MAC NC42 (Studio Fix Fluid): every foundation that's the exact same shade
NC42 is one of MAC's most-worn shades for a reason. Here's every brand that measures as the same colour, ranked closest first.
The short version
- These are the foundations that measure as the same colour as MAC Cosmetics NC42, ranked closest first, across every brand in our catalogue.
- Matched by measured colour, the same way paint and printing colours are verified, not by name, number, or a guess from a photo.
- Studio Fix Fluid sits in the middle of the price range, so this list has real matches both above and below it.
NC42 gets recommended constantly in shade-matching threads, to the point where people who’ve never tried MAC still know the number. The “NC” (neutral-cool, MAC’s own naming quirk despite the letter) tells you the undertone family; the number tells you the depth. Below is what actually measures the same in the real world, not just what gets repeated online.
The closest matches to MAC Cosmetics NC42
Ranked by how close the measured colour actually is. “Identical” and “near-identical” mean the difference is smaller than a person could ever notice in person. “Very close” and “close” are real options, just with a touch more gap.
How to actually use this list
If you already wear MAC Cosmetics NC42 and it works for you, any “identical” or “near-identical” row above is a safe, verified switch, whether you’re chasing a lower price, a different formula, or a shade that’s in stock right now. Formula and finish are still worth checking separately (see what a real dupe actually guarantees and what it doesn’t), since a colour match doesn’t promise identical coverage or wear time.
If MAC Cosmetics NC42 isn’t quite your shade to begin with, don’t start here. Scan your skin or name the shade you actually wear to get your own real starting point.
This list updates as our catalogue does
New shades get added and existing ones get recalibrated over time, so the exact ranking here can shift slightly. The method behind it doesn’t: measured colour, not a name or a guess.
Same colour as MAC Cosmetics NC42. Verified, not guessed.
Scan your skin or name a shade you own, and get your match across 100+ brands in seconds.
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