Hi friends!
In celebration of summer’s imminent return, I’ll be talking about bronzer all throughout the month of June. Be sure to check out my intro post here for more info on this content series. Today’s particular subject is those beautiful warm, golden bronzers that give the skin that ultimate sun-kissed glow we all crave this time of year. My bronzer collection is not very extensive so there are only two really warm options in this list, but trust in me they are good ones!
Please keep in mind that depending on your skin tone, you will have to adjust the specific shades to get the desired effect from your bronzer. For reference, I’m quite fair with a cool undertone. These particular options really contrast and pop against my skin, so they are perfect when I want something more noticeable and more dramatic.
Without further delay, let’s get into it!
OPTION 1 FOR THAT ULTIMATE SUN-KISSED GLOW – LANCOME STAR BRONZER IN SOLAIRE
This sheer silky-light powder delivers a natural sun-kissed glow in any season. Exceptional light-reflecting pigments ensure a radiant, tanned makeup result. Smooth and comfortable texture blends effortlessly and evenly into the skin. Skin feels silky soft and even toned.
Radiant, yet natural-looking, for a bronzed complexion that stays fresh and color-true throughout the day.
Suitable for all skin types. Oil-free. Fragrance-free. Non-acnegenic. Non-comedogenic. Allergy-tested for safety.
Available in 5 shades – $38.00
To be honest this was the least-used bronzer in my collection until just recently. I bought it last year after a Lancôme makeup artist used it on me, but then kinda forgot about it. Solaire is the second to darkest shade that I own; I have to be very careful with how much I apply otherwise it can definitely get into muddy territory. It has a golden yellow undertone with a gently shimmery finish on the skin. So when I want something dramatic (on my skin tone), I’ve started to reach for this one.
I always apply bronzer in the classic C-shape on my face: across the temples, the high-points of my cheeks, nose, and along the jawline with my Joah Beauty Large Powder Brush. Having a large fluffy brush is very important when applying bronzer as it disperses and blends the product softly across the skin. If you don’t have one of those, get yourself one!
This Lancôme powder applies beautifully with the Joah brush; it builds slowly but steadily and doesn’t get patchy even over freshly applied foundation. I wouldn’t say the shimmer is overly obnoxious in any way, but it’s definitely there; so if you prefer your bronzers matte, stay away from this one. The staying power here is quite good as well; after a full day’s wear the color and effect are still visible on my skin. (A full day’s wear for me is about 9 – 11 hours, and my skin type is dry for reference.)
Finger swatches on bare skin. Fenty Sun Stalk’r Bronzer in Shady Biz (top); Lancôme Star Bronzer in Solaire (bottom).
OPTION 2 FOR THAT ULTIMATE SUN-KISSED GLOW – FENTY SUN STALK’R BRONZER IN SHADY BIZ
INSTANT SUN-SOAKED GLOW THAT LASTS. BLENDABLE, BUILDABLE, TRANSFER-RESISTANT.
A longwear, transfer-resistant bronzing powder in 8 groundbreaking shades, each carefully curated to bring all skin tones to life with an instant sun-soaked glow.
Available in 8 shades – $30.00
I did a whole post a while back comparing this to the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer, and what I said in that post still stands true today. This is a beautiful choice if you’re looking for a completely matte bronzer that builds lightly yet steadily on the skin with absolutely no patchiness. Shady Biz is the second to lightest shade in the range – but the darkest shade I personally own – and it has a very warm, almost terra-cotta undertone. Again, I have to be careful when building this up because it can definitely look muddy if over-applied. But when it’s just right it gives me such a beautiful sun-kissed glow, which I think all has to do with the undertone. When I catch the sun my skin naturally goes red, so bronzers that have a red undertone actually suit me quite well. I’m dying to try the new cream bronzers from Fenty but I really don’t need another one in my collection right this minute; restraint, restraint!
What are your bronzers choices for that ultimate sun-kissed glow? I’d love to know!
xo, and be well, Erica
PIN IT!
You already know what I think of the Fenty one but the Lancome one reminds me so much of NARS Laguna, have you tried it? It’s probably my all time favourite bronzer, seriously, I’ve gone through 3 of them hahah (twice in palettes and once the full size)
I’ve actually never tried the regular NARS Laguna bronzer, believe it or not! A few years ago, my mom purchased the liquid version of Laguna which of course I promptly “borrowed” for a few months! I really loved it, but then it went off so I had to declutter it.
I love it. I use it for matchy looks all the time!
The Physician’s Formula bronzer sounds really nice. I prefer something that builds. I have to start out light, otherwise I’m going to be looking like a hot mess!
Go with that one then! Very little chance of a mess up!
I WANT** that fenty bronzer!!! maybe not that exact shade obviously but the bronzer in general 🙂 i’ve been hearing great things about it 🙂 thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s a good one, you won’t be disappointed! I need to try the cream version now 😉.