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Finding the right foundation shade is a struggle! That’s why I’ve created a list with Mac NC42 foundation dupes. Even after fifteen years, I’m still struggling and it usually takes me hours at Sephora. There have been plenty of times where I came home with a foundation shade that was way too light for me. I’m myself a Mac NC42 going to NC44 during summer (read a little further about my skin tone). I’ve tried all the foundations in the list myself. Here are all the Mac NC42 foundation dupes! From drugstore to high-end.

To give you some more direction on an NC42 skin tone, like myself. During winter I have a yellow, beige to a neutral undertone. During winter when I’m ‘pale’ the NC42 is a good match. During summer when I’m darker my skin tone gets slightly darker with a golden to an olive undertone, which is more an NC44.

Note before we’re going to my list. Finding the perfect foundation match will be different for everybody. Nobody’s skin tone is exactly the same. When trying out a new foundation, I strongly advise testing the colour in store to be sure. Especially when it comes to expensive high-end foundations.

Shades comparable to NC42

L’oreal True Match – #W6.5 / #W7

Maybelline Fit Me – #320  / #330

Estee Lauder Double Wear – #4N1 / #4N2

Milani Conceal & Perfect Foundation – #7 / #08A

Fenty Pro Filt’r Foundation – #310 / #330

Makeup For Ever HD Foundation – #Y415 / #Y405

L.A. Girl HD Pro Coverage Foundation – Tan / Soft honey

L’oreal Infallible – #320 / #330

Go-to foundation

Lately, my go-to foundation is the Milani Conceal & Perfect foundation in shade 7 or 08B. This foundation is super affordable, has a great staying power, a nice consistency and it looks good on my combination skin. I mix the #7 with a little bit of Estee Lauder Double Wear 4N2. A little goes a long way when using foundation in summer. This combination is perfect for everyday use and it won’t break the bank!

High-end foundation

For special occasions, I’m using my Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in Y415. At the moment I mix it with a little strobing cream from Mac or the L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Foundation in Soft Honey since I’m not super tan. I’m guessing that for summer the shade will be a perfect match (which it is!). If want to know all about the super affordable L.A. Girl Pro Coverage foundation click here.

Summer foundations

During summer I tend to reach more for matte foundations like the Maybelline Fit Me or the Fenty Pro Filt’r foundation. In summer my combination skin gets a little more oily. Therefore I prefer to wear a more matte foundation to prevent my foundation from sweating off my skin immediately. I find the Fenty Pro Filt’r foundation too be a little difficult when it comes to shades. The shades do change colour a bit after applying, but the coverage is great.

Winter foundations

For winter my skin definitely needs more moisture. Besides using a thicker moisturiser, I use foundations that are luminous and hydrating. For example, the Make Up Forever HD foundation, the L’oreal True Match (less stating power but cheap!) or the Mac Cosmetics Fix Fluid.

NC42 foundation dupes

Hope this Mac Fix Fluid Foundation NC42 & NC44 shade comparison list will be helpful when buying the right shade. Any other shades that should be added to the list? Please let me know in the comments below!

To look for other foundation shade dupes, you can check out www.findation.com. This website is a huge help when looking for a comparable shade in another brand. You just fill in the brands and shades you are currently using and you’ll get a complete list of other brands that are comparable!

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