I can appreciate the beauty tech behind this one and will be recommending it to anyone who prefers to find their coverage in a compact.'
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I am a pressed powder girl and will never leave the house without having locked my base into place with something that promises to de-shine, smooth and set. And, I've also become increasingly picky thanks to the evolution of powders in recent years, which now effectively blur, brighten and lift, all while making your skin look filtered. So, safe to say I expected a lot from MAC's newest reformulation. Off the bat, its texture is unlike any powder I've used before, it's very smooth, somewhat cushiony, buttery and feels like a fine veil on my skin. While it's said to be a foundation as well as a setting powder, I found it far too light in coverage to handle my acne-prone, post-inflammation hyperpigmented skin type. That said, it performed very well when locking my make-up into place for the majority of the day, while creating a soft, airbrush finish. I think one of the most noteworthy things about this foundation is the vast range of shades it's available in. Pressed powders notoriously lack a wide breadth of shades, but MAC has flipped the script with an impressive 78 on offer so we can all enjoy its magic. I'm in the shade NC35 and love how the hue respects my golden, olive undertone.'
Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'The idea of a powder foundation does not appeal to me - to say the least- and yet I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I've dabbled in such formulations in the past and find they cling to my dry areas and exaggerate any blemishes. I didn't have high expectations. But after applying Mac's using a fluffy brush (all in the name of beauty journalism) I found myself surprisingly impressed. My skin did look smoother and more even. Blemishes seemed reduced and oily areas mattified. Will I be swapping out my usual liquid skin tint? No. Although the finish is a flattering one, it takes too long to apply to ensure the right levels of coverage - there's a lot of swirling, blotting and blending to be done. And I realised that less is more much too late. Taking small amounts of powder and building delicately is the way forward. That said, if you don't mind spending a bit of extra time over your base then this is definitely an option - the finish is beautifully soft and diffused.'
**Renee Washington, fashion and beauty digital writer, says: '**When I was younger, I used to play in my mum’s make-up, and MAC’s Studio Fix Powder Foundation was a staple in her routine. She hit pan on these all the time - in fact, we were at the MAC counter in House of Fraser, Croydon at least once a month restocking. I remember the finish being smooth and blurred - it almost looked velvety - but I also recall that it could sometimes appear a bit grey. That said, we have to give MAC credit for being one of the first make-up brands to offer such an extensive shade range.'
'I picked up the shade NW57 and, despite the new no talc formula, I’ll say the product still holds that velvety texture. However, I found it was a bit too red for my complexion. I prefer foundations with a golden undertone and would rather use a shade like this for bronzing. When applying it, it felt like it was slightly disappearing into my skin, and I had to keep building it up. That being said, I can’t see myself using this on its own. For touch-ups? Yes - it’s a nice compact and brilliant for on-the-go. Plus, it comes with a sponge applicator. But me? I’m a dewy full coverage girl through and through.'
Shop: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
The OG made brand new. MAC's two-in-one foundation and setting powder now creates a smooth, ultra-blurred, soft-focus matte finish with 24-hour control, meaning it withstands sweat, water and the elements. It's also lightweight and allows your natural skin to radiate through, so blending is a breeze – something that is only helped by the whopping 78 shades available.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
Main image: TikTok @lordthivi, @codyraymua, and @adityamadiraju
