If there’s one thing we want in life, it’s to look glowy, radiant, awake, healthy (we could go on) and there’s one product that we turn to time and time again. Our trusty old bronzer. But all bronzer is not created equal. Oh no. And if you want that true, natural looking, radiant J-Lo glow, then keep on reading…
Bronzy, sun-kissed skin is a look that’s always in, regardless of the season. It goes without saying that we LOVE all kinds of bronzers – nothing does a better job at making our poor sleep-deprived faces look a little more alive and awake – and I am loyal to my trusty powder bronzers but l’ve recently introduced Gemma to liquid bronzer and she’s now smitten, especially since the temperatures have soared.
There are arguments for and against both, it just depends on your tastes. Powders are great because you build them up to the intensity you fancy (for me that is always around the ‘long weekend in Spain’ mark) but for some people they feel a little heavy and ‘make-uppy’ for holidays and hot weather.
{Liquid or powder? Watch this and decide}
Gels or cream formulas take a little more getting used to (but not long, as you can see as Gemma applied THIS in a totally foolproof way in seconds) and they add a glow and feel light and smooth on the skin.
If you’re still using a manky old bronzer from years ago then it’s time to get with the times. Whether you’re off on your summer holidays (jealous) or are hanging around in the UK’s mini heatwave for the rest of the summer, or you just fancy upgrading to something fancy as a treat to yourself (hello Victoria Beckham bronzer of dreams) here’s my ultimate edit – there’s one for everyone here…
1 // THE ONE FOR A HEALTHY LOOKING GLOW:Less of a mega-bronzer and more of a radiant, bronzy sheen, Estee Lauder Double Wear Radiant Cushion Stick bronzer basically veils skin with the illusion that you run on green juices and yoga classes, not left over fish fingers and soft play. Also a serious doddle to use. Watch how Gemma applies it in our little vid. As a bronzer virgin and a woman short on time, it only took her seconds to apply.
2 // THE ONE FOR BLONDES: Getting bronzer right for blondes is tricky business. A smidge too warm and you veer into orange territory but if ever a bronzer was legendary, it’s Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder For Blondes. To be found in the make-up bag of pretty much every fair-haired beauty editor, there’s one that suits all. For a luminous finish and long-lasting formula, this is the one.
3 // THE ONE FOR BRONZE PHOBES: For all those bronzer-phobes amongst you, may I introduce you to Hoola Lite– this finely milled matte bronzer is perfect for fair complexions. It’s also a great multi-tasker, I like to wear it as a really natural looking eyeshadow too. It gives eyes just a hint of definition, enough to stop them looking knackered but not too much for the nursery run.
4 // THE ONE FOR DEDICATED BRONZERS: If theres one lady who loves a glow, it’s VB. If you’re as dedicated as her (and me) to the bronzing cause then the cost per wear of this Victoria Beckham Bronzer (I wear the shade Saffron Sun, as does VB) will make it a total bargain. Plus, totally natural looking week in Barbados with every swipe.
5 // THE MULTI-TASKER: Sheer and ultra-blendable,Nars Laguna Liquid Bronzeris theliquid version of the best-selling powder bronzer but just so much more beachy because it’s shot through with a subtle golden shimmer. And the smell! It’s literally summer in a bottle. Wear on bare skin or add a couple of drops to your foundation for an all-over, healthy looking glow for skin AND shoulders/legs/chest. Dreamy.
