MAC Cosmetics
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation — NW45
$39Side by side, NW45 matches the depth closely and stays cool but pulls more pink than red. Expect a more matte finish.
MAC Cosmetics NW45, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits medium-tan skin with a cool, red-leaning undertone. The red 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, NW45 matches the depth closely and stays cool but pulls more pink than red. Expect a more matte finish.
NW45 matches the depth closely and stays cool but pulls more pink than red. Expect a more dewy finish.
Cacao lands right at the same depth and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more dewy finish.
9 - Tan, Neutral Olive runs a touch deeper and has a olive lean.
On skin, 45P Tan runs a touch lighter and pulls a little warmer.
On skin, 450C runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer.
Next to it, Java 375 runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more matte finish.
On skin, 480 Medium Deep runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer.
MAC Cosmetics NW45 has a cool undertone with a red cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that red quality matters as much as getting the depth right.
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation in Java 375 (around $11.99) wears closest among budget options — next to it, Java 375 runs a touch deeper 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.