MAC Cosmetics
Studio Radiance Face & Body Foundation — C6
C6 sits at the same depth and keeps the same cool undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
MAC Cosmetics NW40, a shade of Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation with 24HR Oil Control + Blur-Matte Finish, suits medium-tan skin with a cool, pink-leaning undertone. The pink 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.
C6 sits at the same depth and keeps the same cool undertone. Expect a more dewy finish.
On skin, NW40 matches the depth closely and carries the same pink cast. Expect a more dewy finish.
Side by side, 46C sits at the same depth and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more dewy finish.
Cool Golden (C-076) runs a touch deeper and stays cool but pulls more golden than pink. Expect a more natural finish.
On skin, CN 116 Spice runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer.
Side by side, 430C runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more natural finish.
Next to it, 450C runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer. Expect a more natural finish.
Golden Hazelnut runs a touch deeper and pulls a little warmer.
MAC Cosmetics NW40 has a cool undertone with a pink cast. When comparing alternatives, keeping that pink 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.