MAC Cosmetics
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation — NW46
$39On skin, NW46 matches the depth closely and carries the same red cast. Expect a more matte finish.
MAC Cosmetics NW46, a shade of Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 24HR Buildable Soft-Matte Foundation + Oil Control, suits 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.
On skin, NW46 matches the depth closely and carries the same red cast. Expect a more matte finish.
Next to it, 9 - Tan, Neutral Olive matches the depth closely and has a olive lean.
C8 runs a touch deeper and keeps the same cool undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
Next to it, 16 runs a touch deeper and holds the cool undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, 12.1 - Deep, Cool Pink runs a touch deeper and stays cool but pulls more pink than red.
Cacao runs a touch lighter and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more dewy finish.
50N runs a touch lighter and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, 480C runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer.
MAC Cosmetics NW46 has a cool undertone with a red cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that red 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.