MAC Cosmetics
Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation — NW40
$46Side by side, NW40 matches the depth closely and stays cool but pulls more pink than neutral. Expect a more dewy finish.
MAC Cosmetics NW40, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits medium-tan skin with a cool, neutral-leaning undertone. The neutral 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, NW40 matches the depth closely and stays cool but pulls more pink than neutral. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, C6 lands right at the same depth and keeps the same cool undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, 46C sits at the same depth and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more dewy finish.
Biscotti 405N runs a touch deeper and carries the same neutral cast. Expect a more matte finish.
Next to it, CN 116 Spice runs a touch deeper and carries the same neutral cast. Expect a more matte finish.
Cool Golden (C-076) runs a touch deeper and stays cool but pulls more golden than neutral.
Side by side, T100 runs a touch lighter and carries the same neutral cast.
On skin, 15 Neutral runs a touch lighter and carries the same neutral cast.
MAC Cosmetics NW40 has a cool undertone with a neutral cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that neutral 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.