MAC Studio Finish Pressed Powder

MAC Studio Finish Pressed Powder's Performance

This one was good for creating a flawless look without going too dewy on the oily skinned girls or giving too much or too little coverage for average skin. It was considered by most to be a medium coverage finish. It was good for daytime touch-ups as well as on its own as a foundation. It seems, though, that this product wasn't as finally milled as the "new and improved" version.

How Select Sheer Pressed Powder Compares

Since MAC Studio Finish Pressed Powder is no longer on the MAC Cosmetics or MacPro site, it's hard to compare the price. What we can tell you is, the Sheer Select Pressed Powder will cost you $21.00 plus tax in the United States (prices vary, of course, by country). All in all, that's a pretty average cost for a department store foundation/powder.

Again, since the Studio Finish powder is no longer listed on the site, it's hard to compare the range of shades available. One of the great things about MAC, however, is its range of foundation shades in all their bases. Whether you're pale, or ebony toned, chances are, you'll find your match in their line. NC5 and NW5 light enough for girls like Nicole Kidman and Rose McGowan (maybe lighter!).

How to Use It

Just as MAC Studio Finish Pressed Powder came with its own sponge, so does the Select Sheer version. Some people prefer to skip the sponge altogether (they could harbor bacteria, contributing to breakouts) and use a foundation or powder brush instead. That's your call. If you've never had any problems using the sponge from your powder before, you probably won't need to worry about it now.

How to use your powder:

• As foundation in the morning
• To touch up during the day
• To set liquid foundation or concealer

Use sparingly on dry skin. As with almost all pressed powders, it could give a cakey appearance when applied to dry, flaky skin.

Also, before an important night (or day) out, make sure you give this powder a good test run. Some users report that it oxidizes on them, giving a lovely orange hue to their complexions!

What it does for you:

• Fades lines by issuing a "diffused" look to your skin
• Adds a glow
• Cuts down on shine
• Makes application quick and easy, even on the go, thanks to the pressed form and the portable compact
• Offers "just enough" coverage for average skin

Get Color Matched

Never trust the color swatches on a website when it comes to choosing your foundation. Not only are the colors digitally created (and therefore not necessarily exactly true to color), but the way your computer monitor presents the color could be off as well. Your best bet is to go to the counter to be matched in person. You only have to do it once (unless you tan or your tan fades) and it is worth the hassle.

Keep in mind, your color match may be different from foundation to foundation. If you're currently a Studio Fix Fluid foundation wearer, for example, you may not wear the same shade in Select Sheer Pressed Powder. In some cases, you may use a combination of powder and liquid to create your perfect shade (mixing NC and NW shades together, for example).

Both Studio Finish and Sheer Select powders are/were available in NC (typically cool) and NW (typically warm) shades. The numbers, as always, indicate how dark the powder is. Sheer Select goes from 5-50/55.