Ready, Set…Glow! Part 1

We are quickly approaching that time of the year that boasts July 4^th parties, endless sun, and the warm ocean breeze. Summer is synonymous with that and so much more, including glowing skin. Just a few minutes relaxing on a sandy beach can give you radiance that would make even supermodels envious. However, if your overly cautious about taking any sun because of harmful UV rays or you want to limit sunspots or wrinkles, you don’t have to sacrifice your summer glow. The great news is anyone can achieve that sun-kissed look by using bronzer and highlighter.

Let’s begin with bronzers. A really great bronzer will imitate a light tan without leaving you orangey looking or leather faced. The type of bronzer you use will depend on your specific skin type, but the most common options are powder and cream based. Here are my favorites:

Cream bronzer

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base ($50): A cream based bronzer is a great option for dry/normal skin or if you’re looking for an option during winter months. The Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer is lightweight, smooth and highly buildable. Another positive is that it can be used both over and under your favorite foundation depending on the type of look your looking to achieve. The only negative: it only comes in one shade, which clearly caters to those with light to medium skin tones.

Powder bronzer

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder ($68/small size & $98/large size): Per Sephora.com  Highlight the skin’s natural radiance or accent an existing tan with TOM FORD’s Bronzing Powder. Just brush it lightly onto cheekbones to define and emphasize your bone structure, or dust all over the face to create the ultimate warm and seductive glow.  What else you need to know: This product is free of fragrance. Remote private islands where summer lasts all year and one day seamlessly blends into the next inspire the TOM FORD Soleil Collection, a sensuous series of bronzers, highlighters, and skin care designed to illuminate summer.

What can I add to this amazing description? Well, that it’s all true!

Honorable Mentions

1. Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna ($39)
2. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer ($15/travel sized & $29/regular size)
3. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30/three shades)

In regards to brushes, my one and only is the MAC large angled contour brush #168 ($35). I’ve been loyal to this brush because it’s large enough to give an overall beautiful coverage. And yet, the brushes slanted tip can be used to contour as well.