Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders are among my favorites for a soft, smooth and diffused look. This formula has been around for years but I wanted to give it some love with a post as many of you have asked for recommendations on natural looking bronzing powders and I this is what I often recommend. There are four Bronze powder options and one Highlight color. I’ve used the Matte Radiance Baked Powder Bronze 02 the most. Sometimes when I’m tan it almost matches my skintone and I can use it as a cheek finishing product to add warmth. Right now I still use Bronze 02. Compared to this time last year when we were in Florida (as seen here and here) I’m lighter in skintone although I still have a tan. This year I’ve actively spent less time in the sun, pool and ocean so I haven’t tanned quite as much. If you’re looking for a natural bronzer or something to help extend your summer glow in a natural way, the Baked Powders from Laura Mercier are a great powder to look into.
Top Row: Highlight 01, Bronze 01, Bronze 02
Bottom Row: Compact, Bronze 03, Bronze 04
The Matte Radiance Baked Powders are described as an ultra smooth baked powder with a soft matte radiance. This describes it perfectly. The texture is baked and comes in a dome shape. Powders are on the powdery side in the pan but they apply perfectly on the face for a very soft glow. Concept is similar in texture to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, but the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance powders come in matte flesh-like soft tan shades while the Hourglass matte options are really pale in color.
There are four Bronze shades 01, 02, 03 and 04. I feel 01 and 02 are nearly identical with 02 being a little more cool-toned. You can use any brush to apply. I’ve used anything from a fan brush, bronzer brush, powder brush to sweep across the face. The Bronze colors are matte with a tiny bit of glow, but no shimmer. Then there is one Highlight 01 shade which is described as a “golden nude” but to me on my olive complexion it’s more of a pale champagne ivory. You can find this in a mini in a lot of the Sephora Favorites sets. Right now it’s available in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow. The minis actually last quite a long time. I’ve used mine for years now and just decided to buy the full size. Highlight 01 is definitely shimmery but it melts into the skin for a less-frosty shimmer compared to other highlighters like the Face Illuminators or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors.
Lasting power is excellent. I think it’s ideal for any climate, in particular with the Florida heat + humidity I’m really impressed how they stay put and stay looking matte for hours.
Bronze 01
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Bronze 02
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Bronze 03
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Bronze 04
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Highlight 01
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Swatches, comparisons and a look at Bronze 02 on the face.
Swatch comparisons of the lighter bronzers 01 and 02 to Becca Sunlit Bronzer in Bali Sands and Capri Coast (both reviewed here). Also a swatch next to Benefit Hoola Lite.
Highlight swatch comparisons to NARS Fort de France (review here), Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion and Devotion, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors in Opal, Moonstone and Pearl (reviewed here).
Beauty look with Highlight 01, also wearing:
- Foundation: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation* in Buff
- Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Pressed Powder 02
- Cheeks: Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight 01
- Eyeshadow: Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold + NARS Eyeshadow Quad Mojave* (review here)
- Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack
- Mascara: Hourglass Caution Extreme Mascara* (review here)
- Brows: NARS Brow Perfector in Komo* (swatches of all shades here)
- Lips: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color in Lychee Parfait + Lip Glace in Bare Baby
- Brush shown: Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush*
Beauty look with Bronze 02, everything same as above, just no highlighter, just Bronze 02:
Bottom line I think they’re perfect. I can wear either Bronze 01 and 02 to add a soft glow to the face. They’re really impossible to overdo. I did try out Bronze 03 and 04, they’re both too dark for my complexion right now, but since summer usually lasts until November in Florida there’s a chance I will get more of a tan and need to go up in a color.
You can find the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders at all counters now. Available online at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.
If you’re interested in sets you can find the Highlight 01 Mini in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow Set. These sets usually change seasonally. There is also a gorgeous Rose Glow Radiance Collection with a full size of Highlight 01 with a few other beauty items. Have you tried these yet? What’s your favorite natural looking bronzer?
Matte Radiance Bronze 01, 03 and 04 provided courtesy of Laura Mercier for review. Bronze 02 and Highlight 01 purchased by me. Other press samples featured indicated with a *.
LM’s Devotion was one of my very favorite highlighters several years ago. Nowadays, though, with the trend towards more matte finishes, I’m searching for something that still as glow but without overt shimmer. It looks like that 01 Highlight just might be the update I’ve been looking for. I’ll definitely need to go have a look. I’m not normally a fan of baked powders, but LM did a wonderful job on her earlier highlighter and bronzer collection so I have high hopes for this newest iteration.
I haven’t tried these yet but Bronze 1 looks perfect for my ghostly pale face! I think the most natural looking bronzer I have is maybe the one in the Hourglass Illume cream trio.
Wow! These look stunning! <3
http://www.mybeautysilence.com
These are gorgeous!❤️
Arianna | Southernbf.blogspot.com
No one ever talks about these!! I also have 02 Bronze and it’s my favourite for a subtle glowy bronzer. Super underrated imo.
Laura Mercier Highlight 01 is a staple, in my makeup bag. When the strong highlighting trend, will go out of fashion, this highlighter powder, will stay.
My daughters love these!
Thank you for always being honest with your reviews and I closing all he disclaimers. Ive been a long-time fan of your blogs!
I love the Benefit hula matte bronzer
These are so pretty! “Matte radiance” is pretty much the perfect descriptor for how I want my skin to look (oily here haha) so I’m so glad to discover these! I love how subtle but beautiful 02 looks on you! Maybe eventually I will use up my Burberry bronzer…..
Currently using an old Tarte bronzer but now I must get Laura Mercier!
Oh man, I don’t use bronzers… I’m intrigued though! I’ll have to give these LM options a try.
My favorite bronzer is Guerlain – in nude clair
I just can’t do too much highlight or bronzing in this humidity in Georgia.
tahrerk56
Bronzer and highlighter is my favorite, it makes all the difference!! These look so good, I need to get my hands on them!! Love Laura Mercier!! 💕
These are pretty, but I feel that even the lightest one is too much for my fair skin. I see one of the Blush Color Infusions in the background of the top photo, have you reviewed those?
I have the LM Highlighter 1 and am loving the bronzers! I think I would like to try it in the shade 02. I prefer a cooler toned so I can lightly contour and bronze at the same time.
I love highlighter shade. It is my favorite powder highlight. I have been wanting bronze 01 for years. I need to just get it!
I’ve always liked the LM shimmers. Their particles are really fine and looks nice on skin.
I think I need to give in and get one of these bronzers. I’ve had my eye on them for so long and can’t deny how flawless they look on the skin. You look gorgeous in those photos, Sabrina!
I’ve yet to find a bronzer I like much on my fair skin. Pretty sure 01 would be too much for me. I’ve been thinking though that I might try a darker shade of my beloved LM Candleglow powder as bronzer instead. The sheerness there might be just what I’m looking for.
My favorite bronzer is Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer. I got it as a Sephora deluxe sample and it’s perfect.
Wow! These powders look beautiful on your skin, like a lit from within radiance rather than the flashy, pearly shine most highlighters offer these days. It’s a refreshing change to see highlighter look so natural, and your looks are always so versatile and pretty!
MJ omega bronzer
They look beautiful. I like Charlotte Tilbury bronze and glow face palette.
Hi Sabrina, my favorite bronzer is the Milk Makeup Bronzer, which is cream. But- I would love a powder bronzer addition and these Laura Mercier ones look great!
My fav right now is the Marc Jacobs limited edition coconut one. Not the biggest fan of the scent (it’s very strong, so I leave it open to air out once every week.) But it’s very natural!
Love your posts! always enabling me
My favorite bronzer right now is Chantecaille La Sirena Bronzer. It is great for light skin tones.
OMG, this is my favourite bronzer, too! I think mine is a tad too dark though (3) so I’ll be trying 1 or 2 next. Great review, thanks!
All of LM’s powders are sublime but 01 Highlight is classic. It melts into my light skin tone and looks as natural as a highlighter can. I have a sample of Bronze 3 that is far too dark but with this post, I am tempted by 02 Bronze. Thank you for the review
I really like my Pixi bronzer. It’s been discontinued, so I’m trying to ration it.
I love 01 as a highlighter! I think I got it in a beauty rewards kit or some other multi-pack a while ago in mini size, hit pan and bought the full size. As for bronzer, I am liking a sample of Drunk Elephant’s liquid bronzer I received and mix it in with either my SPF moisturizer or tinted moisturizer. for powders, I like Kevyn Aucoin’s options.
My fave natural bronzer is the bare minerals invisible bronzer in the shade tan 😍🙌🏻
I’m still trying to figure out how to make bronzer work for me. I am pale but freckled, so it’s a challenge. So far I have had success with Hourglass Radiant and a discontinued Milani Rose Blush called Warm Petals.
These are so tempting!
A Sephora makeover I had she used 03 on me but I’m debating 02 once I’m out of my other bronzers!
Thank you for this one. I like natural bronzers and this one looks worth a try. My fave right now is guerlain.
I don’t generally use bronzer but when I do, I prefer Chantecaille.
DLori27
Those bronzers wouldn’t work for me, I use Covergirl Queen Collection bronzer!
Do I need another bronzer? No! Do I want to try this LM one in 01? Yep! I’ve been loving Hourglass bronzer lately but wow these are soooo pretty!
These look gorgeous on you. I have the highlight one, but really need to pick up Bronze 02!
I really like cream bronzers for summer. LM cream bronzer from last year has been my staple this summer. I set it with 04 baked sometimes.
Been eyeing the highlighter for a while, might have to grab it….
been using benefit hoola, want to try this one!
I’m still using up a Dior bronzer, but I really need to look at Laura Mercier more!
Super natural bronzers, they look like they would be easy to blend. I hope you do a review of the new Laura Mercier blushes!
i am curious to try the bronze 1 vs. the bronze 2 to see how much cooler 2 is on pale skin. thinking of getting this on the vib rouge sale that just started.
I have the highlighter and bronze 02 and love them both. Perfectly subtle and hard to look heavy handy. They’re great!
I love the Becca Sunlit Bronzer in Capri coast. I am planning to try this once I am done with Becca bronzer
I picked up a bronzer from TheBalm during a recent sale and like it.
I love the Hourglass luminous bronze light for that natural bronzy look
I never wear bronzer, i find no matter how artfully applied, it makes my face look dirty. I do like your swatches.
My favourite bronzer is one by Charlotte Tilbury.
I’m currently loving the MJ tantastic bronzer, so pretty!
I’m not much of a bronzer user, but #1 is tempting. The texture looks like it would be similar to that of Candleglow (which I love), so I may give it a go. Super review and photos as always!
I LOVE the new BECCA x Chrissy Tiegen Glow face palette: it has gorgeous color AND bronzer and highlighter all in one! Everything BECCA does is gorgeous imho.
The Laura Mercier was my favorite highlighter for a long time but I have not tried the bronzers. I am currently loving the Jouer citrine highlighter and the Becca sunlit bronzer in capri coast.
I’m an 00s girl – I still use the matte Benefit hoola bronzers (the light and the darker shade).
However, you do make a solid case towards buying one of these!
Appreciate the review and swatches! Haven’t tried this product before
I love the Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light and NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer
Cheers Lisa
I haven’t really found a bronzer that works for me yet. I am pale and, while these look beautiful, I am afraid that they’ll be too dark for me 🙁
Her powders are such good quality.
Really great to finally see swatches of everything. Her matte radiance is one of my favorites.
Thank you for always creating such thorough reviews. Now I have another wish item in my Sephora basket
I currently don’t use a bronzer but I’m very tempted to try after reading your review!
No matter how hard I try I just cannot use bronzer. It just looks muddy on me.
I never use bronzer! Only blush!
I don’t use a bronzer actually. Just blushes. Bronzers look too muddy.
Bronze 02 gives a nice healthy look. I love your look!
Bronzers aren’t something I’m very into… yet. I have one that makes me look quite naturally tanned, but it’s no longer available.
I’m not into bronzer, but I recently got CT bronze and glow because its more natural looking on me. Still trying to find a good brush to apply it.
I’ve tried bronzers but can’t find the right shade. These look really natural on you.
I don’t have a favorite bronzer, but would like to try the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Blush or bronze and glow.
I don’t use bronzer yet, but those products caught my eye.
These are just beautiful!!! I recently purchased a Chanel bronzer- it;s a matte finish and I love it. I may get one of these to layer on as a blusher.
I only have the Chanel Beiges, I really can’t get away with too much bronzer being so fair
I need to try those ones ! My favourite one is the YSL Les Sahariennes 2, I love it !
Ughh..now I want to try these too…I’m currently super into Charlotte Tilbury’s bronze and blush palette. LOVE the bronzer and was happy to add this (I was previously using it from her face palettes).
I’m still looking for a bronzer but have been shying away from anything that’s too strong. Going to try some hourglass and LM next to see!
LOVE Nars Casino, even though it gets a bad rap sometimes!
I’m a bronzer hoarder! OMG! I’m loving By Terry Happy Sun Designer palette right now, It’s lovely! Oh and Chantecaille’s limited edition one for 2018 too! Beautiful packaging.
I have used Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer but lately have been using Too Faced Chocolate Matte Bronzer, both are equally good.
I have read great things about these but my favourite has to be Too Faced Matte Chocolate Soleil bronzer.
Guerlain is my holy grail bronzer!
I so rarely wear bronzer, I am always shocked to see so many in my drawer. I love the Marc Jacobs Tan Tastic. last night I amped it up with Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze and Glow. Makeup is so fun 🙂
I really love this matte radiance finish as it doesn’t look as “glowy” than other highlighters. I need to be careful with those kind of highlighters or I turn into a “disco ball” if the formula is too flashy due to my oily skin. I would be between a B01or 02. Very nice review!
Not big on bronzers. The only ones I know are Too Faced Chocolate Soleil and Kjaer Weis makes a cream bronzer that I like too. I want to try the By Terry ones that have the double ring or product.
would like to try one of these bronze look so subtly ‘glowly’ but not too shimmery
I like the becca sunlit bronzer in bronze bondi. I actually bought it based on your swatches,.
Chanel Soleil De Tan Cream Bronzer I’d my all time favorite
Marc Jacobs tantric is a fave!
I’ve actually used the matte bronze in #3 and it seemed natural enough (I’m roughly around your shade), but my general go to is Benefit’s Hoola for something with no sparkle whatsoever.
Never really used a bronzer before but these look promising!
These are beautiful, natural bronzers! I loved seeing you apply these in your Instastory. It was really helpful to watch (and they looked great on you).
I love the Laura Mercier highlighter, but my favorite natural bronzer is from Guerlain.
fav bronzer Tom Ford in Terra
Ugh you sold me on these. I picked up the powder in 02!
My all-time favorite is the RMS Buriti bronzer. I am also liking the Troy Surratt bronzy blush in Grisaille.
Greta review. I don’t think any of these would work for my skintone but I think a light duating of bronze #4 could work.
I had trouble making these work for me. It applied patchy on my skin. I usually love LM products.
I have never tried the baked powders, but they look nice, and I love the eyeshadow sticks!
My favorite natural bronzer is actually the Physicians Formula butter bronzer!
I still have to learn how to use bronzer “)
I need this! I love powders that have amazing lasting power.
I remember these powders have been around for so long and were so popular a few years ago on Youtube. Nice to see they’re still relevant. My favourite natural bronzer is DEFINITELY hoola bronzer by Benefit. I am super fair and it’s difficult for me to find a bronzer that does not make me look orange. It has no shimmer and it is matte and blends so well. If I’m tanned and going for a more natural look I’ll wear my Chanel tan de chanel cream bronzer.
I have a bronzer as part of a lorac travel palette, otherwise I don’t use one. I think i would prefer a bronzer without shimmer , so I would definitely try the bronze 01, for me, I’m pretty light
I’d say my favorite natural bronzer is Hourglass diffused bronze light. I got it in a nordstrom palette one year and have loved it ever since.
I love these bronzers but I really want to try that highlighter shade!
I need to get into the habit of using bronzers more often! They look like a lot of fun to expremient with, yet I’m still a little hesistant because I have quite a pale skin. At the moment, the only bronzer I use is the one that comes with the Naked Blush compact.
I was never really into bronzer because everything always looked so orange on my cool skin. Tom Ford Terra got me into bronzers since it’s more red than orange. Lately I use Hourglass Nude Bronze Light for a subtle, effortless look. I like the look of Bronze 02 here since it’s more cool-toned!
I tend to not get excited about Laura Mercier items for some reason but that highlighter looks so nice swatched!
my fave natural bronzer is still NARS laguna, but these look awesome.
Right now my favorite natural looking bronzer is the Physician’s Formula butter bronzer.
My favorite is Bronzer #3… best bronzer!
Heather
Partial to Pink
Despite being so readily available and popular, I am yet to try this brand. I do quite like the powders have shown today!
My favorite natural bronzer is Jane Iredale pressed bronzer
I like Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer.