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Bronze

Charlotte Tilbury Highlighters

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow: Light-Medium, Medium-Dark and Sun Tan + Sun Light

July 24, 2015

I’ve been a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze and Glow Palette (originally reviewed here). It contains a bronzer and highlighter powder duo in a mirrored compact which creates depth and dimension. This month Charlotte Tilbury has launched two new extensions of her Filmstar Bronze and Glow in a Medium to Dark Palette and Sun Tan & Sunlight Cream Duo with the Norman Parkinson Collection – I ordered both online from Charlotte Tilbury’s website and have been playing with them for a few days. (The original version has now been renamed Light to Medium.) I really like the original version because it works well with my skin tone and skin type. Highlighters can sometimes emphasize pores but the one from Charlotte Tilbury adds a nice even natural glow even though it has more of a frost finish.

My skin tone has been around a Chanel Beige 30 and NARS Punjab for a long time. After our month long trip to Europe I got a bit darker which puts me at a Chanel Beige 40 range (post on summer foundation rotation soon). When I was medium to light the original Filmstar Bronze and Glow ($68) worked perfectly for me. Right now the bronzer is more subtle on my skin – it still shows up but it’s not quite as strong on my skin. In case you missed the original review, I’ve taken some new photos to post here.

The Filmstar Bronze and Glow Medium to Dark ($68) is designed for deeper skin tones. It’s quite a few shades darker than the Light to Medium with a deep shimmery luminous bronze and an orangey gold highlighter. I thought the concept of an orangey highlighter to be odd, even for those with tan to deep skin tones, but it’s surprisingly wearable and very pretty on the skin. I suspect if you have super fair skin the highlighter will look more like a strong blush. On me it’s not quite traditional highlighter material but it does give the skin a warm glow. When you swatch it on the arm it will appear orange like the color you see in the pan. On the face it adds a really interesting glow.

With the Norman Parkinson Collection, Charlotte Tilbury has a new limited-edition cream Filmstar Bronze and Glow in Sun Tan & Sun Light ($80). I’m usually not a fan of potted or pan creams because I find they get messy with fingers, debris, dust and even brushes but since this is from Charlotte Tilbury I had to give this a try. There is a medium tan cream side and a shimmering gold cream. The tan shade does not swatch well on bare arms but on the face it applies smoothly and blends very easily (I tested mine over foundation). The shimmering highlighter swatches nicely on the arms and face. The highlighter has visible sparkles in it but isn’t over the top and doesn’t emphasize pores. This one is more luminous compared to the original version but it’s easy to blend and sheer out. On my combination skin in this warm 80 degree weather it held up from morning until late afternoon without budging.

All come in the same sized-compact with two pans of
product and a large mirror. The packaging itself comes in a rose gold
metallic finish. The Norman Parkinson Sun Tan + Sun Light comes with a
photo shot by Parkinson of Jerry Hall for British Vogue taken on Montego
Bay, Jamaica, in 1975 on the lid. Also shown below is the Powder and Sculpt Brush which is sold separately.

I’ve swatched each one side by side. Note that all the swatches on the arms have been done with a rather heavy hand. Each one is easy to apply with a light hand and you can control intensity of color by layering. Pigment is pretty rich in each palette so I would recommend on your first few uses apply with a light hand and build up the color.

Below swatches of each version on the face. I have both the bronzer side + highlighter applied and blended lightly in each shot. For skin tone reference I’m wearing Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super–Charged Oil–Free Foundation in Golden Medium with NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation in Punjab + Chanel Les Beiges 30 dusted on top to set. On the lips is Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment in Nude (the gloss version). Coral nail polish is Essie Sunday Funday.

I’m really happy with the Medium to Dark version. It gives the face some warmth and color. I don’t know how the orange will translate on deeper skin tones – if you’ve tried this please chime in with your thoughts in the comments below. I applied with with a medium hand and it’s not too orangey. The cream duo in Sun Tan and Sunlight from Norman Parkinson is a really nice easy-to-use duo. It’s very luminous on my skin and as you can see in the photo above the sheen really stands out with a flash. Even in natural light the cream highlighter looks very luminous and on me it was easy to overdo. I recommend applying with a light hand but it gives a nice golden strobe effect.

For brush recommendations, after playing with the original one for a year, I have to say hands down the best one is the Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush ($49). My original thoughts that it was not a must-have and could be replicated with other regular blush brushes. The shape, texture and density of the brush make this my go-to for any kind of subtle contour/highlighting. It’s one I reach for constantly even though I’m usually a fan of MAC cheek brushes. There are two sets available for each of the powder bronzer/highlight duos that offer a slight price break. The Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Light-Medium Set and Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Med-Dark retail for $110 each and come with the duo + brush in a gorgeous box. For the cream duo I’m still experimenting – so far I like using fingers the best.

All the Filmstar Bronze and Glows are available online now, they should be arriving at Charlotte Tilbury counters soon. Do note that the Norman Parkinson Duo is limited-edition. Available online at Nordstrom, Beautylish, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter and Charlotte Tilbury.

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Color Focus | Bronze and Metallic Nail Lacquers

June 16, 2014

This time of year my favorite colors for beauty are the bronzey metallics for well, everything: lips, nails and cheeks. For nails there have been quite a few lovely releases from early spring that I wanted to highlight.

  • Dior Vibrato 618 Gel Shine Nail Lacquer ($25) is a new color that was released with the reformulation of Dior nail polishes. This one is a bit harder to find in the US. You can order it from the Dior Boutiques (I ordered mine from Las Vegas Palazzo) or online at Dior.com or Selfridges. It’s a stunning metallic loaded with tons of different colors of sparkles. It has the complexity of Chanel Graphite but with a gold bronze base and with much better coverage. I found this to be a one-coat wonder but prefer two.
  • Tom Ford Incandescent ($32) was part of the Spring 2014 Collection and was highlighted back in February (here). It’s miraculously still available for purchase. If you haven’t looked at it yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a stunning rose gold bronze nail polish.
  • Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar Nail Lacquer ($15) was released with the Raw Sugar Collection (Shimmer Brick Eye Palette featured here), it’s a beautiful cool bronze metallic. I had to go to several counters before I found one that still had this in stock but it’s definitely still out there for purchase. You can still find it at Bloomingdales, Barneys and Bobbi Brown.
  • Bobbi Brown Bronze Nail Lacquer ($15) was released earlier this spring (swatches here). It’s still available for purchase at Saks and Bobbi Brown. I like that this is a good shimmer that doesn’t show brush strokes.
  • Burberry Metallic Khaki #202 ($21) is a dark bronze khaki gold shimmer. I like this one because it’s dark but not so dark that the shimmer doesn’t show through. In sunlight it’s really pretty. The texture is really smooth with the first coat being slightly transparent/jelly like. The second coat is what makes this one perfect.
  • YSL Bronze Aztec #28 ($25) is a dark metallic deep blackened bronze with gold shimmer. It has really good coverage with two thin coats and dries quickly.

Close ups and swatches, Dior Vibrato and Tom Ford Incandescent:

Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar vs Bronze:

Bronze:

Raw Sugar:

Burberry Metallic Khaki and YSL Bronze Aztec:

Comparison swatches below to some other bronzey metallic nail polishes: Chanel Delight (still at Chanel.com), Chanel Golden Sand (discontinued, similar Gold Shimmer in this Le Vernis Trio), Tom Ford Burnt Topaz (still available at Saks)

My current favorites are tied between Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar and Dior Vibrato. What’s your favorite bronzey metallic nail polish?
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Spring-to-Summer Bronze and Glow

June 2, 2014

I shared my favorite bronzers and illuminators with you last year in my Summer Glow post. There are a number of new bronzers and glowy products out this year that I’ve been testing lately that I wanted to share with you. Two have made the favorites list again this year. I’ve split this year’s post into two categories: glow and bronze. For me the two aren’t necessarily separate, I like to mix, blend and layer products to create a custom natural bronze or subtle glow. All of these work well with my normal combination sensitive skin (no break outs or reactions to these).

  • RMS Living Luminizer is one of those cult classic products. I’ve long resisted because after feeling it a few times in stores thought it would be too greasy for my normal/combination skin. I finally caved after a few friends demanded I give it a try. It is one of the most dewy and glowy highlighters I own but it does miraculously give a natural healthy sheen. It has barely any color on my medium skin and isn’t too pale to give a sharp white contrast. It just gives a subtle sheen. I like this under blush or over it to add a bit of glow. I dab it on very lightly with fingers.
  • NARS Illuminator in 413 Blkr (review here) is a lovely champagne colored highlighter that isn’t too pale or too yellow, it’s gorgeous mixed in with foundation or used as a highlighter
  • Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Afterglow is one of my holy grail highlighters, it’s perfect for medium-tanned skin beauty lovers who are looking for a good neutral highlighter that isn’t pale, I use it as an eye base, on the cheeks, on the temples, I’ve hit pan on this twice, it’s a must-have with gorgeous shimmer and non-greasy finish, it’s perfection
  • NARS Illuminator in Hot Sand is new for summer, also limited-edition, I had to wait several weeks for this one, it sold out at all the counters near me so I ordered online, if you haven’t checked this one out, I recommend it, it’s a unique gorgeous peachy shimmer that dries down to a non-dewy finish (so it stays put)
  • Tom Ford Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust is repromoted this year, it sold out in the blink of an eye last year, if you missed out the first round, you have a chance to buy it this year (but with a white cap), I’m about half-way through mine from last year, it’s extremely pricey but worth every penny (review last year here)

  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light made the list again this year, it’s a sheer glowy powder with tiny micro sparkle particles but looks very natural on the skin, I recommend using a cream base (highlight or blush) underneath to help the color adhere better, once it does you get a lovely natural glow (also available in the palette/trio reviewed here)
  • Chanel Les Beiges Multi-Colour No. 02 (review here) if you’re looking for something new this summer, this is the bronzer to buy, it’s soft and natural and for me, it’s back-up worthy
  • Chanel Blush Creme in Cheeky is a new blush creme from the summer collection, I thought it would be too similar to Destiny but it proved to be more pink and neutral
  • Armani Liquid Summer Bronzer (review here) is a nice darker liquid bronzer, if you like a layerable fluid bronzer, I recommend this one (although if you have the classic Bronze Universel by Chanel, you don’t need this one because the color is similar)
  • MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite’s Shell and Delphic are both part of the Alluring Aquatic collection (both limited-edition). These are on the more subtle end of bronzers with a unique satiny-matte texture. They are buildable and with a slightly harder texture which makes these easy to layer on softly. They also adhere well to the skin and don’t budge once applied. I adore both shades and prefer Delphic because it’s more dramatic but they are both gorgeous. I would highly recommend acting fast with these, I’m surprised they are still available online and at counters.
More close ups in case you want to see the texture and shimmer in more detail:


There are a number of classic products such as NARS Multiples, Armani Fluid Sheers and all sorts of bronzers and highlighters that I adore. These are some that have been on my radar for a while (new ones along with tried and true).

What’s in your beauty rotation right now for bronzers or highlighters?

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Trish McEvoy Sparkling Bronze Collection

July 27, 2009

Fall collections are already trickling out, but I wanted to do a feature on some pretty bronzey colors from Trish McEvoy who released a small collection of new products in her Sparkling Bronze collection this past May. I love the line for her high quality brushes, unique planner system, and innovative products. This was one of the first high end lines I got into years ago with an interactive makeup lesson at Saks Fifth Avenue where the artist has you repeat the makeup application to one side of your face after each step so you can recreate the look on your own at home.

Every single artist from the line I have met has been amazing – all talented in creating pretty looks, friendly personalities and super fun. It’s been a while since I’ve purchased things from the line because of the continuous product revamps (I must have seen at least 5 different versions of her Sexy Lipgloss as she has changed the formula and color of the years), but still check out her new products every once in a while.

The colors in her Sparkling Bronze Collection feature the following items:

* Bronzer in St. Tropez – a soft shimmery natural bronzer, she describes this as having “the ideal proportions of pink undertones to mimic the prettiest naturally tanned complexion.”

* Lip Gloss in Irresistible – a super sparkly bronze gloss with micro-glitter. I would say this has the same sparkle factor as MAC Dazzleglasses, but this has more pigment. Has a nice slightly minty scent which gives a cooling effect.

* Lip Color SPF15 in Golden Glaze – this is a sheer soft golden color. Reminds me of MAC High Tea lipstick but not quite as pale.

* Pen Luminzer in Luminous Bronze – this is my favorite, gives a soft glow to the skin in a twist up pen.

* Eye Definer Pencil in Sparkling Bronze – a unique dual-sided chubby eyeliner with a smudge tip on one end to blend the color. I wouldn’t really call this “sparkling” but it is a gorgeous deep brown shade.

Top – St. Tropez Bronzer

Bottom – Irresistible Lip Gloss , Golden Glaze Lipstick, Luminous Bronze, Sparkling Bronze

Swatches, left to right: Bronze Illuminator, St. Tropez (applied heavily over foundation/primer), St. Tropez (applied over bare skin), Sparkling Bronze Eye Definer, Golden Lipstick, Irresistible Lipgloss

Comparisons, left to right: MAC MSF Sunny by Nature, Trish McEvoy St. Tropez, MAC MSF Cheeky Bronze (so you can see how pink it really is)

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Color Focus: Shimmery Brown Eyeliners

June 18, 2009

In addition to nudes, I’m also obsessed with shimmery brown and bronzey liners. Here’s a series of shimmery brown eyeliners – yes, I know a lot of them look exactly the same . . . but what can I say, I get sucked in with every new bronzey color that comes out!

The products – pencils and gel liners:

Swatches on Laura Mercier Bamboo Beige Silk Creme Foundation to prime:

1. Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes – Brown Sugar
2. Stila Kajal Eye Liner – Bronze
3. MAC Eye Kohl – Powersurge
4. MAC Splashproof PowerPoint Eye Pencil – Bountiful Brown
5. MAC Pearlglide Eye Liner – Spare Change
6. MAC Technakohl – Plank
7. MAC Eye Kohl – Teddy
8. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil – Underground
9. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil – Bourbon
10. Trish McEvoy Eye Definer – Sparkling Bronze
11. Chanel Precision Eye Definer- Brun Cuivre
12. Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil – Brown Copper
13. Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil – 02 ME Brown
14. Le Metier de Beaute – Tamarack
15. Becca Line + Illuminate Pencil – Mustique
16. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eye Liner – Bronze Shimmer
17. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eye Liner – Chocolate Shimmer Ink
18. Stila Smudgepot – Bronze
19. Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner – Bronze

In natural sunlight:

With flash:

What are your favorites?

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Color Focus: Coppery Bronze

May 25, 2009

I’m a huge fan of the tanned summery look, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite coppery bronze colors. To avoid bronze-overload, I usually mix different variations or intensities of bronzey shades for eyes, lips and cheeks.

Some of my favorite eyeshadows: 1) Nars Fez, 2) Chanel Lumieres Facettes in Plein Soleil, 3) Chanel Le Bronze, 4) Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials in Malibu, 5) Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow in Copper Cocoa, 6) Le Metier de Beaute Spicy Eyeshadow, 7) Trish McEvoy Sable Bronze, 8) MAC Pigment in Chocolate Brown



I’m a huge fan of bronzey cheeks:
* Top left to right – Becca Mineral Bronzing Powder in Duende, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Bahama Brown, Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder in Moroccan Bronze
* Middle left to right – Trish McEvoy Luminzer in Luminous Bronze, Nars Multiple in South Beach
* Bottom left to right – Nars Blush in Lovejoy, Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Warm Bronze (mini size)



For lips, I’m not a huge fan of the dark bronze lips, but prefer lighter bronze shades, or even nude shades with a hint of bronze:
* Left to right – Trish McEvoy Sheer Lipcolor in Barely Innocent, Chanel Aqualumiere in Maritius #86, Chanel Aqualumiere in Key West #83, Giorgio Armani Silk Lipstick #18, Laura Mercier Boho Bronze, MAC Lustre Lipstick in Honey-Flower, Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Bronzed Pink

For lipglosses:
* Left to right – Giorgio Armani Lipshimmer #57, Trish McEvoy Irrisistible, Chanel Glossimer in Unity #41, Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss in Freeze #66, Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bronze, MAC Lustreglass in Beaux

What are some of your favorite coppery bronze shades?

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