Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation NC5 dupes and alternatives MAC Cosmetics
4.3 (3,477)·Light · Warm · golden undertone
Closest shade match is the equivalent shade, scored on colour, depth and undertone only. Closest overall alternative is the most similar foundation overall, scored on shade match (55%), finish and visual result (25%), wear and performance (15%) and skin suitability (5%).
Overall alternativesShade matchesRanked by the overall match: the most similar foundation on shade, finish, wear and skin suitability together. Each row leads with its overall match; the shade match is beneath it.
Ranked by the overall match: the most similar foundation on shade, finish, wear and skin suitability together. Each row leads with its overall match; the shade match is beneath it.
Matches: Near-identical swatch colour· Same matte finish· Both claim not settling into lines
Differences: Neutral rather than warm undertone· Medium rather than full coverage· No long-wear claim
Score details
Shade match
89
Finish & visual result
91
Wear & performance
61
Skin suitability
43
Looks identical · Matte · Medium coverage
Ingredients (not scored): 0% ingredient overlap
Differences: Neutral rather than warm undertone · Medium rather than full coverage · No long-wear claim · Does not claim transfer resistance · Does not claim colour stability · Not marketed for normal skin
Retailer shade note: fair skin w/neutral to golden undertones
$16Ulta Beauty(product price)$23 less (59%)4.3 (699)
Matches: Near-identical swatch colour· Claims a blurring effect
Differences: Neutral rather than warm undertone· Natural rather than matte finish· Medium rather than full coverage
Score details
Shade match
89
Finish & visual result
62
Wear & performance
40
Skin suitability
76
Looks identical · Natural · Medium coverage
Ingredients (not scored): 11% ingredient overlap
Differences: Neutral rather than warm undertone · Natural rather than matte finish · Medium rather than full coverage · No long-wear claim · Does not claim transfer resistance · Does not claim not settling into lines · Does not claim colour stability · Does not claim a lightweight feel · No SPF
The closest shade to MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation NC5 (Light · Warm · golden undertone) in each concealer range, compared on measured colour, depth and undertone. Price never changes the order.
Concealer shade colours are sampled from retailer swatch images, so check the shade on the retailer page before buying.
Why the closest match works
MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick in Silk, against MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation in NC5. Every attribute compared, with its share of the score.
ComparedYour shadeNC5Closest matchSilkHow they compareScore
Shade match55% of overall95
Colour60%99#e6bda0#e5bc9eLooks identicalColour difference 0.5 (0 is identical)
Depth15%99LightLightSameDepth difference: 0.6
Retailer descriptionVery fairVery fairBoth described as very fairThe retailers describe the same depth
Finish & visual result25% of overall · 2 of 4 compared67
Finish35%56MatteNaturalSome differenceNatural finish rather than matte
Coverage30%80FullMediumCloseMedium coverage rather than full (buildable: one step of tolerance)
Skin-like finish20%—not comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a skin-like finish
Blurring15%—not comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a blurring or smoothing effect
Wear & performance15% of overall70
Longevity30%7024-hour wearLong-wearingSome differenceYour product claims 24-hour wear; the match says long-wearing without hours
Transfer resistance20%40ClaimedNot listedSome differenceOnly your product claims transfer resistance; the match does not list it
Settling20%100ClaimedClaimedSameBoth products claim not settling into pores or fine lines
Colour stability15%40ClaimedNot listedSome differenceOnly your product claims colour stability (no oxidation); the match does not list it
Comfort15%100ClaimedClaimedSameBoth products claim a comfortable, lightweight feel
Skin suitability5% of overall87
Skin type100%87Normal, oilyNormal, combination, oilyBoth marketed for normal/oily skin
Overall match 84/100Shade match 95/100Medium confidence· Digital match
Weights are each part's share of the overall match and each attribute's share of its part; an attribute neither product lists is not comparable and its weight goes to the others in its part. Confidence reflects data quality, not similarity. Price and ingredients are not part of either score.
30 similar shades scored two ways: the shade match on colour, depth and undertone; the overall match on shade match, finish and visual result, wear and performance and skin suitability. Ingredients are shown for information and used by the filters only. Prices are shown next to every match and never change a score. How scoring and confidence work.
Shade colours are sampled from Beautler’s processing of retailer swatch images and are a digital approximation. Prices and stock were last checked when the product was imported; the retailer page is the source of truth.
Sephora
Ulta Beauty(product price)Costs $0.50 more
