I’ve been toning down my makeup routine for work a lot lately as I’ve been exhausted and need the extra sleep in the morning. Instead of using a liquid foundation I’ve been going the concealer and powder route or bb cream and powder. One of my go to powders is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. I love it especially in the colder months to give the skin some glow when it can look dull. I’ve been using it on and off for about five years now and you can see my full review here, but I’ve recently come to the revelation that I’ve been using the wrong shade… well at least for the colder months. I’ve been using Deep Dark (which I believe is now Dark Deep) all year round. I recently wore it alone without any concealer, bb cream or foundation and by mid-day my face was about two shades darker than my chest. The oxidation is a b*tch. I ran to MAC after work to grab the next shade up which is Dark.
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Dark is described as a deep caramel. It looks a little light in the compact but blends seamlessly with my complexion when applied. It has very light coverage but adds a nice natural glow to the skin to give a glowing from within look. Here I am wearing it with LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Chestnut to conceal and Toffee to highlight along with Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Dark Deep. I also have a little Graftobian Banana Cream Powder under my eyes…
It has a very natural look, not cakey or heavy and best of all it doesn’t have too much shimmer. So I’m going to show you how Dark compares to Deep Dark but first a little about the new packaging. MAC has completely revamped the package to include a mirror and it’s also much sturdier so that you can take it on the go. The packaging was so flimsy before that I would only use it at home, afraid that it may break in my purse. Take a look…
  
Deep Dark (old packaging), Dark (new packaging)
Deep Dark is described as a rich golden bronze and it is slightly darker than Dark and leans more cool (red). When Dark oxidizes it gets a little darker and slightly more warm, blending with my complexion perfectly. When Deep Dark oxidizes it gets darker and more cool making it not as good of a match. Now I have neutral-warm undertones but in the Summer as I tan my undertones are more red, so Deep Dark works then but for the cooler months it’s a no go. Here is a picture of me wearing Deep Dark early last Fall while I still had my Summer tan…
From now on I will keep both Dark and Deep Dark (Dark Deep) in my stash as they both serve their purpose.
25 Responses
Great info… Thanks for the review!
You’re welcome!
i noticed the same thing about dark deep this summer. I switch to dark also.
Sometimes matching shades can be such a pain, especially taking oxidation into consideration!
Thanks girl for this info!! I been trying to find my shade. I want to just wear powder but that doesn’t work at all.
YoYo try the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. That’s what I use when I need a full coverage powder.
We’re the same color and I had stopped using my MSF because it was looking too red. I need to get dark but I’ve been messing around. I love it because it gives me a natural glow without even looking like I have makeup on.
This is exactly why I love it too!
I didn’t notice the oxidation much on me but defintely appreciate this review+update. I use MAC’s Skinfinish Natural in Medium-Deep mostly but started using Dark during the summer (this summer just passed) and will keep up with that routine. A cheaper go-to for me when I don’t want to use up all my MAC so fast lol is the Milani Multitasker Face powder in #7 Dark Tan which is closer to Medium-Deep than Dark and #8 Amber in the summer. Or another alternative for me is the L’Oreal true match powder in C7 Nut Brown or blend with a little C8 Cocoa in the summer
I used to use the Milani Multitasker as well. It has great coverage but I noticed that would turn a little red too after oxidation. I would warm it up with banana powder.
Lol that’s sort of a plus for me … my undertone leans ever so slightly red.
Great info!! I have the same everyday routine now! I will check this out!!
Hi Erica,
Great review as usual. I was looking for the Maybeline BB Creme from your link, you said you use ‘Dark’ but I’m only seeing ‘Deep’ & ‘Medium/Deep’ that would be closest to our complexion. Did you mean deep? We seem to be very similar in complexion which makes it very easy for me to just go by what you use 🙂
You are correct, I meant Deep. I will update the post 🙂
Great, thanks!
I honestly thought I was the only one who though Dark Deep oxidized, that’s why I stopped using it, but will definitely pick up Dark now, I love the new packaging along with the mirror!
I don’t know why I didn’t notice much before because I’ve had the same one for like 5 yrs. maybe the oxidation is just worst as it gets older. Girl I don’t know
Thanks for this. And can I just say, you have wonderful skin and I honestly think the photo with just powder alone is best pic I’ve ever seen of you imo. You really don’t require a foundation. (I hope you take that as a compliment because that’s how i meant it:))
Thank you so much. I’ve been working on the Skincare aspect (deets coming soon,) and toning down the makeup a bit for a more natural look and to let my skin breath 🙂
Your awesome and beautiful! I love your makeup tips.
Thank you! 🙂
What do you think about the “dark deepest” mineralized skin finish? The “dark deep” is to orange for my skin tone and oxidizes way to dark. The yellow undertones in the “dark” finish matches my skin a little better, but looks a little ashy and dull. The mac rep suggested “dark deepest”, but I haven’t seen any reviews on it.
Hi. Sorry, but I can’t give an opinion on that shade as I haven’t tried it. It may be too dark for you, but I’d say get it and if it doesn’t match you can return it.
Will tou try dark deepest and give an upate. We are the same complexion and Im curious ???