This is a fake tan designed specifically for the face so rather than leaving an oily residue on the skin- the culprit of causing breakouts- this gives a soft velvety matte finish whilst also adding a warm caramel glow. It's a creamy mousse-like formula that smooths out the complexion for an even base and leaves a lovely natural colour which literally melts into the skin when applied. The only downside is that I find it has quite a strong fake tan scent, however everything else about it is dreamy so all shall be forgiven!
Bourjois Paris Bronzing Primer | £9.99
Admittedly I bought this because I thought it was going to be a dupe for the Clarins and I wanted a cheaper alternative for day to day use. It turns out that this is in no way a fake tan so don't be fooled- unless you never assumed that in the first place. I also wouldn't say that this is a primer either. It has a slight orange undertone so slathering this all over your face wouldn't give you the most natural look to say the least. Therefore naming this as a 'bronzing primer' can be a little misleading. However don't be disappointed as it's a product well worthy of your pennies. I've even heard that it is very similar to Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel just without being quite so luxurious- but at over 1/3 of the price less I'm not surprised!
The texture is very smooth and creamy and a little goes a long way. I apply after my foundation with a small brush such as Crownbrush BK39 Deluxe Round Chisel Fluff to the points of the face that the sun would naturally hit- the temples, edges of the forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin. I then blend it in using my Real Techniques Contouring Brush. I'm always so surprised by how beautifully it blends and the colour looks very natural which you perhaps wouldn't anticipate when you first look at the pot. This is a brilliant product for adding a lovely golden hue to the face.
Seventeen Instant Glow Skin Wow Tan | £5.99
I find that Wow Tan is particularly suitable over the summer months for a light and dewy look. It's a lot more subtle than the other products mentioned but the bronzed particles very delicately shimmer thorough and lift the skin. I tend to use this underneath or mixed with a very light layer of foundation as it makes skin look glowing and radiant. Alternatively if you're wanting to use a full coverage foundation then this can be applied afterwards to the high points of the face. This is effectively a bronzed highlighter but it works so efficiently at contributing towards that summer glow.
Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Disobey | £22
This is considered as a blusher and is recommended for contouring however I actually use it as a bronzer. I've had this for a while but it got pushed to the back of my drawers and forgotten about. When I got to the bottom of my last bronzer I decided to reach out for this and I found a new love for it. As it's technically a blusher it's extremely pigmented meaning that it needs to be used very sparingly,however when used correctly (or not correctly in this case) the colour is gorgeous and looks so natural. I use this with EcoTools Bamboo Domed Bronzer Brush in figure of 3 around my temples, cheekbones and jaw line and a light dusting along my nose. This shade really compliments my skin tone although as it isn't officially a bronzer it only comes in one shade and therefore may not be suitable for all. However whichever bronzer you use, whether it be from Illamasqua or not, they're a lovely and simple way to warm up your skin.
What are your favourite products for a facial faux glow?
love Katya x
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