MAC Cosmetics
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation — N4
$39Side by side, N4 sits at the same depth and stays neutral with less of the peach cast. Expect a more matte finish.
MAC Cosmetics N4, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits very fair skin with a neutral, peach-leaning undertone. The peach cast is what people usually try to keep when they look for alternatives. Below are the alternatives that wear closest to it — each one noted with how it differs, so you know what you're trading before you buy.
Side by side, N4 sits at the same depth and stays neutral with less of the peach cast. Expect a more matte finish.
Next to it, 2N matches the depth closely and holds the neutral undertone.
14N Ivory matches the depth closely and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more matte finish.
Next to it, 20N Light Neutral lands right at the same depth and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more matte finish.
N1 runs a touch deeper and holds the neutral undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, 040 Fair runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the peach cast.
On skin, 070 Fair runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the peach cast.
Next to it, 36N Medium-Tan Neutral runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the peach cast. Expect a more matte finish.
MAC Cosmetics N4 has a neutral undertone with a peach cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that peach quality matters as much as getting the depth right.
Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian clay 16-hour full coverage soft matte foundation in 14N Ivory (around $18) wears closest among budget options — 14N Ivory matches the depth closely and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more matte finish.
A shade never wears alone — it sits next to your concealer, blush and the rest of your routine. Toni at Shade & Seek reads the whole face, not just one swatch, so you can see any of these alternatives in context before buying.