MAC Cosmetics
Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation — NC37
$46Side by side, NC37 sits at the same depth and stays warm with less of the golden cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
MAC Cosmetics NC42, a shade of Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation with 24HR Oil Control + Blur-Matte Finish, suits light-medium 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, NC37 sits at the same depth and stays warm with less of the golden cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
NC42 matches the depth closely and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, 36Y Tan matches the depth closely and keeps the same warm undertone.
Next to it, 3Y52 Warm Chestnut matches the depth closely and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more natural finish.
Side by side, Tan lands right at the same depth and holds the warm undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, 3Y56 Warm Hazelnut sits at the same depth and carries the same golden cast.
Next to it, Tan runs a touch lighter and keeps the same warm undertone.
Side by side, 5N2 Amber Honey runs a touch deeper and carries the same golden cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
MAC Cosmetics NC42 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.