I haven’t always worn foundation; back when I was about 13-years-old I had one compact of beige pressed powder I sometimes wore, and for special occasions I’d add some lipgloss.

Now times have changed, not only in terms of how much make up I wear, but also in the technology that goes into creating cosmetics.  Let’s see if the new techy kid on the block, MAC matchmaster foundation, actually works.

Smell

I love the smell of this foundation because it smells like moisturiser, which reminds me of simpler times when I used to mix foundation and moisturiser together for lighter coverage.

Effectiveness

MAC matchmaster foundation totally covers everything it’s supposed to, and it’s easy to work around the face (I use a beauty blender). I bought what is probably the world’s most expensive foundation brush from MAC which was *so* hard to use, so far beauty blenders have been the easiest foundation applicator I’ve found.

This product has “new foundation technology using translucent pigments to enable a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin’s undertone.”

When I first started using the foundation I had just got back from Miami, so I had a slight tan, and while the foundation didn’t match my skin tone as perfectly as I had hoped, it wasn’t so bad that I had to go out and buy a completely new shade, which I usually have to do after a holiday.

Ingredients

After some digging I found a full list of ingredients, the foundation contains the active ingredient Octinoxate which has concentration restrictions by law as it “is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and can disrupt thyroid function.”

It also has SPF 15 which I make sure all my foundations have to prevent sun damage (even though I live in the UK where the sun barely shines *sob*).

Convenience

What I love about the MAC matchmaster foundation is its bottle. It has a twistable cap that prevents the product from being squeezed out accidentally in your handbag.

You can buy this foundation online but I recommend getting colour matched in store. MAC matchmaster foundation is £29.

Fix or fail?

 

I will keep using this foundation as it’s easy to apply, and I like that I can build the coverage throughout the day without it getting cakey. I make sure I apply lots of moisturser and primer beforehand as it is a little drying.

Verdict: Fix

Credits

Facts about Octinoxate: http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/octinoxate/#sthash.D5HFfoyM.dpuf

P.S. I spent about two weeks calling this foundation ‘matchmaker’ and no one corrected me…. I still kinda think it should be called that, let me know if you agree in the comments or on Twitter @PhoebeParke.