In an ever-changing beauty landscape, where trends come and go, MAC Cosmetics is taking a deliberate stride towards something fresh yet timeless. The brand, no stranger to innovation, has just unveiled the Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation. Reflecting the mantra that “skin is in,” this new release promises to be more than a fleeting trend in the beauty industry.
A sister product to the brand’s iconic Studio Fix Fluid foundation, the foundation marries makeup with skincare. Unlike the matte finishes that have defined much of the makeup market, this foundation embraces a natural, radiant glow. It’s a response to the growing demand for products that highlight the beauty of natural skin, rather than concealing it.
Containing an 80% serum base and offering 56 flexible shades, this innovative fusion is poised to become a game-changer. Offering instant hydration and a unique blend of 33 skincare ingredients, it marks a new direction for the brand and a refreshing alternative for makeup lovers looking for something sheer and lightweight.
- Makeup-skincare hybrid
- 56 shades
- Buildable coverage
A Fusion of Skincare and Makeup
The new Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation combines makeup and skincare. With 33 skin-loving ingredients, including 10% hyaluronic acid, the foundation is designed to provide 209% instant hydration. The resultant complexion is smoother, plumper, and more radiant.
Teny Kureghian, global head of product development at MAC, emphasized that the product was “developed as skincare first.” The five-year reverse engineering process involved crafting a serum before adding pigments and pearls to create a foundation.
What Sets it Apart
Unlike traditional matte products, Studio Radiance aims for a glowing finish. The texture is slightly thicker than typical hyaluronic acid serum but seamlessly blends into the skin, creating an even complexion.
Boasting 56 “artist-curated” shades, the range is inclusive of various skin tones and undertones. The wear time is claimed to be 12 hours, with testimonials affirming at least 11 hours of stability.
The 80% skin-care base consists of ingredients familiar in moisturizing skincare such as hyaluronic acid, olive, and jojoba oils. Cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam approves the combination of these elements, noting that they help in boosting skin hydration without weighing it down.
Eco-Friendly and Inclusive
The Studio Radiance bottle is part of the label’s Back to MAC recycling program, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the product has been tested with dermatologists, confirming that it’s suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin.
While maintaining MAC’s standard for broad shade ranges, Studio Radiance features six fewer shades than Studio Fix Fluid. Kureghian explains this difference is due to the opaque base of the latter requiring a larger shade breadth.
The shades are enriched with micro pearls in combinations of silver, champagne, and gold, imparting a unique radiance for different skin tones.
Availability and Pricing
Retailing for $46 USD, MAC’s Studio Radiance Foundation is now available through the brand’s website and online with Ulta.
Final Thoughts
MAC’s Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation is more than a makeup product; it’s a celebration of glowing, natural-looking skin. With a formulation that prioritizes skin health and radiance, it seems poised to make a significant impact on the beauty industry. Its diversity in shades and commitment to sustainability further cement its status as a product to watch. Whether it will become a classic like its sister Studio Fix remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest that it may quickly find its way into the favorites of beauty enthusiasts around the globe.
Published by Malcolm Trapp
