Sep 15, 2025

Charmacy vs. MAC: The Battle of the Foundation Brands – Which Brand Wins?

Best Foundation Brands 2025 | Charmacy vs MAC: Foundation Comparison

Introduction: The Ultimate Foundation Face-Off

Every makeup lover is passionate about makeup knows that the search for the ideal foundation can feel never-ending. Is it worth spending money on a professional classic or is it better saving money on a new budget-friendly hero? In this article, we compare two foundation heroes with powerhouse of liquid contenders: the highly sought MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 and the newly rise Charmacy Milano CMC Matte Foundation. Both claims to provide a flawless complexion, but which ones better to your preferences? If you been looking for a matte foundation that provides full coverage, longevity, and a flawless finish, you need to continue reading. We’re about to breakdown high-end vs affordable full coverage foundation vs medium coverage foundation, and even touch on skin type suitability (dry skin and oily skin alike). you'll know whether to grab the iconic MAC or the buzzworthy Charmacy for your next buy foundation decision. Let’s dig in and find out which brand wins your vote!

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Overview

Charmacy Milano Matte Foundation: This brand quickly gained popularity for its fully matte, buildable, and affordable foundations. The pump bottle for the foundation comes with an innovative airless system (which means there’s no wastage) and has 24hr long wear, waterproof and sweatproof, and oil control to keep your skin shining. It’s a vegan foundation and completely cruelty-free, infused with a green tea antioxidant complex which means it works for skin while you wear it. Simply, it’s the matte foundation that promises to keep you photo ready with no shine and caking for more than a day for less than ₹1000. What’s not to like!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15: A word of a MAC product, MAC’S Studio Fix Fluid has been used and loved for decades by makeup artists and enthusiasts.

This foundation is known for its medium-to-full buildable coverage and signature “natural matte” (soft-matte) finish that looks like real skin. Moisturizing with the drop, it’s got broad spectrum SPF 15 protection and a revamped formula which has 87% skin loving goodies like Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae, and Sugar Kelp extra for oil control and hydration.
The result is a breathable, long-wearing foundation that keeps shine at bay and stays color-true for up to 24 hours. MAC also offers an extensive shade range with more than 60 shades globally (around 29-30 shades in regions like India) giving almost everyone the chance to find their perfect match. It is a more luxurious item (approximately ₹3,400 in India or $39 in the US) but its quality, as well as the reputation, ensures that it is a must have in many kits. For its reputation, Studio Fix Fluid is the matte liquid foundation that is used the most.

Head-to-Head Comparison: The Key Categories

Let’s compare Charmacy and MAC on the basis of the best value, finish, coverage and suitability. It’s the ultimate foundation face-off - may the best full coverage foundation win!

Category 1: Price & Value for Money

When it’s value, the difference is staggering. Charmacy Milano Matte Foundation is around ₹989. That’s a bargain for what it offers. For under a thousand rupees, the long wear, high coverage is unbelievable. Charmacy Foundation is exceptionally high value. It is on the lower end of the scale but does not come off as a cheap product. If you’re on a budget or love a good deal, Charmacy’s pricing is appealing. You can essentially buy foundation from Charmacy in three different shades for the price of one MAC bottle, which is amazing for those who like to mix or need a summer and winter shade. Is it worth it? Thousands of loyal users would say yes, the phrase “you get what you pay for” comes to mind. Studio Fix Fluid has been trusted on the stage, on set and for daily wear for ages, so for many, it earns its keep. That being said, purely in value terms, MAC is priced thrice as expensive as Charmacy. If you do not need the MAC name with its specific perks, Charm acy provides comparable results for a fraction of the cost which is something hard to ignore for most shoppers.

Value verdict: If you are pinching your pennies, Charmacy simply wins this round. If you are not budget constrained, have a premium preference and value the traditional, Studio Fix Fluid is for you. Its price can be justifiable at that point. But remember, the sole fact of paying more doesn’t mean getting a better foundation it is dependent on your needs and whether those extra features are worth it in your routine.

Category 2: Finish & Longevity

Both foundations claim to keep you looking matte and polished all day, but there are differences in how they finish and wear.

Charmacy Milano Finish:

This is a true matte foundation. When they say matte, they mean it users claim that it dries down to a shine-free finish that does not need setting powder on normal-to-oily skin. It helps to control oil and has a drier, sleeker, slightly velvety look, controlling excess shine for hours. Charmacy claims 24-hour wear, and we have seen evidence it holds up exceptionally well, its waterproof, sweatproof and humidity resistant. This means whether you are in the Mumbai heat or dancing all night, this foundation will last and not melt off. The finish is flat matte but flattering and designed to not move. One bride claimed that all day long and very late after the wedding, her makeup was glowing, and “tass se mass nahi hua”, it was not budging, which is impressive. However matte finish foundations will always accentuate patches and texture unless you have done the proper skin preparation.

The formula is lightweight and breathable, but it sets quickly and firmly, locking your look in place.

MAC Studio Fix Finish:

MAC’s finish is often described as a “natural matte” or demi-matte. In other words, it’s matte but not flat. It leaves a hint of skin-like dimension. MAC also describes the finish as a “soft matte” since the formula is designed to look skin-like and natural (both in person and on camera). Many love this because it avoids the overly powdered look while still curbing shine. MAC recently remastered this formula to be 24HR wear and more skin-friendly, and they claim it now resists sweat, humidity, and even. In practice, Studio Fix Fluid has long been known for its longevity and oil control (it kept one beauty writer’s shine at bay for hours flawlessly). It’s oil-free and non-acnegenic, so it won’t clog pores during all-day wear. Does it really last 24 hours? It can push a full day with touch-ups, but generally you can expect a solid 8-12 hours of great wear without fading or separating. The addition of SPF 15 is a nice bonus for daily wear (though for long sun exposure you’d still use a dedicated sunscreen). Overall, MAC’s finish gives a slightly more “alive” look compared to Charmacy’s ultra-matte. By the day’s end, those with very oily skin do might see a bit of the T-zone shine “filtering” through, but it’s far less than with dewy foundations. It’s a matte finish foundation that appears fresh rather than mask like.
Finish & wear verdict:

It’s almost a tie. Both are long-lasting foundations built for endurance. If you require extreme mattification (supremely oily skin or ultra humid conditions), Charmacy will likely edge out MAC. For the wearer who wants a more natural matte that flatters a wider range of situations (both daily wear and professional photography), MAC wins. If you prefer zero shine and bulletproof wear, Charmacy could be your best friend. If you prefer a matte look that still resembles real skin under close inspection, MAC is the best.

Category 3: Coverage & Texture

How much coverage do you need? Both foundations offer plenty of it, but in slightly different ways.

Charmacy Coverage & Feel: This full coverage foundation fullfills its purpose as it is heavily pigmented and indeed marketed as such. One pump is sufficient for medium to full coverage as it is buildable. You can add a second ultra-thin layer to achieve full coverage with ultra opacity for having a stunning glam effect. Despite this intensity, reviewers consistently mention how lightweight it feels on the skin. It diffuses the look of pores and imperfections without the heavy, “cakey” look everyone wishes to avoid. It is a liquid which isn't too thick or runny allowing for easy application with a brush or sponge. You might want to blend in portions as it indeed sets to that matte finish in no time which is a huge plus. In line with the previous school of thought, silky smooth foundations achieve such a better finish on skin because of their nourishing organic ingredients. Charmacy’s foundation also contains green tea extract and vitamin E which might contribute.

An additional bonus is that the airless pump packaging keeps the product fresh and is designed so that every bit can be used – no more dripping the last drops or dealing with a stuck pump tube. All in all, if you want to cover blemishes, along with redness, or discoloration, Charmacy will do it in one or two thin coats. It’s the kind of coverage that could make you consider skipping concealer for very small spots. “As one user of the product mentions in a review, it even held up on a sweaty dancing night without breaking that is quite impressive for such an affordable product!”.

MAC Coverage & Feel:

Studio Fix Fluid is very famous for its medium-buildable coverage. From the moment the bottle is opened, it will even out your skin tone and cover the majority of redness or light blemishes with one layer (that’s the medium coverage). With a second layer or a bit more product, it builds up to full coverage easily, covering more stubborn spots or pigmentation. This is the reason most artists love the versatility of the product – you can wear it lighter for daytime, sheer it out by mixing with moisturizer, or amp it up for a full glam.

The texture of MAC Studio Fix Fluid is relatively thick and slightly creamy but remains distinctively smooth and liquid. It maintains ample time to be worked through the skin, and is easily blendable, but sets relatively. The newly updated formula features “Pro Fluid Technology™” which means it will bend and move with the skin without cracking. Users often say that so long as the product is not caked on, the foundation is lightweight and does not appear mask-like, even at fuller coverage. It is not extremely dewy or serum like, and while it is not the most modern foundation, it is comfortable to wear and certainly makeup. It applies as a creamy liquid, but set, transforms to a smooth, velvety matte. The foundation does not oxidize and retains the skin color applied on. Furthermore, the foundations is also oil free, and features oil controlling ingredients which means the foundation will not separate in the T-zone during the wear time. Studio Fix will help to blur the appearance of textured skin, such as acne bumps or dry flakes, but the matte formula might cling to the skin, therefore a hydrating primer can help to smoothen the skin.

Generally, when it comes to coverage, MAC does not fall short, it only takes a small amount to achieve, and it layers beautifully. No wonder one MAC artist said “for a more full but flawless finish I love the MAC Studio Fix Fluid – it’s in my kit for a reason”. Captured Best in the Quote: Reliable coverage and a finish that feels like skin.

Coverage verdict: While both foundations meet all desirable full coverage expectations (able to cover everything from blemishes to an uneven skin tone) and still be comfortable, MAC gives more. Charmacy starts off more full-coverage straight away, which is ideal if you want high coverage with minimal layering – it’s arguably one of the best full coverage foundations in the price range that can cover imperfection of tough skin in one go. MAC gives you a bit more flexibility – one layer for medium coverage, two for full, making it great for everyday wear and special occasion glam in one bottle. If you’re “one and done, give me max coverage now” Charmacy is the one for you. If you like layering your coverage or are a makeup artist that needs flexibility, MAC wins for you. Texture wise, both are lightweight for what they deliver, but those with very dry skin might find any matte full-coverage product a tad drying which leads us to the next point: skin types.

Category 4: Shade Range & Skin Types

Finding your perfect foundation isn’t just about finish and coverage, it also has to match you and work for your skin type. Here’s how our two contenders stack up:

Charmacy Shade Range: Charmacy Milano makes one of its kind CMC Matte Foundation line with 12 shades – one of their kind collections that ranges from foundation shade number #MF-01 to #MF-12 all meant to serve the descents of India with fair to dusky complexion covers. The range of porcelain to deep cannot be contested. As a loyal Indian Brand supporter, I must admit MAC definitely does offer more. The shade range covers light, medium, tan and medium deep foundations with accompanying common undertones. Extremely porcelain and deep complexions may need to rely on something different. The fact that each shade is somewhat flexible because the foundation is so pigmented and blends out, some users mix two shades to get their perfect tone (and given the low price, buying two isn’t out of the question).

Skin type suitability: Charmacy Matte Foundation is ideal for all skin, especially for oil and combination skin. It actively controls oil and shine, and its matte, no-budge finish means those with oily T-zones will love its performance. If you have normal skin, it can work beautifully too, just prep with a moisturizer to keep things comfortable. What if you have dry skin?

Here’s where you need caution: being a true matte, oil-controlling formula, There is a downside to the effect of the full coverage foundation. Dry skin can experience patchiness with matte formulas. One reviewer noted it may be “too dry” for dry skin, though it felt very light on the skin. If your skin is mild, you might get away with it by using a rich moisturizer or hydrating primer underneath. But if you have flakiness or very dry patches, Charmacy’s formula could emphasize those areas (as many matte foundations do). Charmacy is also fragrance-free and vegan, with no harsh irritants noted, so sensitive skin might appreciate it – just be sure to moisturize well if leaning dry.

MAC Shade Range: This is the aspect of the field that the MAC Studio Fix Fluid has no competitors in. Over the past decades the brand has especially been known as one of the leaders in the area of diversity and inclusion of makeup with more than sixty shades in the expanded line of the brand, along with still developing more inclusive offerings for all skin tones. You will find in many stores about thirty to forty shades of makeup stocked ranging from ultra pale foundations like NC5 or NW10 to ultra deep foundations like NW50+. MAC is also known for the Undertone system where NC is for neutral cool, NW is neutral warm, plus some C and N pure neutral shades.

Translation: Almost everyone can find a match, or at least a close match in tone, in Studio Fix. This endless collection is a great help if other brands fail to match your skin tone. It is for this reason that a lot of professionals continue with MAC – it allows them to match any client.

Skin types: MAC Studio Fix Fluid is best for those with normal to oily or combination skin. Its oil-controlling, matte-but-not-dry finish excels on these skin types, keeping the complexion balanced. If you’re very oily, you’ll still want to set your T-zone and maybe blot midday, but overall, it holds up well (and now with the reformulation, it’s even more sweat-resistant. For dry skin, MAC actually has other formulas (like Studio Radiance Face & Body) that are better suited. The general rule is that Studio Fix Fluid can be used on dry skin but only if one preps very well (think intense hydration, maybe mixing a drop of beauty oil into the foundation, etc.), but it’s not the most forgiving on dry patches – even MAC acknowledges it’s not the top choice for very dry skin. Those with dry skin might find it clings to flaky areas or feels a bit tight. If you are slightly dry or have dry cheeks with an oily t-zone, you could make it work by moisturizing and perhaps using a hydrating setting spray to finish. On the other hand, a lot of acne-prone or sensitive skin folks have an affinity for Studio Fix Fluid, as it is non-acnegenic and fragrance-free and it won’t cause breakouts or irritate. Keep in mind, all MAC products are not cruelty-free or vegan MAC. So, for me ethical beauty, it might steer you towards Charmacy or similar brands as Charmacy is proudly cruelty-free and vegan. Which, MAC, unfortunately, does not.

Shade & skin type verdict:
Shade & skin type verdict: When it comes to the range of shades, MAC is the clear winner – if matching to an exact skin tone is most important or if you have a unique undertone, MAC wins. They simply have more choices (one could argue for inclusivity; MAC Studio Fix is quite possibly one of the best liquid foundation choices). Charmacy has 12 shades which in the target market, cover a lot of people, but the range is relatively limited compared to MAC.

Which Foundation is Right for You? (The Verdict)

Both Charmacy Milano and MAC Studio Fix Fluid are fantastic in their own rights but they cater to slightly different audiences. Here’s the bottom line to help you decide:

Choose Charmacy Milano if…

You are budget conscious but also value performance. Charmacy offers high end quality — full coverage, long-wear, and matte finish. The value is astounding for the price.

You have oily or combination skin that requires a firm grip on the oil. This foundation is a champ at staying matte and intact through sweat and humidity, making it a candidate for the best full coverage foundation for oily skin in your arsenal. It practically laughs in the face of shine and won’t budge all day.

You prefer products that are cruelty-free and vegan. Charmacy Milano is a vegan and not tested on animals, so you can feel good about using its products. Clean beauty with a conscience!

You love full coverage with a flawless finish. If you want to cover blemishes, pigmentation, or just love that airbrushed look, Charmacy packs the opacity in one layer. It’s perfect for glam looks, photographs nicely, and won’t require midday touchups. (Bonus: the airless pump means no product waste and a mess-free application each time.)

Choose MAC Studio Fix Fluid if…

You are a makeup artist and enthusiast or just someone who needs a foundation that is of high quality, professional-grade, reliable foundation. Studio Fix Fluid is well-respected and recognized in the industry. A foundation you can trust for important events or long days when you absolutely need your base to look flawless. It is appropriate for any makeup look due to its matte finish and smooth texture.

Finding your exact shade match is your top priority. MAC has a substantial shade range, so you are very likely to find an almost perfect (if not perfect) match for your skin tone and undertone. If you have ever used a foundation that actually disappears on your skin, Studio Fix is likely your answer. In some cases, the best coverage foundation is one that has the appearance of no makeup on the skin.

You have normal to oily skin and want a shine-free, natural-matte finish that lasts all day. Studio Fix Fluid is fantastic for controlling oil without looking overly dry. It’s the go-to for many with combination skin who want that balanced look. It also plays nicely with other products (cream or powder bronzers, blushes, etc.) and doesn’t oxidize, ensuring your complexion stays true.

You appreciate a bit of skincare in your makeup. The hyaluronic acid in the reformulated Studio Fix provides moisture and other goodies that benefit your skin over time. Plus, it has SPF 15 for a little extra sun protection in your routine. It’s like a marriage of makeup and mild skincare, which is the new trend in foundation.

In the end, the ‘winner’ of your battle is entirely subjective. If budget and max matte coverage are king, Charmacy might win your heart and wallet. If heritage, refined blend, and a more natural finish lands higher, MAC is tough to beat. Some makeup lovers even juggle both: Charmacy for daily wear or humid days, and MAC for special events or times you need that exact shade and are willing to splurge.

Final Thoughts & Community Poll

In this battle of classic vs challenger, both foundations come out looking strong. But Studio Fix Fluid remains a powerhouse. It is a reliable finish foundation that is trusted by millions. Charmacy Milano proves itself as the underdog that can punch well above its weight, offering comparable full coverage, longevity, and oil control at affordable cost. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal needs: your skin type, your budget, and what you value in a foundation.

One thing we know for sure is that it is a win for beauty lovers to have multiple good options. Why not try both and see what’s right for your skin? The right foundation is the one that gives you a dose of confidence the moment you apply it.

Now we would like to hear your opinions. Have you tried one of both? Which one wins? Vote in the comments on the poll below and tell us why you picked it. Let’s find out what you think, other foundation lovers of our community!