To be specific, the best cushion foundation winner is the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Complete Coverage Cushion Compact SPF 50/PA+++, the shiny compact pictured in the middle.
27 years ago, MAC Cosmetics decided to do what its peers (who quite literally paled in comparison) failed to do. It launched what could be considered an all-rounder-foundation that was called Studio Fix — Studio because it was wielded by professionals backstage during fashion shows (remember what they were like?) and Fix because it was modern in texture unlike the cement-like finishes delivered by other brands. Most importantly, it came in 30 shades that were unprecedented for its time (it now rounds up to 63 and has 13 more than Fenty). After all, that was an era where diversity was not a norm and foundations charts read like a book — white with varying shades of creme.
For context, Ebony Fashion Fair Cosmetics already did so in 1973 for African American people but what made Studio Fix even better in our opinion? It was not enough for the Canadian cosmetic powerhouse to price it affordably and neither was it made with quickness of application in mind (many would tell you they use their fingers). It controlled shine as efficiently as it was buildable in coverage. If one wants 24 hours of wear, that option was available to them too.
In the big 20 of 21, MAC Cosmetics has captured the zeitgeist again of how modern consumers like us want our foundations now — subtract the heavy feeling on the skin, add sun protection and even better, make it truly portable.
That our friends, is what the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Complete Coverage Cushion Compact SPF 50/PA+++ is — aka the best cushion foundation from the Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2021.
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Pictured on the left, the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Complete Coverage Cushion Compact SPF 50/PA+++ has the coverage of its peers — the Studio Fix Fluid and powder — with the lightness of a BB cream.
How good then is the Studio Fix Complete Coverage Cushion Compact? It packs quite a punch in its water-fresh formula — one swipe provides a medium-like coverage for blemishes and darkness and a light tap provides full coverage. While the latter action does not necessarily conceal tattoos (trust me, I’ve tried), the genius of the products is in its transfer-resistant formula. You can quite literally hold your phone to your ears without any transfer. Or, if you’re planning to nap in your makeup (why though?), it does not leave streaks on your pillow.
“Once you pick the perfect colour and undertone, the application of this cushion is non-noticeable and you can’t go wrong with the shade range,” shares makeup artiste Larry Yeo — and that is good enough reason for us.
Find your shade today with the best cushion foundation one can buy on the market here or click here to catch up with our June/July 2021 issue.
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