One of the biggest eye openers for me when I trained at the London College of Fashion several moons ago (aside from learning how to correct under the eyes before applying concealer which has CHANGED MY LIFE), was when I learnt how to apply bronzer.
Not only that, but how to work with a matte, rather than shimmery bronzer, to achieve a slightly sculpted and healthy look. Who knew!
It is, quite simply, a game changer, especially if, like me, you have days (*cough* entire seasons *cough*) when you look a ‘bit washed out’. Put it this way. In winter, it makes me look human.
Introducing The Body Shop’s Honey Bronze.
Matte bronzer continues to be the product my clients are most surprised to discover when I first introduce it to them, either during an at home lesson or whilst out shopping together. When we go through their makeup bags, some will already own some form of bronzer but I find that 99 times out of 100 it is the wrong shade for them (usually too dark but sometimes too red or grey in undertone).
The most exciting thing about this product, aside from the fact it comes in a really slim case, is that it is a terrific dupe for Chanel’s Les Beiges No. 30. Shade 03 in The Body Shop and shade No. 30 in the Chanel are not exactly the same shades but they are near enough for me to want to save £26.00. Plus I am not convinced in a test I would be able to tell the difference. Possibly…if each shade were applied to the same face, one to the left side and one to the right. Hmm. I might just rope my sister into help me with a test! 😉
Though other brands have brought out more natural bronzers for paler skins (Benefit’s Hoola Lite is a classic example), they haven’t always been the right ‘temperature’. The available shades in the Honey Bronze range start at 01 (super pale) and go up to 06 (fairly dark but not deep dark). Mysteriously there is no shade 02(?!).
What brush to use?
The bronzer does not come with a brush so I would buy either a cheap angled brush from Boots/Superdrug (like this one or this one, both by Real Techniques). My favourite brush to use with this product is this one from MAC (which also now comes in a short handle option!! Be sure to choose the ‘168SH’ option if you want the short handle and not ‘168S’).
THE FACTS:
How much is it:
£14.00
Where can I buy it:
In store or online at thebodyshop.com. I recommend you pop in store to try one or two different shades on your skin before purchasing. For a subtle look (most recommended) you want to be choosing a shade which is two, up to a maximum of three shades warmer than you are naturally. A good way to tell if you are selecting the right shade is to hold the bronzer up to your cheek and assess in daylight.
Who is it for:
Everyone! When applied in the way it is intended, it achieves the imperceptible, ‘My, you look well’ trick. If buying for a family member and your skin tone is not too dissimilar it is a good idea to choose a shade based on what you might wear. If buying for a friend consider showing a member of the Body Shop staff a photo of your friend.
Can I wear it to the office?
Absolutely. As long as it is not visibly dark and you haven’t gone hell for leather with the application, it should simply ‘warm you up’ (we are not aiming for highly contoured badger stripes here so blend, blend, blend using circular motions).
Do let me know if you buy any of my advent calendar beauty suggestions! You can contact me on Instagram or Twitter (both @businessmakeup), or on Facebook. See you tomorrow for Day #5!
xx
A bit more about my Advent Cal:
My advent-themed calendar is designed to give you, lovely reader, some ideas for presents this gifting season. The list is based on my Top 25 Beauty Buys of recent years. Of the 25 products which made the cut, some I have used for the first time this year and others I have been using for several years. The selection criteria for each product was as follows:
1. It is a product I have repurchased or know I will definitely repurchase at some point
2. It is an item I believe will genuinely make an awesome gift for someone this Christmas
This series is not sponsored in any way and you should know that, like many makeup artists, I am one of the fussiest people I know when it comes to selecting and using beauty products. They have to blow me away. Hope you enjoy!