Studio Fix Fluid

[jessica hart]

I had a makeup lesson with a MAC MUA a few months back, and they recommended Studio Fix Fluid with Studio Fix Powder (which is, of course, a combination foundation / powder) over the top to set. In case you haven't read my little into post in arrivals, I ought to mention at this stage I'm TS - which poses a few challenges in the foundation routine to do with facial hair and skin tone (both of which are being sorted by laser electro and HRT respectively but these are not overnight fixes)...

So my daily routine is:

Shave
Cleanse tone moisterise
MAC Prep n Prime Face Protect
Studio Fix fluid with flat foundation brush and blended with latex sponge
Studio fix powder applied with a medium firmness powder brush, stippled rather than than brushed

I then do my eyes, cheeks, lips

then a final light dusting of blot powder all over, but concentrating on t-zone and top lip
set with a mac fixing spray

Originally the MAC MUA had recommended some concealer on the top lip which is where shadow from facial hair is heaviest but I gave up on this as it didn't seem to add to coverage and was just making the makeup up too heavy.

OK, problem is I'm getting flaking makeup on top lip. Sometimes, if I'm hot, just when I put dust the blot powder on as part of the morning routine - annoying but at least its easy to fix at home. Today I tried pressing some studio fix powder in with a latex sponge to see if that improved matters - it did for a while and then after lunch whilst having a touch up in the ladies at Harvey Nics the top lip let me down again...

I was visiting the MAC counter anyway, so sought their advice.

I thought it could be that I wasn't giving the moisteruser and / or Prep n Prime long enough to settle in.

The MUA at Harvey Nics thought that was a red herring and probably I was using too much foundation, she suggested just the studio fix fluid by itself with some blot powder only on the oily parts of the face - i.e. not to duplicate effort by using the SF powder as well. Elsewhere on the face she felt the SF fluid could be worn without a powder to set it.

I'ld love to hear from others using SF Fluid? And your routine?

Any other pearls of wisdom other than wearing a burqa?

 

[Kiseki]

I'm not keen on the idea of using a medium to full coverage powder foundation like Studio Fix on top on a medium coverage foundation like Studio Fix Fluid, it just screams cake. To highlight the lip area, get a sheerer concealer with more illuminating properties like a highlighting pen.

Switch the Studio Fix for another powder like MUFE's Super Matte Loose Powder or the HD One or just use blot.

 

[erine1881]

i agree with kiseki. it makes me cringe everytime i hear SFF (or any foundation for that matter) being set with studio fix. that's just way too much makeup! i'd say use SFF and set it with blot if you're oily, MSFN or select sheer if you're normal/dry.

the problem with the flakey upper lip makeup is that sometimes there's just too makeup (especially since you're setting a foundation with a foundation). usually people will stretch out their upper lip by wrapping it down around their top teeth to apply the makeup there (weird visual to describe in words!). when you relax, all that makeup builds up on the upper lip. to avoid this, just apply your makeup to that area with a normal relaxed face. hopefully this will help stop that flakiness.

 

[TamEva Le Fay]

Miss Hart,

Hey Girl! Aren't burqa's all the rage this upcoming Fall season? LoL!

Are you, actually, flaking or cracking or both?

And what I mean by that is - are you flaking/cracking in areas that would be the usual areas for this to happen? Laugh lines, wrinkles, etc.

I'm an entertainer/Female Illusionist and my regimen, usually, involves a lot more heavy duty requirements for being under the lights, but needless to say, I’m sure you still appreciate great coverage.

My coverage requirements are not as intense as most, but the one product I do use under my Studio Fix Fluid (NC20) is Dermablend. I swear by it! It is a crème cover, but it mattes down, and you may use it as light or heavy as you want and even by itself.

I wore it to a show the other night without the SFF on top and just powdered with my usual suspects. Heck, I even forgot to wear it with my Prep ‘n’ Prime and it was a success. But with Prep ‘n’ Prime it’s glorious!

Have you ever tried MAC’s Invisible Set Powder? A lovely powder - very light, very user friendly. Also, have you considered using a softer fluff brush for your powder works? Anytime I hear medium “firmness” used to describe the brushes for powder finishes I raise an eyebrow. It may be too much for what you need to apply your desired powder finish?
I have found that my Powder Brushes need to be the softest, cleanest, and most impeccable at all times. Even the slightest residual powder/oils from the previous use will prevent a great application for the next use. Try to have spares just in case.

I have included both links for the US site, as well as the UK since I found the US site to be more comprehensive in showing you all of what Dermablend has to offer, but with the UK site you will be able to locate a counter to really try this product. I know you’ll love this stuff.

www.dermablend.com
www.dermablend.co.uk

Have Fun!

 

[anshu7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiseki I'm not keen on the idea of using a medium to full coverage powder foundation like Studio Fix on top on a medium coverage foundation like Studio Fix Fluid, it just screams cake. To highlight the lip area, get a sheerer concealer with more illuminating properties like a highlighting pen. Switch the Studio Fix for another powder like MUFE's Super Matte Loose Powder or the HD One or just use blot.

i totally agree studio fix fluid + studio fix powder it much TOO heavy! studio fix in itself is full coverage and studio fix fluid medium to full..u shudnt be using these together.
i agree with her suggestion for the upperlip too. use something like ysl touche eclat
hope tht helps!

 

[laperle]

I just felt in love with this thread.

Specktra is fantastic!

 

[MzzRach]

I agree that the liqhid Studio Fix set with the Studio Fix powder is just way too much. I am surprised that was recommended for you.

You've received excellent recommendations already - definitely switch to a sheer or invisible setting powder and you should be good to go.

If you are concerned that you need coverage touch-ups throughout the day, then you could use your Studio Fix powder for that. Just use a very light hand - I'd use portable retractable fluffy brush so you don't lay on too much pigment.

 

[Whiterz]

I LOVE studio fix fluid- but I've never recommended putting Studio Fix powder ontop- NEVER ever ever.
Have you tried macpro invisible set powder?? it's perfect for setting the studiofix fluid!! i like it more than the loose blot powders- maybe give that a shot.

 

[jessica hart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anshu7 i totally agree studio fix fluid + studio fix powder it much TOO heavy! studio fix in itself is full coverage and studio fix fluid medium to full..u shudnt be using these together. i agree with her suggestion for the upperlip too. use something like ysl touche eclat hope tht helps!

Ah - I'm one step ahead of you there, as I've already been experimenting with Touche Eclat - my concealer of choice - for the top lip. I figured the illuminating properties would help neutralise the element of dark shadow. However I was applying it over the SFF and beneath the SFP which probably lost some of its power - so now I'm trying it just over SFF by itself.

Touche Eclat is awesome. A few months ago I got myself in a bit of an emotional state over something and discovered that eye make up + tears don't mix! However a lick of mascara and a liberal dose of Touche Eclat and good to go (visually if not emotionally).

 

[jessica hart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MzzRach I agree that the liqhid Studio Fix set with the Studio Fix powder is just way too much. I am surprised that was recommended for you.

In fairness I was coming off of using a specialist (stage) product and, at that stage, due to facial hair I needed quite a lot of coverage. Initially the MAC MUAs were experimenting with a studio finish concealer on my top lip as well as the SFF and SFP. I'm fortunate that a few more laser / IPL sessions have lightened things up considerably so I don't need that level of coverage anymore.

Incidentally I have found a tub of SF concealer is excellent in my bag for touch ups on the go - less bulky than carrying a compact of Stuido Fix or a pan stick of some sorts, and it seems to blend well.

 

[jessica hart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TamEva Le Fay Miss Hart, Hey Girl! Aren't burqa's all the rage this upcoming Fall season? LoL! Are you, actually, flaking or cracking or both? And what I mean by that is - are you flaking/cracking in areas that would be the usual areas for this to happen? Laugh lines, wrinkles, etc. I'm an entertainer/Female Illusionist and my regimen, usually, involves a lot more heavy duty requirements for being under the lights, but needless to say, I’m sure you still appreciate great coverage. My coverage requirements are not as intense as most, but the one product I do use under my Studio Fix Fluid (NC20) is Dermablend. I swear by it! It is a crème cover, but it mattes down, and you may use it as light or heavy as you want and even by itself. I wore it to a show the other night without the SFF on top and just powdered with my usual suspects. Heck, I even forgot to wear it with my Prep ‘n’ Prime and it was a success. But with Prep ‘n’ Prime it’s glorious! Have you ever tried MAC’s Invisible Set Powder? A lovely powder - very light, very user friendly. Also, have you considered using a softer fluff brush for your powder works? Anytime I hear medium “firmness” used to describe the brushes for powder finishes I raise an eyebrow. It may be too much for what you need to apply your desired powder finish? I have found that my Powder Brushes need to be the softest, cleanest, and most impeccable at all times. Even the slightest residual powder/oils from the previous use will prevent a great application for the next use. Try to have spares just in case. I have included both links for the US site, as well as the UK since I found the US site to be more comprehensive in showing you all of what Dermablend has to offer, but with the UK site you will be able to locate a counter to really try this product. I know you’ll love this stuff. www.dermablend.com www.dermablend.co.uk Have Fun!

Hey, thanks TamEva!

I'm aware of dermablend and know a lot of people who use it, mostly before the effect of laser / ipl / electro. Until this spring I was using something similar as a day to day foundation, a pan stick by Krolyan which was meant for TV / theatre. Great coverage but it always felt a bit OTT especially for day use - and I was worried what, using it day in day out, it would do to my skin. Hence the wish to move to a "regular" product from MAC. In fairness there was / is something psychological there - moving away from specialist stuff and using more general cosmetics.

But, following some pics taken in a club last weekend (just as a attendee, not a performer!), I think I may resort to using either MAC full coverage or the Krolyan pan stick as a base as it will stand up better to flash photography and the heat of a club. As it was last Saturdays pics showed some top lip shadow, but it was 2am, and it was 8am since I'd shaved and originally made up with a touch up, but not a full start from scratch, in the evening. I guess its asking a lot of any makeup to look good after 18 plus hours...

And yes, its flaking as opposed cracking. I don't get much cracking these days, as technique on my part seems to get better and my face has its share of Restalyne in the places where cracks occurred.

The firm brush was to stipple the SF Poweder in. For blot powder etc I was using a much gentler brush.

thanks again!