YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A PRO TO...

MEET YOUR M·A·C SHADE MATCH

Explore our Artist-approved cheat sheet to

understand your undertone, determine your

shade depth and meet your perfect match in

a few simple steps.

STEP 1:
UNDERSTAND M·A·C SHADE NAMES
STEP 2:
FIND YOUR
UNDERTONE
STEP 3:
DETERMINE
YOUR DEPTH
STEP 4:
GET SHADE-MATCHED IN SECONDS
STEP 5:
CHOOSE YOUR
FINISH + FORMULA

STEP 1:

UNDERSTAND

M·A·C SHADE

NAMES

Our shade names feature two important 

elements: LETTERS and NUMBERS.

LETTERS REPRESENT UNDERTONE

(W, NW, N, NC, C)

Warm (W) undertones are defined as rosy.
Cool (C) undertones are defined as golden.
Neutral (N) undertones are an equal
balance of both

Other brands tend to define cool and warm tones as the opposite.

NUMBERS REPRESENT SHADE DEPTH

NUMBERS REPRESENT

SHADE DEPTH

(5-65)

The lower the number, the lighter the shade.

The higher the number, the richer the shade.

STEP 2:

FIND YOUR

UNDERTONE

Did you know our formulas were designed by Artists and are based on colour theory, ranging from warm to cool undertones? Find yours below!

FIND YOUR UNDERTONE CHART

STEP 3:

DETERMINE YOUR

SHADE DEPTH

Let’s narrow your search even more – which model’s shade depth best resembles your complexion?

MATCH YOUR CURRENT SHADE FROM ANOTHER BRAND

STEP 4:

GET

SHADE-MATCHED

IN SECONDS

Try any of our exclusive tools below, designed to make shade-matching easier than ever before!

CHAT TO AN ARTIST

CHAT TO AN ARTIST

Speak to a artist to find your updated hue and get shade-matched.

CHAT NOW
FIND YOUR SHADE IN ANY FINISH WITH VIRTUAL TRY-ON

FIND YOUR SHADE IN ANY FINISH WITH VIRTUAL TRY-ON

Discover your colour-true foundation hue using your camera phone.

START NOW
COME IN-STORE FOR A CONSULTATION

COME IN-STORE FOR A CONSULTATION

Get shade-matched with the help of a Pro! Book an in-store consultation now with 
one of our Artists.

FIND A STORE
CHOOSE YOUR FINISH + FORMULA

STEP 5:

CHOOSE YOUR

FINISH + FORMULA

From ultra-matte to dewy radiance in every format from liquids to powders, find your new favourite foundation finish and formula.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Your shade may vary across foundations due to formula variations.
Live chat with a M·A·C Artist now to meet your best match.

MADE FOR EVERY SHADE OF YOU

OWN YOUR GLOW OR
MAKE IT MATTE

Get into our all-inclusive lineup of

high-performance Studio formulas in

matte to radiant finishes.

EXPLORE M·A·C STUDIO

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Live Chat with a M·A·C Artist now for expert advice on all things foundation and beyond.

CHAT NOW