The Best MAC Foundation Routine for Oily Skin

I have been on the search for a foundation routine that reduces shine for us oily skin girls. I have tried drugstore and high end products. Because I really liked the few MAC products I had (paint pot, lipstick and sheer pressed powder) I decided to try a foundation routine using MAC products only. I have heard great things about MAC studio fix fluid foundation, but many beauty bloggers/gurus mentioned that it isn't great for oily skin. The makeup artist at MAC suggested the Pro Longwear foundation with the Prep + Prime primer. I had recently run out of my Sheer Pressed Powder (NC40) and was planning to re-purchase, but the makeup artist suggested I try Studio Fix powder for a little more coverage.

I tried this foundation routine and my face was matte all day. I was amazed! I would highly recommend these products to those of you with very oily skin. Not only do the products work to keep the shine away, but they also make my skin look flawless and airbrushed.

Prices were as follows:

1. MAC Prep + Prime: $30.00
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2. MAC Pro Longwear Foundation: $31.00
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3. MAC Studio Fix Powder: $27.00
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For shade references:

L'Oreal True Match Foundation: W5
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Foundation: Warm Beige
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse: Sandy Beige
MAC Sheer Pressed Powder: NC40

The MAC Foundation Shades I Purchased:

I tried both the NC40 and NC37 at the MAC counter. The NC40 wasn't a bad match, but the NC37 matched perfectly with my medium skin tone (yellow undertones). See swatch below:

NC stands for "Neutral Cool" and C stands for "Cool". The NC shades are supposed to be for those with a slightly golden undertone to their skin and the C shades are for more olive skin tones.

My Favorite Drugstore Pink/Berry Lipsticks for Tan Skin Tones

I am always on the hunt for affordable lipsticks that suit my medium skin tone (for reference I am a MAC NC40 / NC37). These are my favorites in no particular order:

From left to right: 1. NYX Round Lipstick - Strawberry Milk, 2. Maybelline 410 - Blissful Berry, 3. Maybelline 430 - Magnificent Mauve, 4. Maybelline 715 - Luminous Lilac, 5. Maybelline 135 - Make Me Pink, 6. Covergirl Queen Collection Q440 - Penelope Pink

My thoughts:

NYX Round Lipstick - Strawberry Milk
This is a very light baby pink shade. NYX round lipsticks are extremely moisturizing and creamy, which makes them comfortable to wear but not very long lasting. If you have a similar skin tone to me, I would recommend pairing this with a gloss for a more wearable look. If you really like light baby pink (barbie) lipsticks, this will be a perfect one to add to your collection.
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Maybelline 410 - Blissful Berry
I have yet to find the perfect red lip that suits my skin tone, so I tend to lean more towards these berry shades. This is a really nice raspberry lipstick that compliments medium or tan skin tones. The formula is much more dry than the NYX round lipsticks and I actually prefer it. The lasting power for these Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks is great, and they are perfect for a night out or long work day.
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Maybelline 430 - Magnificent Mauve
A gorgeous holiday mauve that has a bit of shimmer to it. Paired with a lavender lipgloss this one is a real showstopper.
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Maybelline 715 - Luminous Lilac
This is my most worn lipstick and is great for everyday. It is a very shimmery neutral pink. I wouldn't recommend this if you prefer a matte lip because this is a frosty finish. I usually pair it with MAC's Nymphette lipgloss and the combination is a golden light pink. The formula is a little more moisturizing than the other Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks but still has great lasting power.
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Maybelline 135 - Make Me Pink
This is a more purple toned pink shade that looks much brighter in the tube than it shows on the lips. This one has a dry formula and a matte finish.
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Covergirl Queen Collection Q440 - Penelope Pink
If you have been looking for a fabulous baby pink lipstick to wear out and you have medium / tan skin - this is the WINNER! I always searched for a baby pink lipstick in the drugstore and the ones I found were WAY too light for my skin. I tried the most popular baby pink at MAC (Snob) and it looked horrible on me. This is a beautiful doll-like baby pink that I always wear on a night out. This Queen Latifah by Covergirl line has been discontinued, but you can still find it online. This is my most highly recommended product by far.
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