MAC Cosmetics Well Defined: New Studio Sculpt Foundation, Concealer Hits Stores Next Week

Heya, MAC-aholics! My friends over at MAC just sent me some tidbits on the new Well Defined collection.

It features a new line of gel-based concealers and foundations called Studio Sculpt, which will be added to MAC’s permanent product arsenal.

I haven’t had the greatest luck with MAC foundations in the past (Studio Fix broke me out like *WHOA*), but I love their concealers. My dark circles and I will be all over that lil’ pot with a quickness. 😉

Studio Sculpt Concealer, $16.50

• NC 15, NC 20, NC 30, NC 35, NC 42, NC 45, NC 50, NW 15, NW 20, NW 25, NW 30, NW 35, NW 40, NW 45, NW 50

Inspired by the needs of M·A·C makeup artists, who demanded a full-coverage concealer that never becomes dry and cakey, the gel-based cream formula slips onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections. Its silicone coated pigments help retain color purity for superb coverage that blends easily yet covers completely with just a small amount of product.

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, $28

• NC 15, NC 20, NC 25, NC 30, NC 35, NC 37, NC 40, NC 42, NC 44, NC 45, NC 50, NC 55, NW 15, NW 20, NW 25, NW 30, NW 35, NW 40, NW 43, NW 45, NW 47, NW 50, NW 55

Every drop contains uniquely formulated micronized silicone-coated pigments that keep color true, so it appears to sink into the skin without ever becoming mask-like or cakey. A cushiony gel base helps color slip onto skin for a medium-coverage silky finish.

Made for all skin types, this lush formulation is especially suited for dry, sensitive and mature complexions; with continued use, skin becomes increasingly hydrated and supple.

191 Foundation Brush, $32

• A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic fiber brush with a fine, firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.

Concealer Brush, $22

• A flexible, synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products.

Prep + Prime Skin, $23

• An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones that calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder.

M·A·C STUDIO SCULPT FOUNDATION SPF 15 Q&A WITH GORDON ESPINET, VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL MAKEUP ARTISTRY, M·A·C WORLDWIDE

Q: How does this formula perform differently from other foundations in the M·A·C line?
Studio Sculpt is incredibly versatile, which makes it unique for many reasons, since its texture is silky and creamy, gliding effortlessly onto skin while providing a natural, velvety finish that’s both modern and natural. It can be blended with moisturizer for a more sheer finish that’s never streaky, or combined with concealer for more full coverage. Create a matte finish by applying powder afterwards, or use Studio Sculpt alone to emphasize skin’s natural sheen and highlights.

Q: Why was this product key for you and your team during fashion week? Has Studio Sculpt been used in any photo shoots?
We have anxiously wanted to offer a foundation that leaves skin looking well-hydrated and completely nourished, and can stand up to being used in various ways. Studio Sculpt can be sheered out or used with powder; it always looks flawless, which is a backstage dream. It is the perfect formula for both film and digital photography, in black and white or color. It’s extremely user-friendly, and the finish remains true and consistent in both color and texture.

Q: Is Studio Sculpt appropriate for HD TV use?
It’s absolutely perfect for High Definition television, because the texture is flawless and it helps skin read as real looking, not overly made up. More importantly, Studio Sculpt’s coverage can be easily manipulated into something very sheer, or layered to offer more coverage where necessary, while remaining even-toned and consistent in texture.

Q: What are some application techniques for the non-professional user?
Begin with a pea size amount on the back of your hand, and use any foundation brush to apply onto hydrated skin. Mix in a bit of your favorite moisturizer (try Strobe Cream or Strobe Liquid), which will create a sheer, luminous finish that makes skin appear to be candlelit. Use any M.A.C concealer over areas that need additional coverage.

Q: In your experience, what skin benefits have been shown with continued use?
Skin becomes more plump and hydrated, it give a youthful look.

Q: How does a medium-coverage foundation like this work well with today’s makeup trends?
What’s most important is versatility in creating perfect-looking skin. It needs to appear fresh, flawless, and polished, but the products used to achieve this effect should be indiscernible to the naked eye. A medium coverage like what’s offered by Studio Sculpt allows you to sheer down the formula with various creams and mixing mediums to create glowing skin, but can also be layered with concealer to create a more opaque finish.

Q: Some people can be wary of a product labeled medium-coverage, so who would you say is the ideal person for this foundation? What are their needs?
Studio Sculpt is ideal for anyone wanting to look flawless, but without seeming like they are wearing anything. In essence, this formula is for everyone. It can be easily sheered down to create a light veil of coverage, mixed with luminescent products to create glowing effects or layered to conceal any imperfections. Studio Sculpt will make your complexion look perfect, whether you’re dealing with dehydrated skin, unwanted oily areas, fine lines or discoloration.

Q: You always say we can judge how well something will sell based on how many products are stolen by models backstage, where does Studio Sculpt rate on this scale?
By far, this was the product we most had to keep track of backstage. Makeup artists and models alike fell in love with this formula, and didn’t want to wait for it to be launched to get their hands on it. Studio Sculpt was definitely the number-one product that fell victim to “sticky fingers.”

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen