MAC MatchMaster Foundation Review

I've been on the hunt for a new foundation. For the past 8 years, I've been using Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. It's varied from different shades, but as of late, I was the 1.0 - the fairest shade available. Now my skin has a lot of olive undertones, so even at that shade, I didn't feel as though I looked super pale just because of my undertones. But believe or not, I've become even lighter than the 1.0 and need something else. Side note, I've stopped tanning purposefully about 2 years ago. Skin cancer ain't cool kids. Protect yourself. Anyway, so even with the color change and Estee Lauder not being able to accommodate, I did feel as though I don't need quite as much coverage as the DWL was providing.

Since it has been so long, I really didn't know where to begin with a foundation search. I've been following some makeup Guru's on Youtube which is helpful in a lot of areas, but when it comes to foundation, everyone's skin is different, so it's hard to really take someone's recommendation and expect it to work for you too.

Which is why I hope you take my foundation reviews with a grain of salt. What may work or not work for me, might be an entirely different situation for you based on skin differences. What I will try to do in this review is provide my observations in wearing this foundation.

Here is the MAC Matchmaster foundation: 

Here is the description of the foundation from MAC's website - Uses Shade Intelligence Technology to bring customized shades in a flawless demi-matte finish with medium, buildable coverage and broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. Gives perfect colour purity without looking ashy or chalky, reduces shine on the skin's surface and helps to absorb excess oil. Conditions and soothes skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and imperfections.

Let's break it down. I've always been skeptical of anything that has any sort of "smart shade technology." Maybe it's just because I don't understand how it works, but I mean come on! You mean to tell me my foundation is smart enough to adjust itself to match my skin tone?! GET OUT! Yeah I'm not buying it. When I was getting matched at the MAC counter in Omaha, I was pretty frustrated with the MAC associate. She seemed in a hurry to make a sale and didn't really try any other colors on  my except for the 1.0. Her words were and I quote "it may be a shade too light for you but this foundation will adjust for you. Will that be all today?" Well, if it's a shade too light, shall we try the next shade up ma'am? As someone who used to work at a makeup counter for Estee Lauder, I couldn't imagine saying something like that to one of my clients. So, my first impression was a bit sketchy. But, benefit of the doubt right?

Demi-matte finish - Yep, I would say that is a spot on description. 

Medium, Buildable Coverage - Ooooo so close. I need something with medium and buildable coverage for sure. Lots of redness and texture on my face that I wish I could get rid of. When I would apply this foundation, I would do one coat over the whole face, then touch up and build some more foundation in areas where it needed a little more attention. I would follow up with MAC Studio Finish concealer and set with a powder. First glance, the finish and coverage looks great. A couple hours later, it's like my foundation has magically disappeared. The lasting power is absolutely terrible. I am constantly reapplying and that just doesn't make for a very nice finish when I've already applied bronzer, blush and a highlight. 

I do feel that this foundation made my skin look like skin. When freshly applied, it wasn't ashy or chalky as indicated. It felt like I wasn't wearing anything. Unfortunately a couple hours later, I wasn't. But, I digress. I was recommended this foundation because I have normal combination to dry skin. So the fact that this description says that it absorbs oil, I'm wondering what that MAC counter associate was thinking with this recommendation. It didn't further dry me out thankfully. But I wouldn't say that my skin felt any more conditioned or soothed from wearing this. And it most certainly didn't make the appearance of pores disappear after a couple hours. 

So, like I said earlier. Take this review with a grain of salt. Well, take ANY of my reviews with a grain of salt for that matter. What works for me may not work for you. I hope that I was able to provide some insight on how the foundation performed on my skin to give those of you with similar skin types, or even completely opposite skin types. 

My big hurdle now, is attempting to return this foundation to the MAC company and get my money back. I bought this at the closest MAC counter to where I live which is 200 miles away. I am most certainly not making the drive just to return it. So I am curious as to how the customer service for my predicament will be. Maybe that will be a followup review - MAC Customer Service Review!

Anyway, back to the drawing board on finding a new foundation. I will keep you posted! Sorry for the ramble!