MAC Cosmetics
Studio Radiance Face & Body Foundation — N2
Next to it, N2 lands right at the same depth and holds the neutral undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
MAC Cosmetics N5, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits light skin with a neutral, pink-leaning undertone. The pink 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.
Next to it, N2 lands right at the same depth and holds the neutral undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
N18 lands right at the same depth and stays neutral but pulls more golden than pink. Expect a more dewy finish.
160 Light matches the depth closely and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
175 Light runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
Side by side, 200 Light Medium runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
Side by side, 250 Light Medium runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
Next to it, 270 Light Medium runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
Light 3 runs a touch deeper and stays neutral with less of the pink cast.
MAC Cosmetics N5 has a neutral undertone with a pink cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that pink quality matters as much as getting the depth right.
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.