Decoding MAC’s Foundation Shade System: NC vs NW
When it comes to choosing the perfect foundation for your skin tone, MAC’s shade system can seem a bit confusing. Many beauty enthusiasts wonder if the 'NC' in NC37 means neutral undertone, when, in fact, it indicates a medium skin tone with warm undertones. Let's delve into the intricacies of MAC's foundation naming system to clear up any confusion.
Understanding MAC's Foundation Nomenclature
MAC's foundation shade system is based on two main categories: NC and NW. Each category represents the undertone of the foundation. NC stands for Neutral Cool, while NW stands for Neutral Warm.
NC refers to skin tones with a cool or pink undertone, where the foundation has a slight yellow or green tint to correct the coolness. Examples of NC shades are NC10, NC15, NC20, and NC35. These shades are generally warmer and sometimes have a touch of peach or golden hues.
Similarly, NW refers to skin tones with a warm or golden undertone. However, MAC's categorization can sometimes confuse consumers due to their labeling system. For instance, instead of using 'W' for warm, they use 'NC', which historically stood for 'neutral cool.'
Exploring the NC Range
The NC37 shade you mentioned, for example, indicates a medium skin tone with a slight warm undertone. Not to be mistaken, the consistent yellow or green undertone in the NC range does not suggest neutral shades. In the NC range, a few shades might lean more towards neutral, but they still have a warm base tone.
The naming pattern of the NC range used to have a clear system, with numbers indicating specific undertones. For instance, C shades like C2, C3, and C4 had more golden undertones, while double-digit shades like NC20 and NC35 had a slightly yellow tinge. This pattern provided a structured way to evaluate the undertones, but in recent times, the labeling has become less organized.
For a truly neutral skin tone, consider looking into the NW range, which has shades that are less warm and more balanced. Examples like NW20 and NW30 are closer to a neutral base, without the yellow or green tinge.
Conclusion: Evaluating MAC Foundation Undertones
In summary, the label 'NC' in MAC's foundation system does not indicate a neutral foundation shade. Instead, it denotes a warm tone with a slight yellow or green tint. If you are looking for a neutral undertone, you might want to explore the NW range or find shades explicitly labeled as neutral.
When in doubt, it's best to try foundation shades on your face to see how they look. Visiting a Sephora or a MAC store to test samples is ideal. If you're satisfied, buy the shade; if not, returns or exchanges are always an option.
While MAC's foundation system can be confusing, understanding the nuances of the NC and NW ranges can help you find the perfect match for your skin tone. As a beauty aficionado, you'll appreciate the effort to create a wide range of shades, even if the categorization could be more straightforward.
With this knowledge, you can navigate the world of MAC foundation and find the right shade for your skin tone, ensuring a flawless and natural-looking finish every time.