HEY BESTIES! Welcome back to the channel!
Today we are literally settling the biggest beef in the concealer game. We’re talking about the heavy hitters. The pot concealers. The ones you grab when you have a pimple that just won’t quit.
In the left corner, we have the OG legend, the MAC Studio Finish SPF 35. And in the right corner, the viral TikTok queen, NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer.
I’ve been testing these side-by-side for two weeks—wear tests, flash tests, the whole vibe—and honestly? The results have me SHOOK. Let’s dive in!
Availability & Price Drama
First off, we need to talk about what MAC is doing because… why?
If you’re in the US like me, have you noticed you can barely find the single pot of MAC Studio Finish anymore? That’s because they’ve basically moved it into the Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette.
Here’s the math, and it’s kinda painful:
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MAC Palette: You pay ~$42.00, but you only get like ONE shade that actually matches your skin.
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NARS Pot: You pay ~$34.00 for a huge 6.2g pot of just your shade.
So if you’re just a regular person and not a pro MUA, NARS is already winning the wallet war.
Spackle vs. Blur
Okay, let’s get into the swatch because the formulas are COMPLETELY different.
MAC Studio Finish is giving… industrial strength. It’s a wax-based formula, which means it’s stiff, sticky, and thick. It’s technically an anhydrous suspension (science word for “no water”), so it doesn’t slide around. It’s perfect if you need to cover a tattoo or a really angry, slick pimple because it literally GRIPS the skin like spackle.
NARS Soft Matte? Totally different vibe. It’s silicone-based. When you touch it, it feels like velvet. It’s got these blurring powders (Nylon-12) that make your pores just… disappear. It’s giving “I’m not wearing makeup, I just have perfect skin.”
THE FLASH TEST (Important!)
Bestie, listen to me closely. If you are going to a wedding, prom, or anywhere with flash photography… DO NOT WEAR THE MAC.
I learned this the hard way! MAC Studio Finish has SPF 35 and Titanium Dioxide, which causes massive flashback. You will look like a ghost in photos.
NARS is flash-safe! It diffuses light and doesn’t have that SPF reflection, so you look flawless in 4K. If you need something for events, NARS is the one.
The Struggle is Real
Comparing shades? It’s tricky!
NARS Warning: The NARS Soft Matte oxidizes. That means it dries darker than it looks in the pot.
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Pro Tip: Go a shade lighter! If you are usually a “Custard,” maybe look at “Cannelle” or “Vanilla”. Let it sit on your hand for 15 mins before you buy!
MAC Warning: MAC uses their reverse art theory.
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NC = Neutral Cool (but it’s actually Yellow/Golden).
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NW = Neutral Warm (but it’s actually Pink/Peach).
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If you’re trying to cover a red pimple, grab an NC shade (yellow cancels red). If you want to brighten under eyes, check out their Pro Longwear Concealer in an NW shade.
Who Wins?
It depends on your vibe!
WINNER: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
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Why: It’s easier to buy in the US, it blurs texture (bye-bye pores!), and it’s safe for flash photos. It’s the ultimate “everyday” beat. Just make sure you hydrate first or it can look a little dry under the eyes.
RUNNER UP: MAC Studio Finish
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Why: It’s still the GOAT for covering intense discoloration like scars or tattoos because of that high-coverage wax. If you can find the Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer or don’t mind buying the palette, it’s a powerhouse.
If you have super oily skin, you might want to set either of these with a little Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to lock it in all day.
Which team are you? Team WAX or Team SILICONE? Let me know in the comments!
See you in the next one! XOXO.
