Shopping - I’m Not Obsesssed

Ready, Set, Glow

March 31st, 2008 at 9:18 am

Here is my master list of favorite bronzers. These are tried-and-true heavyweights that last awhile, so don’t let some of the price tags scare you away!

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder (Blonde, Brunette, Dark): Nope, not the moisturizing kind, which I found to be a bit over-the top coupled with usually-heavy winter moisturizer or usually-shiny summer skin. Celebrity make-up artist Scott Barnes (he of the Body Bling revolution) says in the March 2008 issue of InStyle that he uses it along the perimeter of Jennifer Lopez’s face

to radiate a glow instead of just having bronze cheeks.”

Not only does it glide on seamlessly, the bronzer even comes in three easy-to-pick shades that won’t have you standing at the make-up counter or in the aisle for an hour trying to figure out the difference between “sun-kissed” and “sun-bright.” The best part about the colors is that they really are accurate. I, of little faith, thought that the brunette palette seemed a litte too pinkish/reddish for my slightly olive skin. No Joker-esque cheeks here, folks–just a warm glow that felt weightless on my face. The only caveat? The hefty cost: $48. Oh, well, whoever said beauty was priceless?

Nars Bronzing Powder (Laguna/Casino): These bronzers deliver a smooth, seamless, warm glow with just the right amount of shimmer to make them perfect for any occasion: the office, dinner parties, whatever! I love that just two colors seem to work well with just about any skin tone, and I have to give this one the award for delivering the most luminosity and glow without being too “over-the-top.” I used the Laguna, which is a bit lighter, and it seemed to highlight every contour of my face with a shimmery, warm hue. Highly, highly recommended! (about $30 each)

Bobbi Brown Essentials Bronzing Powder (Light, Medium, Natural, Dark, Deep): Word has it that Lisa Rinna is a fan of this incredibly light, matte bronzer. It comes in five shades, which is great because you can experiment at the counter to find out which one looks best on your skin. I tried the “Medium,” and I found that it worked well in all seasons to give my face the look of a natural tan. In the summer, it just deepened the look of the tan that I had. Another plus is the new shade of “Natural,” which does not give as much color; rather, it delivers an overall polished look to your face. I have to admit, though, that although the bronzer is superb, the compact case is not too sturdy. The hinges on the back of mine were not working too well after about a month, most likely due to wear, and I ended up having to put a rubber band around it for the rest of its life in my make-up bag. Obviously, that does not influence my love of the bronzer, but just consider this a warning about the potential drawbacks of the packaging! ($33)

Want to see more? Keep reading!

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder & Dallas Bronzing Powder: Ah, leave it to the “fake-it” pioneers to deliver the ultimate “fake bake” in a box. I added both these bronzers to the same category because you need to first figure out what kind of color you want before your purchase. Hoola delivers just as it promises: a warm brown hue that makes you look like you spent a week in the Caribbean as opposed to a few minutes in front of your bathroom mirror. I liked how rich the color looked on my face, but I had to be prudent with the brush because there’s a lot of pigment in that little box! I have also seen that this little showstopper gets as close to “universal” as can be because it works on the fairest of skin tones as well as on medium and darker tones. For those of you who do not want that purely brownish color, try the Dallas bronzer, which delivers a mauve/pink/slightly tan color. Both of these bronzers give you the same quality, even-toned complexion, but remember our tips and use a bronzing brush when applying them! ($28 each)

Cargo Bronzer (Light, Medium, Dark): A beautiful, shimmery combination of browns, tans, and pinks blended into one palette–there’s a lot to love about Cargo Bronzer! With three shades to choose from, finding your color will not be too difficult. And once you have found it, get ready to radiate! Don’t be surprised by a bit of shimmer; however, it is enough to make you glow with a warm tanned look, not glimmer like a disco ball. A matte version was added to the popular “Medium” shade for those who are not looking for so much glow. I personally loved the original version, and I found that it transformed my whole look with one just sweep of the brush–warm summer hue in the dead of winter! ($25)

In Memorium:

Estee Lauder Amber Bronze Bronzing Powder (Sun Bronze): As the saying goes, “when you love something, set it free.” If it were only that easy with beauty products we love! I received a sample of this powerhouse bronzer in an Estee Lauder bonus at Bloomingdale’s several years ago, and I knew it was a keeper from the minute it swept across my cheekbones. Smooth, velvety, luxurious, with just the right amount of shimmer in it–gorgeous! When the sample had run out, though, so had this bronzer’s run in the Estee Lauder line. I immediately consulted Estee’s “Gone But Not Forgotten” program, which helps forlorn customers locate discontinued products (1-800- 216-7173), and I received the product several weeks later. I love the bronzer itself, but the packaging is also a winner. The golden, shimmery, sun-baked brown color of the compact makes me feel like I should be lounging at a resort in St. Tropez whenever I use it. The compact itself is sturdy and durable, and the generously-sized built-in mirror is a plus. I know that Estee Lauder frequently releases “Limited Edition” bronzer lines, and the newest one is called “Bronze Goddess,” but I have yet to test this one out. Some Amber Bronze products may be available at your store or online at certain retailers, but alas, it is not guaranteed!