MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder

~ stashy

Since I finished up my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (MSFN) powder last month, I finally got to open up my MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder (SSDP), which has been sitting in my stash since it launched in Sept 2014. :/  I know… I have a tendency to buy stuff and then not open it for months.
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The compact costs $37 for 10g and is made in Italy.  I mainly bought this because the tester at the MAC store felt so smooth.  I told the MA that I love the MSFN and she said this was comparable but even more smooth looking. I was intrigued!  I was matched to the Light Plus shade.

MAC’s description of this powder:

This long-wearing gel-infused powder glides onto the skin and effortlessly blends for a flawless look.  Created using slurry technology, in which this powder formula starts out as a liquid-gel and dries to its powder form to give it a unique creamy feel.  Can be worn on its own, over moisturizer or used to set and stablize makeup.  Features sheer buildable coverage.

Compared to MSFN, SSDP has a sheerer coverage.  I would compare it to the MAC Blot powder in terms of coverage.  However, the SSDP isn’t as shine controlling as the Blot powder (nor is it marketed to be).  I really dig the design on the powder surface, for some reason it looks really futuristic to me:
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I read online reviews that complained they could not pick up any product onto their brushes, and I can understand why – this powder is packed quite densely into the compact, I think mainly due to how fine the powder particles are.  I made a point to use my natural hair bristled Clarins kabuki brush and it picked up the powder just fine.  So keep that mind – in general a synthetic brush just can’t pick up powders as well.
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I’ve been wearing this for a couple of weeks and I really like it!  It provides a very flawless looking skin: blurs fine lines and pores, doesn’t look cakey, and gives a natural looking radiance.  I can even use this powder to set my under eye concealer since it’s not a flat matte powder.  I would say that based on how it performs, this is MAC’s response to Hourglass’ Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.
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The only weakness for me is that it doesn’t provide much oil control, but for the upcoming winter months, it’s not as much of a concern.  This powder would be best suited for normal to dry skin or combination skin – but not for the oily skin types.  I would definitely repurchase this!
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Pros:
• blurs skin imperfections
• not drying
• natural looking
• good range of colours (8 in total)

Cons:
• not much oil control
• expensive

Stash worthiness: 8/10

Have you tried MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder? What’s your favourite face powder?

39 thoughts on “MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder”

    1. Yeah I imagine it’s not good for oilier skin types – MSFN is definitely a better option. Glad you were able to return it, that’s what’s great about MAC. No hassles with returns if the product doesn’t work out.

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    1. Have you tried the Rimmel Stay Matte powder? I don’t like how it doesn’t come with a proper compact but it’s decent. The other one that I like is Essence All About Matte powder, it’s very good.

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    1. I haven’t tried much Laura Mercier. I should add that brand as one I’d like to try more of! A good MAC powder to top BB cream is definitely their Mineralize Skin Finish Natural – I love that on top of my BB cream! 😀

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      1. I took your advise on the MUFE one !!! I’ll go tomorrow to buy MAC .
        Laura Mercier makes one of the best eyeshadow formula & the translucent powder is a most (seriously it’s life changing)… In January this should be your first buy, second the Becca palette, third … I think I’ll make you a list 😀

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        1. The MUFE loose powder?
          Actually, I’m finishing up the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder now – I’ve been using it for YEARS to set my under eye concealer and I love it. But, I need a change and will be moving onto the Nars loose powder next (which is already in my stash!)

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            1. Oh yeah, the MUFE powder is so cakey, yes pass on that one! Definitely MAC MSFN is waaaay better than that!
              I know, I really need to formulate a plan for 2016. I really don’t NEED anything. I know I have a lot of wish list items but I don’t need any of it! Plus, I’m going to Japan next year so I am going to shop like crazy there, so I should pace myself with buying makeup here. I am still toying with the idea of doing a budget per month but I’m not sure how much is reasonable.

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              1. I’m going with 200$/month !!! It may sounds like a lot but it will include haircare, body care,skincare & makeup … To me it will be a far cry from what I’m spending right now. I’m super excited about the low buy, that’s so strange. A no-buy on lip products still remains & on eyeshadow palettes (After the UD, TooFaced & Kevyn Aucoin that is 😜)
                You are so lucky to go to Japan 🎉

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    1. So many MAC products! Have you tried MAC eye shadows? I still love their formula especially the Veluxe Pearls. Shades I’d recommend: Satin Taupe, Patina, All That Glitters. I also like their Mineralize Blushes – really lovely colours. I like Dainty and Gentle. Some of their brushes are my favourites including 217, 239, 317 – I tend to prefer the white hairs to the black hairs as they’re softer. Hope that helps!

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  10. This sounds absolutely amazing! I love my MSN but might try this next time I run out. I love the idea of it being slightly less matte and more dimensional. Design also looks great!

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