MAC Cosmetics
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation — NC44
$39Side by side, NC44 sits at the same depth and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more matte finish.
MAC Cosmetics NC44, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits medium-tan skin with a warm, golden-leaning undertone. The golden 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, NC44 sits at the same depth and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more matte finish.
On skin, NC44 matches the depth closely and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, 15 lands right at the same depth and keeps the same warm undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, 48W lands right at the same depth and pulls a little cooler. Expect a more dewy finish.
Next to it, Toffee 420G runs a touch deeper and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more matte finish.
Next to it, 46Y Tan runs a touch lighter and pulls a little cooler.
Side by side, 52W runs a touch deeper and pulls a little cooler. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, Deep 1 leans noticeably deeper and carries the same golden cast.
MAC Cosmetics NC44 has a warm undertone with a golden cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that golden 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.