Highlight the Truth

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish ($33.00 for 0.35 oz.) is described as a “soft bronze coral with golden shimmer.” It’s a medium, peachy orange with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. Tarte Muse (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tarte Daygleam (P, $28.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Perfectly Lit (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Smashbox Rosemantic (LE, $39.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Laura Geller Golden Apricot (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Edward Bess Ciao (P, $45.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NARS Coucher de Soleil II (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar). Lancome Rose Twinkle #2 (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). bareMinerals Kiss of Rose (LE, $26.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sephora + Pantone Universe Marsala (LE, $25.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Becca Smoky Quartz (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Cover FX Golden Peach (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Coloured Raine Call the Shots (Highlighter) (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). NARS Embruns (-, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar). NARS Orgasm (P, $28.00) is more muted (90% similar). NARS Cheek Studio III (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Maybelline Nude Glow (200) (P, $9.99) is less shimmery, less pigmented, warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Golden Bronze Glow (LE, $48.00) is warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The Mineralize Skinfinish formula is supposed to have a “velvety soft” feel and a “radiant finish” with “sheer coverage” — it is a powder highlighter. In my experience, Mineralize Skinfinishes come in a lot of hues and vary from shade to shade with respect to color payoff, though they all tend to be more shimmery/bordering on metallic with so-so wear at six to eight hours. The texture has gotten smoother and silkier over the years with today’s more recent releases having a slightly drier texture that is characteristic of baked formulas, but the powder is finer and sits better on the skin. Highlight the Truth had a smooth, blendable consistency was a smidgen dusty but did not look dry or apply unevenly to my cheeks. On lighter skin tones, it will function more as a highlighting blush, while on deeper skin tones, it will be a warmer highlighter. It had semi-sheer, buildable coverage that was just shy of pore-emphasizing territory. On my cheeks, the color lasted for seven and a half hours.

Taraji Glow

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural ($33.00 for 0.35 oz.) is described as a “reddish brown.” It’s a rich, medium-dark reddish copper with warm undertones and a satin sheen. Bite Beauty Almond (P, $24.00) is glossier (90% similar). Pat McGrath Paradise Venus (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Dior Galactic Red (826) (LE, $48.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Bardot (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Ravish (P, $60.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Hidden Treasure (LE, $24.00) is brighter (85% similar). Kaja Extra Pepper (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Gucci Beauty Warm Berry (06) (P, $49.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Evening Beige (340) (P, $45.00) is lighter, warmer (80% similar). ColourPop Beyond (P, $7.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). NARS Vengeful (Right) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar). MAC A Little Lusty (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Hot Tin Roof (LE, $30.00) is lighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Savage (Discontinued) (DC, $60.00) is more muted, warmer (80% similar). Clinique Cola Pop (P, $21.00) is cooler (85% similar). Mented Cosmetics Clay Too Much (P, $22.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). NARS Taos (P, $30.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). MAC Burnt Pepper (P, $24.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). Benefit Terra (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (80% similar). ColourPop Voile (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

The Mineralize Skinfinish Natural formula is supposed to have “medium coverage” with a “natural finish,” and it’s a line that has many flesh-toned shades and is often used as a foundation but can also be used as a highlighter/contouring powder. Taraji Glow is one of the few shades I’ve come across in the formula that is so pigmented as well as more blush-like in coloring. The texture was smooth without being dusty, and it blended out very well on the skin, which is an essential given the pigmentation level. This shade wore well for nine hours on me–one of the longer wearing baked powders. The “downside” is that the coverage is full, not at all medium; just a tap of the brush on the domed powder yielded more than medium coverage. I think this will be a happy accident for many, but it’s not quite as described.

These shades will be released online on September 6th.

See more photos & swatches!

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Highlight the Truth Mineralize Skinfinish

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

MAC Taraji Glow Mineralize Skinfinish Natural