Exciting news from MAC Cosmetics as they just launched their first cushion foundation and I was lucky enough to give it a try. MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation is the brands first foray into this innovative trend of products that delivers true-to-life coverage while not suffocating the skin.

MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation

"Who doesn’t want a foundation to look as real as their skin tone? Thanks to our new Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact, it can. Its innovative cushion and sheer liquid formula lends true-to-life shade perfection and coverage, while letting your natural skin show through. A cutting-edge delivery system allows the formula to be released in a superfine layer, providing a natural finish and sheer to medium buildable coverage. Launching with a spectrum of 12 light to deep dark shades, and debuting with the new 197SH Duo Fibre Square Brush and Matchmaster Concealer."

Cushion foundations started in Korea and have been here in the US for a few years now. I think MAC took their time to give us something unique and original because Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation delivers in this new category. When they say it offers perfection and coverage, they are not lying.

I am really impressed with the light to medium coverage out of the compact which can be built up. I applied the foundation with the enclosed foam-like sponge that came with the foundation. While MAC recommends applying with the new Duo Fibre Square Brush, I recommend applying with the sponge for a flawless, even finish. The finish itself is very natural and real-looking. My skin has been very dry this winter, and applying this with or without a primer yields pretty good results. It does last longer with a foundation primer, so if you are looking for all-day wear, then that is the way to go. With foundation primer, I didn't see fading for at least six hours. At the end of the day, my foundation was definitely still on and looking natural and pretty flawless.

There are 12 shades in the Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation line-up. I was sent 4.0 as a match to my normal NC30 tone, but it was a bit dark. I just ordered 3.0 which seems like it will be a better match.

    No.1
    No. 1.5
    No. 2.0
    No. 3.0
    No. 4.0
    No. 5.0
    No.6.0
    No. 7.0
    No. 7.5
    No. 8.0
    No. 8.5
    No. 9.0

Buy MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation now at all MAC stores, counters in Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. and maccosmetics.com. Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation retails for $36.