(image above and immediately below courtesy of bjooti.net)
What makes the topography of an interesting face so compelling?
The shapes, forms and planes are often made, not born.
The secrets of sculpting features, creating volumes where they were once lacking,
defining areas that didn’t seem so important,
all but hold the power of transformation in your hands!
Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation and Studio Sculpt Concealer put infinite possibility at your fingertips!
191 Square Foundation Brush is state-of-the-art application for foundation,
195 Concealer Brush finishes with ultimate precision. Among the finest tools we have.
I am so looking forward to this collection! New foundation and concealer to appeal to the makeup artist in me and to the I've-gotta-have-it MAC junky! The products were developed after a lot of hard work and collaboration between MAC's Product Developent team and the Pro Artists - so it's been tried and tested in real life and backstage! And a little goes a long way with both products, which means more bang for your buck in this economy. And more $$$ for lipglasses!
A nice packaging for the foundation, Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, helps sell what's already sounding like a great product. The squeezey tube minimizes waste, which is great, and won't break if you drop it on the floor! And in case you're wondering how it goes on? GREAT! It glides on, gives some time to blend, but then stays put for hours. Chock-a-block with hydrating ingredients, the requisite antioxidants, and some SPF protection (courtesy of titanium dioxide and octinoxate), this formula is suited for all skin types but especially great for mature, sensitive and dehydrated skins.
The Studio Sculpt Concealer answers makeup artists' search for a full-coverage concealer that doesn't cake or look dry. It's gel-based and works great with the foundation, with similar perks to the foundation, like the way it slips on, the buildable coverage, and the long-wear. Silicone-coated pigments will help keep the color true, which is needed for concealer. No pesky change-ups halfway through the day!
If the imagery doesn't appeal to your inner artist, then maybe the product descriptions will:
- FACE - foundation | Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation | "A rich, luxurious Cream Foundation in tube. This lush uniquely textured foundation delivers ultimate hydration while instantly revitalizing dull and dry skin. Smooth and even application yields a medium buildable coverage with a natural-satin finish. | This will be a perm addition. Gel-based cream formula. Available in the normal range, NC 15-NC55 and NW 15 - NW 55. Loving the 55s! It's about time this shade was routinely available.
FACE - concealer | Studio Sculpt Concealer | Full-coverage
that never becomes dry and cakey with a gel-based cream formula slips
onto skin, effortlessly hiding imperfections. | This
will also be a perm addition. A nice variety of shades: NC 15, 20, 30,
35, 42, 45, and 50; NW15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50.- FACE - primer | Prep + Primer Skin is a perm item that has been out for awhile. It's a liquid primer with silicones in it, so it slides on and stays put, filling in the bits that need to be filled. Ingredients inside help calm irritated skin, while others minimize redness and sap up any extra oil.
- TOOLS - brushes | #191 Foundation brush (A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine firm edge for distribution and blending of liquid, emulsion or cream products on the face or body.) Perm.
- TOOLS - brushes | #195 Concealer Brush (flexible synthetic flat brush with slight pointed tip for application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products). still waiting on confirmation as to this item's status as LE or Perm.
Later in this article: notes from around the web, Editor's Notes, product pics, and a Q&A with 2 MAC bigwigs!
Want more? Read more...
Notes:
- Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation appears to be, according to rumors, gel-based and easily buildable to vary the amount of coverage. I have heard it will get full-coverage easily and nicely (not too heavy looking).
- Because of its gel formula, it dries/sets quickly.
- The foundation can be used as-is, or sheered-out with moisturizer or Strobe Cream. These tricks will tweak the formula a bit. Apparently using Oil Control Lotion will give it a bit of a more matte look, but not Studio-Fix matte.
- Packaging for Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation will be packaged in a squeeze-tube.
- The foundation is reported to be water-resistant, and may be especially well-suited for drier skin types.
- The foundation may provide some firming and toning benefits, and seems to give a dewy finish (which makes sense if it's targeted to mostly dry skins).
- Important to keep in mind: reports are that these foundations either run a bit dark or (more likely) oxidize and go a bit dark on the skin. Test before you buy, folks!!! The primer is being repromoted with this collection, so make sure to try that, as it may help slow or prevent oxidation.
- Studio Sculpt Concealer will probably be gel-based, too, since it's meant to work with the foundation. (Each foundation has a partner concealer) Wondering how "layerable" it will be?
- Studio Sculpt Concealer sounds like it's going to be fairly high-power, with one quote implying that it will cover tattoos.
- This concealer is getting pretty rave reviews! It's dewy but not wet and heavy looking and builds well.
- The downside: one tester said the concealer creased under the eyes (maybe because it's so emollient? try setting it if this is a problem for you). Other reports disagree, though. You may have to experiment with your under-eye creams, letting them soak in well before applying.
- The #195 sounds interesting. I am not a fan at all of the current concealer brush, which is the #194. It's too tiny for most applications (except very petite faces, or for covering a blemish), and the bristles fray too easily. I went through these like water when I was at MAC, because once it starts to fray it doesn't even do what little it did when it was brand new. Looking forward to trying the #195! *fingers crossed*
Editor's Comments:
- Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation | I think this sounds pretty promising, especially since it's got such flexibility. I hear this was quite the hit backstage at Fashion Week, which is always a nice reference. I hope this isn't too heavy for combination skin, and I hope that (unlike other MAC foundations) it doesn't clog pores. I'm definitely giving this one a shot, though!
- Studio Sculpt Concealer | This is the one I'm really waiting for. I'm looking forward to a non-slip concealer that you can build. Some get so cakey, and others slip. Hopefully this one does neither!
- #191 Foundation brush | I don't care for this brush. The thin layer of bristles is nice, but the brush is too broad and the flat edge makes maneuvering hard on petite faces.
- Concealer Brush | Now this could be promising. I will have to handle it and see how the size is, but a good concealer brush is a welcome addition to the MAC scene. Meanwhile, try the 217 synthetic eye brush for a kick-ass concealer application!
From a Q&A with MAC's VP of Global Makeup Artistry, Gordon Espinet:
(emphasis below is mine)
- Why this foundation is different: "Studio Sculpt is incredible versatile, which makes it unique for many reasons, since its formula is silky and creamy, gliding effortlessly into 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 a concealer for more full coverage. Create a more matte finish by applying powder afterwards, or use Studio Sculpt alone to emphasize skin's natural sheen and highlights.
- Why it's a boon to artists: "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.
- How it works with High-def: "It's absolutely perfect for High Definition Television, because the texture is so flawless and it helps keep skin 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 when necessary, while remaining even-toned and consistent in texture."
- I'm not an artist, so what can I do with it?: "Begin with a pea sized amount on the back of your hand, and use any foundation brush to apply to 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 candlelit. Use any MAC concealer over any areas that need additional coverage."
- What are the benefits?: "Skin becomes more plump and hydrated... a youthful look."
- Who is the ideal consumer for this product?: "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] will make your complexion look perfect, whether you're dealing with dehydrated skin, unwanted oily areas, fine lines or discoloration."
- What happened backstage?: "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 thier hands on it. Studio Sculpt was definitely the number-one product that fell victim to "sticky fingers."
From a Q&A with MAC's VP of Global Product Developement, Nick Gavrelis:
(emphasis below is mine)
- About the formula and inspiration: "About two and a half years ago, MAC artists from all around the globe helped identify the need for a new kind of cream foundation. We wanted to give it a long-lasting, medium-coverage yet buildable finish, with longterm hydrating benefits. We went into the lab aiming to create a formula with modern aspects, like a gel base, combined with a very luxurious, rich, creamy feel. It had to have the wear, flexibility and flawlessness that our makeup artists demanded, as well as the comfort, moisturization, smoothing and perfecting qualities real women have been asking for."
- About testing of the product: "The Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Week that took place this past September and October was the third and final season of testing by the MAC Pro Team. Their passionate feedback helped us adjust and ultimately perfect the formula. For example, we tweaked the way the product glides onto the skin, which ultimately improved the blending time customers experience..."
- Other testing: "...the results proved to be very successful, rating above a 90% approval score in Asia, which is exceptionally unusual..."; "...Consumer Sensory Testing provides a more pefect, tighter feeling, and smoother looking complexion."
- About the ingredients: "We added antioxidants Vitamins C & E, which help to defend against free radical damage. Studio Sculpt also contains a combination of titanium dioxide, a physical sunscreen, and octinoxate, a gentle chemical sunscreen. Together, theyhelp offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. While this is sufficient for limited and incidental UV exposure, it's important to combine with a higher SPF product whenever there's a chance of additional sun exposure... Studio Sculpt is made with innovative plant-based extracts for a unique foundation that delivers long-wearing, color-true, comfortably weightless yet flawless coverage. Specifically, we employed sodium hyaluronate, yeast extracts, and shea butter to boost moisture levels, plus extracts of Hyberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Beet Root and Tamarind Seed Extract, which help to improve skin's hydration with continued use. Finally, we used a combination of soft-focus powders that optically diffuse imperfections and give a more flawless finish. There is also Quercus Suber Bark Extract and Octyldodecyl PCA , which combined with a special new polymer, help to provide a more perfect, smoother, tighter looking complexion."
(image courtesy of veeja via specktra.net)
(image above and immediately below courtesy of bjooti.net)
(image above and immediately below courtesy of bjooti.net)
