I had a lot of samples of this foundation in Ivory and I loved it. Ivory is not very pale. I wear Revlon Colorstay in Nude (for the reference as I don't use MAC). This foundation applies very smoothly and evenly. It goes on in a thin layer but with a very good coverage (medium/full). I looks very natural and dewy. With regards to the balancing properties: I have combination skin and it works for me. However, if you have really dry skin and visible dry/scaly patches it will show. In moisture levels Supermoisture foundation is definitely better.

I did find that this foundation oxydizes a bit during the day (turns more orange) but I think this could be solved by getting a shade lighter.