Best Similar Mac NC50: 10 Affordable Foundation Dupes (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

If you’re on the hunt for foundation dupes that match your MAC NC50 skin tone, you’re in luck. You’ll find excellent alternatives in drugstore brands like Maybelline and high-end options like Benefit. These dupes offer similar coverage and enhance your natural radiance with golden undertones.

Let’s check out the top 10 affordable dupes, including options for different skin types and finishes, to help you find your perfect match.

10 Best Alternatives to MAC NC50 Foundation

If you’re a fan of MAC’s NC50 foundation but want to explore more affordable options, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 10 fantastic alternatives that deliver similar coverage and finish without breaking the bank. From lightweight serums to full-coverage formulas, there’s an option for every skin type and preference.

1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte Poreless Liquid Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re hunting for a MAC NC50 dupe, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is a stellar choice. This liquid foundation is made for normal to oily skin, offering a natural-looking medium coverage that’s buildable. With 40 shades to choose from, you can find your perfect match for a seamless finish.

What sets this foundation apart is its ability to refine pores, giving your skin a smooth, matte canvas. It’s dermatologist-tested, so you can trust it won’t irritate your skin. At a wallet-friendly price, it’s a great alternative to the pricier MAC NC50, giving you a flawless complexion without breaking the bank.

Best For: Those with normal to oily skin looking for a natural-looking, medium coverage foundation with a matte finish.

2. Elf Flawless Finish Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re hunting for a cheaper alternative to MAC’s NC50 foundation, e.l.f.’s Flawless Finish Foundation is a solid choice. This lightweight liquid foundation blends effortlessly into your skin, evening out any uneven skin tone and texture. It provides medium-to-full coverage and has a semi-matte finish, so you can achieve that flawless, natural look. One of its key ingredients is glycerin, which gives your skin a hydration boost. The best part? It’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you can look good and feel good about your choice.

Best For: Those seeking a budget-friendly foundation with buildable coverage and a natural finish.

3. Loreal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re looking for a foundation that feels like skincare, the L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Serum Foundation is a great option. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it enhances your skin’s ability to retain moisture, keeping your base looking and feeling hydrated. This vegan and dermatologically-tested foundation suits all skin types and provides lightweight coverage with a natural finish. The luminous mineral pigments brighten your complexion, giving you a radiant glow. While it may not fully cover redness or pimples, this foundation blends seamlessly and feels weightless on the skin. For best results, apply it before your concealer and opt for a shade that matches your skin tone for a natural, flawless look.

Best For: Those seeking a hydrating foundation with a natural finish and lightweight coverage.

4. Ynzon Waterproof Oil-Free Liquid Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re looking for a natural-looking medium coverage foundation that’s kind to your wallet, Ynzon’s Waterproof Oil-Free Liquid Foundation is a great option. This foundation is designed for normal to oily skin types, so it’s perfect if you want to keep shine at bay.

The formula is lightweight and breathable, so it won’t feel like you’re caking on the makeup. Plus, it’s buildable, so you can easily adjust the coverage to your liking.

With a matte finish and pore-refining properties, this foundation helps create a flawless, three-dimensional makeup look. However, keep in mind that finding your perfect shade match might be tricky due to the lack of tone labeling.

Best For: This foundation is best for those with normal to oily skin who are looking for a natural-looking, medium-coverage foundation with a matte finish.

5. Focallure PerfectBase Liquid Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re seeking a weightless foundation that feels like a second skin, Focallure PerfectBase Liquid Foundation is your new BFF. This oil-free formula glides on smoothly, giving you buildable coverage that goes from medium to full without the cakey look.

No more worrying about shine ruining your flawless base – the satin finish keeps your skin looking sleek and matte all day. Plus, with a range of shades to choose from, you can find your perfect match.

Simply pump a small amount onto your fingers or a foundation brush and blend outwards from the centre of your face for a seamless finish.

Best For: This foundation is perfect for those who want a lightweight, buildable foundation with a satin finish and oil-free formula.

6. Benefit Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation Gotta Know Me

View On Amazon
If you’re looking for a natural finish with light to medium coverage, the Benefit Cosmetics ‘Hello Flawless!’ Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation Gotta Know Me shade is a great alternative to the MAC NC50. It has light-diffusing properties that give your skin a radiant boost. With its exclusive Oxygen Wow Hydrating Complex, this foundation protects your skin and also enhances its natural radiance. It’s like giving your skin a boost of energy while keeping it looking flawless.

Best For: People looking for a light to medium coverage foundation with a natural finish and hydrating benefits.

7. BLK/OPL Nutmeg Mineral Matte Crème Foundation

If you’re hunting for a MAC NC50 dupe that nails the matte look, BLK/OPL’s Mineral Matte Crème Foundation in Nutmeg could be your new BFF. This foundation serves up a matte finish with a crème-to-powder formula that’s easy to work with.

Their Shade ID technology helps you find your perfect match, and the formula is enriched with skin-loving goodies like aloe and vitamins C and E. It also offers broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection and is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. At 0.32 ounces, it’s a compact option for touch-ups on the go.

Best For: This foundation is best for those with darker skin tones seeking a matte, long-lasting finish with SPF protection.

8. Blk Opl Nutmeg Pore Perfecting Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re looking for a dupe that’s kind to your skin and your wallet, the Blk Opl Nutmeg Pore Perfecting Foundation fits the bill. With a true-to-tone match and pore-minimizing formula, this foundation is a great alternative to the MAC NC50. It’s nourishing, with ingredients like shea butter and antioxidants, and it’s also oil-free and paraben-free. You’ll get a flawless dewy finish while controlling excess oil, and it’s suitable for all skin types. This foundation is a steal with its lightweight feel and radiant finish, giving you a natural glow.

Best For: Those seeking a budget-friendly foundation with a natural, dewy finish and pore-minimizing benefits.

9. Blk Opl Pore Perfecting Powder Foundation

View On Amazon
If you’re seeking a powder foundation, BLK/OPL’s Pore Perfecting Powder Foundation in Nutmeg is a great option. This fragrance-free and paraben-free formula minimizes pores and provides a smooth, matte finish. With true-to-tone shade matching, you can achieve a flawless look while also protecting your skin from sun damage. Enriched with aloe and vitamins C and E, this powder is a perfect choice for normal to oily skin.

Best For: This foundation is best for those with normal to oily skin who want a matte finish and pore-minimizing effect.

10. Black Opal Stick Foundation

View On Amazon
Last but not least, we’ve the Black Opal Stick Foundation. This stick foundation is a convenient and portable option, offering a creamy and blendable formula that glides onto the skin smoothly. With a weight of 3.2 ounces, it’s a substantial product that will last you a while. The brown and black shades cater to deeper skin tones, providing a natural-looking finish. You can find this stick foundation on Amazon, where it’s typically available for purchase.

Best For: The Black Opal Stick Foundation is best for people with deeper skin tones who are seeking a portable and convenient foundation option.

Finding Your Ideal MAC NC50 Dupe

Finding your ideal dupe for MAC NC50 foundation involves considering a few key factors. You’ll want to match not just the shade, but also the undertones so it blends seamlessly with your skin tone.

Matching Undertones and Shades

Finding your perfect dupe means nailing the right undertones and shades for your skin. MAC NC50 is a rich brown with golden undertones, catering to deep dark skin with a neutral-cool tone. Here’s how to find a similar match:

• Undertone Know-How: Understand your skin’s undertone, whether it’s warm (golden/yellow), cool (pink/red), or neutral (olive/beige). This is key to choosing the right foundation shade.
• Sample and Swatch: Test shades on your jawline or neck to find the closest match. Blending is key—you want a seamless match from your face to your neck.
• Consider Lighting: Natural light is best for shade matching. Avoid fluorescent lighting, which can cast an unnatural hue.
• Warm Tones, Golden Undertones: If you have warm or golden undertones, opt for foundations with similar undertones. This will make your makeup enhance your skin’s natural radiance.
• Deep Dark Skin, Rich Brown: For deep dark skin, look for foundations with rich brown shades. These will blend effortlessly with your skin tone, creating a flawless, natural finish.

Considerations for Different Skin Types

When finding your perfect MAC NC50 dupe, it’s important to think about your skin type. You don’t want a foundation that makes your skin feel too oily or too dry.

If you have oily skin, you’ll want something that controls shine. Look for formulas that are oil-free and have a matte or satin finish. This will help you stay flawless without looking greasy.

On the other hand, if dry skin is your concern, hydration is key. Look for foundations with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These will give your skin some much-needed moisture while keeping it looking healthy and plump.

For those with normal skin, you’re in luck! Most foundations will work well on your skin, so you can focus on finding the perfect shade and finish.

And let’s not forget about combination skin. You want a formula that balances mattifying and hydrating properties. Buildable coverage is your friend, letting you adjust the finish to suit your skin’s ever-changing needs.

Comparing Finishes

When comparing finishes, you’ll find foundations that mimic MAC NC50’s sleek matte finish or more radiant finishes. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Matte: Reducing shine, perfect for oily skin. For instance, consider Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless.
2. Dewy: Adds a natural glow, great for dry skin. Think Studio Fix Fluid Foundation.
3. Satin: Balances both, offering a slight sheen.
4. Full-Sheer: From full coverage to a sheer, breathable layer, options vary.

Assessing Coverage

When figuring out coverage for your MAC NC50 dupe, think about how much versatility you need. Are you looking for buildable options like the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte "420" or Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless "355 Coconut"? Focallure PerfectBase also offers seamless medium-to-full coverage. Match your needs to the type of coverage for that flawless finish!

Exploring Skin Tones Similar to MAC NC50

If you’re curious about skin tones that are similar to MAC NC50, you’re in the right place. We’ll be exploring the ins and outs of finding your perfect foundation match, especially if you’re in the NC45 range.

NC45: Finding the Right Foundation Match

If you’re an NC45 trying to find your perfect foundation match, don’t fret! The hunt can be straightforward with some excellent options.

• Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation “420”
• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation “355 Coconut”
• NARS Macao Natural Radiant Foundation “Macao”
• COVERGIRL Ready, Set, Gorgeous Liquid Makeup Foundation “315 Tawny”

  Experiment until you find the best one!

Undertones and Skin Compatibility

When you’re figuring out undertones and skin compatibility, especially if you’re looking for a foundation similar to MAC NC50, finding a match for your golden undertone is really important. There are a bunch of products that work for this. The right foundation helps you look flawless without feeling like you’re wearing a mask.

Foundation	Undertone	Compatibility	Example Shade
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte	Golden	High	Soft Matte Longwear “420”
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless	Golden	Medium	Liquid “355 Coconut”
NARS Macao Natural Radiant	Golden	High	Foundation “Macao”
L’Oreal True Match	Golden	Medium	Nude Hyaluronic “3-4 Light/Medium”

Choose wisely!

Compatibility With MAC NC50 Dupes

When exploring MAC NC50 dupes, it’s important to think about your unique skin tone and undertones. Look for foundations that closely match your depth and warmth, like Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless in "355 Coconut" or Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r in "420". Experiment with different finishes and coverage levels to find your perfect match.

Tips for Using MAC NC50 Dupes

Now that you’ve found your perfect match among the MAC NC50 dupes, it’s time to talk about making the most of them. From application techniques to setting and finishing touches, there’s a lot to explore.

Application Techniques for Different Formulations

Now that you’ve found your perfect MAC NC50 dupe, it’s time to master the art of application. Here are some tips to help you get a flawless finish:

• Liquid Foundations: For a seamless blend, use a damp sponge to stipple and bounce the product onto your skin. This method will give you even, natural-looking coverage.
• Cream and Stick Foundations: Warm up the product by gently swirling your fingers or a dense brush in circular motions. This helps to melt the foundation, making it easier to blend and giving you a more skin-like finish.
• Powder Foundations: Opt for a fluffy brush to sweep the product onto your skin. Start with light layers and build up coverage as needed. This technique will help avoid a cakey appearance.

Setting and Finishing Options

Now that you’ve found your perfect MAC NC50 dupe, it’s time to lock in that flawless base. Setting your makeup is really important, especially if you’re aiming for long-lasting coverage. Here are some tips to finish your look:

• Setting Powder: After applying your foundation, lightly dust a setting powder like Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer Walnut or Bare Minerals Matte Warm Tan over your face to set the foundation and blur any pores or fine lines.
• Setting Spray: For an extra boost of longevity, finish with a setting spray. A few spritzes of MAC’s Fix+ Spray will do the trick, or try a dupe like the NYX Dewy Setting Spray for a more affordable option.

Layering With Concealers and Powders

Using concealers and powders can be a game-changer for getting a flawless base. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Conceal and Highlight: After applying your foundation, use a concealer that matches your skin tone to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or areas that need extra coverage. Then, opt for a concealer one or two shades lighter to highlight your under-eye area and the high points of your face.
2. Set and Forget: To lock in your base, set your foundation and concealer with a lightweight powder. Focus on the areas where you tend to get shiny, like the T-zone, and use a fluffy brush for even application.
3. Blend, Blend, Blend: Whether you’re using a liquid or cream concealer, make sure to blend it seamlessly into your foundation. You don’t want any harsh lines or edges!
4. Powder for Touch-Ups: Keep a pressed powder in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. This will help control shine and give you a fresh, matte finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)