MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF 15 Q&A With Nick Gavrelis Vice President Global Product Development, Face & Pro MAC Cosmetics.

Q: Talk about the development process for Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF 15. What was the need you were filling? Was it due to demand from customers, makeup artists, or both?
It began about two and a half years ago. M·A·C artists all around the globe helped identify the need for a new kind of cream foundation. We wanted it to give a long-lasting, medium-coverage yet buildable finish, with long term hydrating benefits. We went into the lab aiming to create a formula with modern aspects, like a gel base, combined with a very luxurious, rich, creamy feel. It had to have the wear, flexibility and flawlessness that our makeup artists demanded, as well as the comfort, moisturization, smoothing and perfecting qualities that real women have been asking for.

Q: How many seasons did you test Studio Sculpt backstage?
The Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Week that took place this past September and October was the third and final season of testing done by the M·A·C Pro Team. Their passionate feedback helped us adjust and ultimately perfect the formula. For example, we tweaked the way the product glides onto the skin, which ultimately improved the blending time customers experience when applying Studio Sculpt.

Q: What are the benefits of the antioxidants and SPF protection in Studio Sculpt? Does using this foundation provide enough benefits on its own, or does is help to add another layer of protection?
We added known antioxidants Vitamins C and E, which help to defend against free radical damage. Studio Sculpt also contains a combination of titanium dioxide, a physical sunscreen, and octinoxate, a gentle chemical sunscreen. Together they help offer broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. While this is sufficient for limited and incidental UV exposure, it’s important to combine with a higher SPF product whenever there’s a chance of additional sun exposure.

Q: What other ingredients in this product would you like to highlight?
Studio Sculpt is made with innovative plant-based extracts for a unique foundation that delivers long-wearing, color-true, comfortably weightless yet flawless coverage. Specifically, we employed sodium hyaluronate, yeast extracts and shea butter to boost moisture levels, plus extracts of Hyberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Beet Root and Tamarind Seed Extract, which help to improve skin’s hydration with continued use. Finally, we used a combination of soft focus powders that optically diffuse imperfections and give a more flawless finish. There is also Quercus Suber Bark Extract and Octyldodecyl PCA which, combined with a special new polymer, help to provide a more perfect, smoother, tighter looking complexion.
Q: What types of testing did you do on the formula other than backstage? Can you discuss what some of the results were?

In addition to the backstage testing throughout three Fashion Week seasons, we did a complete Global M·A·C Artist Test with a panel of 130 participants worldwide. The results proved to be very successful, rating above a 90% approval score in Asia, which is exceptionally unusual. We also took the formula through Safety, Claims Substantiation Testing; Consumer Sensory Testing provides a more perfect, tighter feeling and smoother looking complexion.

Q: Technologically speaking, why is this foundation an optimum choice for women, compared to other options?
Studio Sculpt Foundation has fused new advancements in technology with innovative plant-based extracts to create a ush, luxurious new cream-gel foundation that delivers comfortable, weightless and flawless coverage. Makeup artists nd women customers alike can easily achieve blendable medium coverage, with a luminous, satiny finish.
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