Burberry Warm Glow Natural Bronzer 01

I actually bought the Warm Glow Natural Bronzer from Burberry in August, which makes sense considering one usually wants a bronzed look in summer. But I'm finding myself reaching for it even more often now that my complexion really needs some warming up. It might be a psychological thing or simply the change in light, hard to tell. Besides, Warm Glow #01 (this specific shade is also named Warm Glow. Obviously Burberry wants us bronzed and confused) doesn't make me look tan, it just gives a little color and life, especially when applied with a light hand and blended carefully.

It's hard to describe and define bronzer shades- they vary by their levels and ratio of brown-gold-orange. I find Warm Glow #01 to be the less orange on my skin* and most natural. It really doesn't look like makeup, which is probably why it's such a great choice for the season. It can be built up, though, for a more sun-kissed effect.

Burberry bronzers, like their other powder products, feel very luxurious and finely milled. They have a satiny finish that makes skin glow with no actual shimmer or any visible shiny particles. The texture is the silkiest imagined and a pleasure to apply. I've been using several bronzer and face brushes and it works with all of them- I can't say I have a specific favorite for this bronzer, but Edward Bess Face Brush is probably the best.

*I'm often asked about my exact skin tone. It's a pale olive with both green, yellow and pink undertones and no blue. I don't wear MAC makeup, but I've been told that I'm around NC30-35, but there was no exact match the last time I visited their counter, but that was years ago. I can wear several shades of Chanel foundations, as long as they're on the pale yellow beige side. In Nars terms the best match I found was Stromboli (though I don't own it, so my testing was limited), and in Cover FX numbers I'm M40 (Honey).

Burberry Warm Glow Natural Bronzer ($48) is a Nordstrom exclusive.

All photos are mine.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Lunar Dust Bronzing Powder (Dusk)

The first time I tried using Lunar Dust, a loose bronzing powder by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, I didn't read the directions. I just went at it with a powder or bronzer brush, ending up looking a it... gilded. It didn't help that the color I had was Dusk, the darkest of the three available shades. But even with a very  ridiculous looking face, I noticed the fine texture of Lunar Dust and the beautiful glow it provided.

One can actually apply Lunar Dust with a fluffy powder brush to the face, as long as it's done judiciously and with the right shade. Sunset should probably work for most, while Dusk is better for much darker skin tones. But as I discovered in Youngblood's directions, the best way to use this powder is to mix it with either a moisturizer or a foundation for face or with your body lotion and apply it to your legs, shoulders, etc.

The result is a warm and very pretty glow that can be toned down or played up at will. The finely milled powder is delicate and and not glittery at all. I used a lot in the swatch just so you can see the shade, but it doesn't have to be so shiny. My favorite application of this product, probably because Dusk is too dark for my face, is as a glowy faux tan for my legs. It stays put much better than tinted body lotions and gels I've tried in the past, and doesn't have the dreadful smell of self tanners. I have every intention to take a full advantage of Lunar Dust for an upcoming wedding I'm attending, where I don't want to subject my extended family to the natural gray color of my untanned legs.

Bottom Line: Not an everyday product but has its uses.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lunar Dust Bronzing Powder ($30) is available at Henri Bendel in NYC and from the company's website (ybskin.com). A press sample was provided by the PR team.

Art by Katherine Luzny.
Product photos by me.

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator for Face & Body

I'm taking a short break from talking about fall collections in favor of a very summery product, Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator for Face & Body. It's a sheer bronzer in liquid form that adds both color and a shimmery glow, making Bella great choice for evening.

The bottle resided in my bronzer drawer for several weeks, mocking me and my fear of orange every time I reached for my safe comfort zone products. As you can see in the photos, it looks scarily dark until you actually spread the liquid and blend it into your skin and base makeup. It's a lot easier to control than I thought it would be and even the shimmer is not over the top, though I still consider it a night on the town look. The best thing: not a hint of orange. Le Metier de Beaute really knows skin and this bronzer works with my natural tone and enhances it. I look like I just got back from the most fabulous vacation, not as though I'm possessed by Dina Lohan.

The texture of Bella Bronzer is light and moisturizing. It has no greasiness and doesn't give me an oily shine. It contains coconut oil and definitely smells of it, so you need to take that into account if it can be an issue for you. I've found that the level of color can be built and also diluted if I mix it with a liquid moisturizer (so if you're very fair this might be something you'll need to do- Bella might be too brown for you right out of the bottle). I've experienced no skin issues, but I've only been using it two to three times a week, so I can't comment on the effects of constant heavy application.

Bella Bronzer looks very nice when used on the body. I like it on my décolleté but I'm always worried about staining my clothes, so my favorite use for Bella is on my pale green legs. Bronzed legs make cute little dresses that much cuter, so Bella has been earning its keep in that department. The moisturizing qualities (it also contains aloe vera and wild carrot extract) helped me go light with the lotion on some muggy nights, so that's a great bonus.  I wish the scent was lighter, though. I love coconut (as does my cat Peter who insists on trying to lick the bronzer), but it doesn't mix well with some of my favorite perfumes.

Bottom Line: Nice to have.

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator for Face & Body ($85) is available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus in store and online. I received a press sample from the PR team.

All photos are mine.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Mineral Radiance Bronzer (Sundance)

Maybe it's a gimmick, but I enjoy makeup that allows me to mix, blend and customize my shades if I feel like, or just swirl my brush over the entire product and use it as is. Sundance, a Mineral Radiance bronzer from Youngblood Cosmetics is a good example. I use an angled face brush and usually concentrate on the colors other than the bronze, but for an evening look or to fake a serious tan I get some of that glow onto the brush.

Sundance is very pigmented and as finely milled as possible, allowing for a good and even coverage with the lightest application. There's a very minimal and subtle shimmer and the colors can also act as highlighter or eye shadow when used with the appropriate brush. I always use a finishing powder on top and the bronzer has proven to be sweat and weather-proof.

Sundance looks good on tan, bronzed or olive skin, but for paler complexion or a more natural look I'd suggest you try the same product in Splendor, which is much rosier. I think I'll get that one for winter.

Bottom Line: Now I just need a tropical vacation.

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Bronzer ($39) is available from Henri Bendel and ybskin.con. I recieved the press sample directly from the company.

All photos by me.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo (Sunset)

When I first saw this cream bronzer/blush from Hourglass Cosmetics the intensity of the colors scared me. A lot. The first swatch can tell you why. It's when you actually blend the colors and apply them the way you're supposed to- either with a wide and fluffy synthetic blush brush or your fingers- and blend them , that you get the right effect and sheer finish. And it's quite nice.

The cream is soft and easy to work with. The colors blend smoothly with each other or any other face product I've been using. The formula is wax free and oil free, so I haven't experienced any skin issues. Used over a good foundation/tinted moisturizer and topped with a finishing powder the color stays put all day, even when I spent time outside in the soupy NYC weather.

Hourglass labeled Illume as a bronzer and highlighter duo, but I suspect that it's only true for the other color option, Bronze Light that is a beige and bronze combination . The one you see here, Sunset, with its warm pink and brown shades is actually a blush-bronzer and should be used as such. I like the way the brown balances out the intensity of the pink, but you can also use them separately if your skin tone allows it.  The colors give a summery sun-kissed look and would probably look most flattering on darker and tanned skin. I use very little and make sure to blend within an inch of the colors lives, but when I'm done the result is a healthy and outdoorsy look.

Bottom Line: Nice, versatile and needs more color options.

Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40) is available from Barneys, Sephora and hourglasscosmetics.com. I received the press sample directly from the company.

All photos are mine.

Le Metier de Beaute Blushing Bronzed Duet- Traviata, Romeo & Juliet

It must be summer. Most brands have come up with new and improved bronzers to keep the color in our (well-sunscreened) cheeks. Le Metier de Beaute's latest offering is the multi-tasker Blushing Bronzed Duet. A two-sided and rather large compact that has a blush on one side and a bronzer on the other. They come in two versions, cool and warm, and are oddly named after tragic love stories- Traviata and Romeo & Juliet.

Traviata is the one that has Le Metier de Beaute's gorgeous Echo blush on one side and Sun Kissed bronzer on the other. Thet work well together or alone, and I've been experimenting both with layering them and with swirling the brush over both and using them as a single item that allows you to balance and tailor the color to your exact preference. While the pressed product has a light shimmer, once on skin the effect is more of a subtle sheen or glow, with no obvious shimmer particles.

Romeo & Juliet is the cool version. The blush is a blue-toned pink that looks fresh and natural. I can easily wear it with or without the bronzer, which speaks volumes about the quality of Le Metier de Beaute's pigments. So many of them are universally flattering, plus having such a silky and blendable texture that allows the color to meld with your skin. The intensity can be built up considerably, but I apply both Traviata and Romeo & Juliet with a light hand, blending the colors together just so.

As I said above, the compact is quite large (easy to work with a wide brush) and holds quite a bit of product. This makes the Duet a pretty good deal since the bronzer alone retails for $55 and the blush is priced at $30.

Bottom Line: true love.

Le Metier de Beaute Blushing Bronzed Duet ($65) is available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.   I received both from the company's PR team.

All photos are mine.

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer (Daydream)

The reason I was at the Edward Bess counter in Bergdorf Goodman was to try the cream blush, Compact Rouge, but it was the last week of January and the little pink wonder was sold out (it's back in stock now and I must do something about it). The SA took a look at my pale wintery face and brought out the Ultra Luminous Bronzer in the lighter shade, Daydream, and expertly retouched my makeup with it- first as an almost blush that looked subtle yet fresh, and then added a little more to all the spots that would get sunkissed if I'd have allowed it.

Edward Bess' bronzer is surprisingly free of any traces of orange. It's not pink, either, so I was surprised to see it also work as a light blush. It's the color of a slightly tan skin and looks very natural- there are no visible shimmer particles, but there is a slight golden glow effect. The SA was wearing quite a bit of it- the color intensity is buildable- so her peachy complexion looked fresh and healthy. I tend to use less, especially in the winter or right now when having a cold has drained every bit of color from my face, but even so, the warm touch of Daydream is perfect.

The texture of the Ultra Luminous Bronzer, just like every Edward Bess product, is the silkiest and finest you can find. I usually use it with Edward's excellent Face Brush (in the first photo, sold separately), but I've tried it with various bronzer and blush brushes from other brands and it works very well.

Bottom line: Another example of Edward Bess' aesthetics and commitment to quality.

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer ($48) is available exclusively from Bergdorf Goodman, where I bought it (in-store only), and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine. Let's keep it that way.

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder- Blonde

I've loved Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder from the very first time I tested it a couple of years ago and have gone through my first compact of this bronzer very quickly. My color has always been Brunette (02) and it gave me a lovely sun kissed glow. That is, until recently, when the change in my skin tone has become very obvious and Brunette became too dark for me.It's weird, really. I'm not exactly all alabastered out. I'm just a very pale version of myself, so many of my favorite staple products need to go down a notch or two pigment-wise.

I was chatting with the SA at the Guerlain counter at Saks spending some time at Chanel. It was the day I got new (and much lighter) foundation and concealer, which was all the face paint I had on at that point (and some basic eye makeup). The SA commented that I could use some color on my cheeks. She looked at me carefully and reached for Terracotta Light bronzer. In Blonde.

And it worked. Blonde or not, this was the perfect color to bring out some natural looking warmth without going into orange territory. You can see the colors side by side- Blonde is not all that light, after all.

The SA didn't use the regular Terracotta bronzing brush. Instead, she applied the powder with a foundation brush like the one you see here. I've been trying it, but I think I still prefer the fluffy round brushes.

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder ($50) is available from Sephora and most department stores. I bought it at Saks NYC.

All photos are mine.

Erno Laszlo Multi-Phase Blush And Bronzer

I've been a fan of Erno Laszlo skin care products for a while now (seriously, the pHormula No. 3-9 has been a life saver in several skin freakouts), so their expansion into makeup is a very welcome step. They've taken the one color fits all approach, which I don't always get, but since both the blush and the bronzer work so well on my skin, you will hear no complaints.

The picture above is a closeup on the blush. Both products are of the mosaic variety, which lets you see exactly which pigments are used. The blush has quite a bit of rose and plum in it, which looks natural and healthy. It's probably not for the coral lovers, but if you belong in my camp, the Erno Laszlo blush is worth trying. The powder is very finely milled and blends perfectly with anything else I have on. It stays on all day or night, but I haven't tested it on bare face- only over a foundation or a tinted moisturizer and always with a little powder to set things in place.

The bronzer is just as great and has become my favorite, especially for daytime since it's very low in shimmer. Photos online are making it appear more yellow than it actually is (and I've gotten similar results when I tried taking my own, but my camera sucks so no surprises there). It's comprised of six different colors, raging from sandy beige to terracotta. The blended result is exactly the right amount of sun kissed glow. I don't use much because I'm quite pale these days, but while testing I discovered the color is buildable, so if you've been fake tanning, it would still work nicely. If you have a very fair complexion you must test in regular daylight (department stores lighting is evil). I'm not sure how it would work on a cool toned porcelain skin- it might be a bit too much.

Erno Laszlo Multi Phase blush and bronzer ($38 each) are available from Bergdorf, Neiman, Nordstrom and Ernolaszlo.com. I got both as a PR freebie.

Misunderstood- Laura Geller Balance-N-Bronze

Here's a product that gets quite a bit of bad rap (just look at the reviews on MakeupAlley), and I don't think it's justified. Laura Geller's Balance-N-Bronze is a split compact, a two-in-one product. One side is Bronze-n-Brighten (basically, a bronzer), the other is Balance-n-Brighten (a mineral makeup-style pressed powder).

I came across it in Sephora, tried it a couple of times before deciding I love it and got to have it, despite the reviews. After all, my skin knows best.

Unlike many of the disappointed reviwers, I don't try to use it as two separate products (I agree that doing that wouldn't be very efficient given the medium sized compact). It's the mix of both the bronzer and the colored powder that works so well and making it into a unique entity that's worth the precious shelf space in my cabinet.

I swirl a soft blush powder over both sides and then swipe it on my face just as I would a light bronzer and/or a powder. What I get is a very soft non-shimmery but glowy tan in a shade that matches my skin perfectly. It also adds a notch of coverage to my light and sheer foundation, gives it a smooth finish. What makes BnB special to me is the lack of shimmer and the natural color. It's always appropriate and never looks overdone. If I want a little more drama I can always add a little blush where appropriate, but for daytime it's hardly needed. It does a great job evening out my complexion, but unlike mineral makeup that comes as loose powder, it doesn't make my skin look weird, waxy or resemble Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. And that, my friends, is a very good thing.

Ask the Non-Blonde: The Makeup Edition

Another crop of questions sent to me by email, that might be of interest to the public.

Johanna asks:
"I really want to try black liquid liner, but I'm clueless about applying it and don't want to end up looking like Amy Winehouse. Any recommendations?"

My reply:
Two months ago I would have told you to try Lancome Artliner, which is basically a felt tip pen for lining your eyes. That's what I, a certified klutz, have used for nearly twenty years. I still think it's a great product which gives great results whether you're a beginner or a pro. However, since discovering Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, it's become my number one liner. The texture is great even for a less-than-stable hand, and is pretty Winehouse-proof. Buy the recommended brush and start practicing.

S. from Colorado asks:
"How exactly do you apply a bronzer? Also, do I need a blush on top of it? Where does it go?"

My reply:
Using a soft, full brush (the fluffiest the brush, the more subtle the results), swipe the bronzer drawing a cursive "E" on the left side of your face, starting just left to the middle of your forehead and ending at your chin. Repeat by drawing a "3" on the other side (see Ms. M. Lisa below). A light touch on the chin and nose is recommended (but optional. Not every face actually requires it). I don't always add blush, especially if I'm going for a more natural look, but when I do I just put it on the apple of my cheek. No contouring, shading or anything like that. It might look great in pictures, but for real life it's too painted and overdone.

Regina from Belgium asks:
"I don't think I can wear red lipstick. Every last one I tried looked awful on pasty white with red cheeks skin. Is it a must this season?"

My reply:
No, it isn't.
While I do believe there's some kind of red for everyone, I truly object to the "must have/must wear/must do" mentality. Fashion and trends are for fun, not to make anyone feel inadequate. If something doesn't work for you (or even if you just don't like it), just skip it. There are plenty of colors and options available every season, just choose the right one for you. All the big companies (as well as major stores like Sephora) present their latest looks on their websites. Find one that you like and you'll still have an updated look that makes you feel pretty.

Putting Color in My Cheeks- Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder

It's the season: We're getting pale and sallow, the cold air isn't doing us any favors and neither does the excessive heating. I'm wearing bronzers year-round, but it's this time of the year that requires something special to warm things up.

That's what sent me to the nearest Guerlain counter to look at their offering (and there are several, including some gorgeous limited edition holiday items). What I chose was the Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder. For some reason, I fell for the mosaic gimmick, despite knowing well that it doesn't really matter: You need to swipe and swirl your bronzer brush all over the compact to catch a bit of all the colors and textures, and you definitely don't want the actual pattern on your skin, right? still, it's cute and I like seeing all the different elements and shades that make the bronzer.

Naturally, I picked the Brunette one, and it's definitely the perfect color. There's a tiny bit of shimmer (only three of the mosaic pieces are shimmery), which suits me well. The rest blends into a lovely sun-kissed but not overdone glow, with no hint of peach or coral . It's pigmented enough not to require any additional blush, and it's a very good thing. As high-maintenance as I may be, there's only so much color I want to pile up on my face. The texture is light and fine, melts nicely into the skin and stays there all day long (I'm using both a primer and light foundation). Can't ask for much more.

The Terracotta bronzer has won some prizes and was voted as best in its category by both InStyle and Allure magazines. Is it really the best? Hard to tell. It's a good product, no doubt about it, but I can't say it knocked the brush off my hand. The above average price tag isn't outrageous for the bronzer's quality, but there are several excellent bronzers that cost less. It also doesn't affect my opinion that the greatest bronzer/blush of all time is Dallas from Benefit, even if sometimes I want a more glamorous look (hence the addition of this Guerlain to my alarmingly growing stash).

A word about brushes: I started using this product with a thick bronzer brush from Sephora and it worked well, but lately I'm preferring to use a softer, fluffier old brush that I've had for over a decade (I distinctly remember packing it in my makeup bag for our honeymoon). It's a French brush, a little lighter and not as dense as a regular bronzer brush, and I think it gives better results: lighter and more even with less effort. I don't know who was its maker. Everything other than the "made in France" has faded from it over the years, but the head is still in perfect condition and doesn't shed when I wash it.

After giving up on finding a self-tanner for face that would delight both me and my skin, I've been rocking the bronzers. I was always a fan and have several good ones at hand: There's my trusted Paula Dorf that I use year-round and is excellent in bringing color to sallow winter skin and keep me from looking like this:


There's Dallas for a nice, tanned look that is just right for summer days. It's not shimmery and is always appropriate. I also have a compact of Besame Cosmetics Boudoir Rouge in Sun Kissed, which gives a warm glow. I wore it for nights out during the winter, since it's a bit deeper than the Paula, but that's just me. It works just as well for summer days.

All that has left me in need for summer nights mega-watts bronzing action. Something that goes well with tropical makeup and a tuberose perfume. I found it in Tarte's Mineral Powder Bronzer in a color unfortunately named "Hotel Heiress". That's as bronze as you can get with a nice, subtle shimmer.

It requires a light hand and a good brush, goes nicely all over the face, cleavage and shoulders and looks fabulous. It never fails to get me compliments from men and women: Not on the makeup but on my lovely tan. This bronzer definitely lives up to the promise of making one look like she's just came back from an island vacation.

A couple of months ago I had my sister try it. Her skin tone is several degrees lighter than mine (no trace of olive in her complexion. She's quite pale, actually), but this same bronzer looked great on her. She looked like she's just spent a month in the Caribbeans, and came back very tanned and very happy. It's worth trying even if you're Snow White.

With celebs still rocking the oompa loompa look (and in Christina Aguilera's case it also includes lipstick on the teeth), maybe it's the time to remind everyone that there's a kinder, gentler way to fake a tan. A bronzer gives you much more control over the level of color, and unless you make a seriously wrong choice won't turn you orange.

I love Paula Dorf's pressed powder bronzer. It's as finely milled as it promises to be, goes on lightly and easily (I use a full brush that distributes the powder evenly) and gives me the touch of sun that I'm craving these days. My color of choice is Bronze (it's also offered in a lighter and a darker shade) which on my skin looks naturally sun-kissed. Just without the guilt. Normally, it's also available from Sephora, but their online store is out of stock at the moment.

Not That Anyone Has Asked, But...

The bloggers that were featured in August's Allure were asked for their list of ten favorite products. Apparently, some of those lists were slightly altered (read this post by the Beauty Addict), but they did get to name their absolute favorites. So I've been trying to compile mine. It's not as easy it seems. I'm sort of cheating, as in certain places I picked a whole product range. But, it's my list so I make the rules...

1. Leave-in conditioners. There are several on the market and I alternate between a few. It doesn't really matter which one I use, as long as my hair gets its moisture fix. My favorites are Aveda Elixir and Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch.

2. Body washes and creams from L'Occitane. I love everything that they make, in every fragrance and line. The shea butter products are wonderful in winter, mimosa is a dreamy summer scent and I also adore the Honey Harvest line. Their web site is horrible, though. You need to know exactly what you're looking for, otherwise you'll miss most of the products. So I highly recommend a trip to their nearest store.


3. Bliss Sole Train set. Everything one needs for feet (except for polish). The Diamancel Buffer is amazing (they also sell it on Drugstore.com, and their lotions and potions are wonderful. I only wish it all smelled like Rosy Toes. What's better than having your feet smell like roses?

4. Mario Badescu's seaweed night cream. I've talked about it before and can't say enough good things about this product. They sell the entire line in Nordstrom, and I also recommend taking their consultation online, because in a few weeks you will receive an envelope full of samples of products recommended for you. That's how I became a fan of their products.

5. Lancome eye liners. If I had to choose only one eye makeup product, it would have been eye liner, and if I had to narrow it to one brand it would be Lancome. The pencils and liquid in a pen are all beautiful, durable and easy to use.


6. Chanel Vitalumier foundation. I haven't succumbed to the mineral trend. I like the silky feeling of a liquid foundation and the fool-proof application. Vitalumier is semi-sheer. You get more coverage if you use more product. It blends well with my skin and has a lovely, natural finish. My color of choice is beige, and it's the best match for my skin out of the many products I've ever tried.

7. Dallas by Benefit. It's a blush and a bronzer. It gives my skin the perfect natural-looking glow and I have no idea what I used before discovering it. Well, I do know, but now I can't picture myself without it.

8. Besame Cosmetics Enchanting Lipstick in Chocolate Kiss. I've already declared it as my holy grail lip color. The more I use this reddish brown lipstick, the more I love it. It's very pigmented, the texture is perfect and the color is neutral enough to be wearable for either day or night, but still bold enough to be noticed and make a difference in my look.

9. O.P.I Start to Finish base & top coat. I've tried so many nail products. From the ubiquitous drugstore products to the top notch Lippman Collection. This is the best I've found. It's a 2-in-1 product that gives outstanding results. It makes applying polish a breeze and the manicure lasts for well over a week.

10. Perfume. My mother has taught me that you should never leave the house without putting on some perfume. I also wear it at home. It makes everything prettier and finishes off the look. I don't think that it really matters what anyone is using, as long as it's something they love and feel good wearing. I'm always looking for new ones, not as a holy grail thing, just building my fragrance wardrobe.

One Size Fits All

I’m usually not a fan of products that declare themselves as right for any skin tone. From my experience it just doesn’t work this way. Just think: how many shades of lipstick or blush that look great on your friends would compliment you? A good example for this is Nars’ Orgasm blush. It gets such rave reviews and it seems that everyone is buying it. I tried it at Sephora a couple of times, with the same result: it looks wrong.

So I was skeptical about Benefit’s Dallas bronzer (or whatever you want to call it). Everyone loves it. And Everyone has a very different skin tone than mine. Still, my curiosity got the better of me and I found myself at Bloomie’s Benefit counter trying it on.

In my first try I had too much powder on the brush. It’s a thin brush with short, stiff bristles and no handle. It takes a moment to get used to, but as soon as I figured just how much product to use and how to sweep it across my face there was magic. My nose and the area around it are quite tan at this point in the season (I should really be more diligent about sunscreen, but I love being in the sun and my skin gets a pretty tan), so I just use it on my forehead and cheeks to complement my tan.

The color is, indeed, a sun-kissed rose. It makes my skin glow in a healthy looking tan. Since getting Dallas I completely abandoned my Paula Dorf bronzer and my Lancôme blush. I just sweep this and my face is done.

I have no idea how it works just as well for paler women with different undertones to their skin. All I know is that this Non-Blonde is hooked.