I don’t run a beauty blog that’s for sure. But I LOVE trying new makeup, skincare, and hair care products. There’s a caveat to that though. I always run my decisions by my close friend Thea. Always. She’s my go to when it comes to these things, and truth be told, she’s saved me from myself a few times. I’ve switched up my purchases based on her recommendations and always end up happy when I do.
So a few months ago when I randomly decided I was ready for a new bronzer and finishing powder, I obviously went to Thea for some help. I wrote down what she suggested, went to Sephora, made my purchases, and never looked back once!
If, like me, you want/need to upgrade your makeup bag, keep reading.
First up is the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Chocolate. If you follow beauty YouTubers, you know this stuff comes highly recommended and is loved by pretty much everyone.
Personally, I love the matte finish as I’m kind of over shimmery makeup with the only exception being eyeshadows. I don’t have the most even skin tone, but a little bit of this bronzer applied over my foundation and concealer with a big fluffy brush gives me the ultimate healthy glow. I can’t speak to using this for contouring (although I know you can and lots of people do), but if you’re looking for an all over the face bronzer, this stuff is the jam. AND it’s made with cocoa powder, which means it smells like CHOCOLATE.
If the ~$30 price tag sounds too high for you, remember a little goes a long, long way. I’ve been using this stuff for months and haven’t made a dent yet. A must have product if you ask me!
Next we have the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light. If I had to pick a few ‘can’t live without’ makeup products, this would definitely be in the top three.
I apply this over my bronzer with a big fluffy brush and love the radiant finish it gives my skin. As my long time readers know, I suffer from acne, and with acne comes scarring. This powder helps to blur and soften my imperfections while also providing a photo ready glow. And while it looks shimmery, it’s not at all (see above). In fact, it gives my skin a dewy, natural look. You guys, this powder is a GAME CHANGER. It will take your makeup game to the next level.
And again, if you’re not impressed with the price point, purchase the mini size. Not only does it cost much less, but it’ll give you the chance to test out the product before splurging on the standard size. I have the mini, and it’s still going strong.
I highly recommend adding these two products to your makeup collection. If nothing else, your face will thank you!
Your turn – as far as makeup goes, what are your top three favorite products? For me it’s definitely the two I talk about in this post + the NARS soft matte complete concealer.
i was loooking for a new powder and sounds like this is a great one to try.
The Hourglass powder is a must have! I think you’d love it!
I’ve been so afraid to try bronzers because i always thought “I already have pretty brown skin” lol. That sounds terrible, but I guess I’m not educated in what bronzer is for, so this is helpful! I am also with you on being over the shimmery thing. I spent the better parts of high school making my face NOT look shiny or oily to now have a trend be this “highlight” thing to that makes it looks glowy and shiny. Not my thing. Makeup in general has made me sad at the amount of product a lot of women (and men!) are putting on themselves. They don’t even look like themselves 🙁
For me: I keep it simple: I use MakeUp Forever finishing powder (not the pressed powder) which helps reduce shine. I pair that with the oil-free photo finish primer from Smashbox and some spf cream and concealer and call it good.I spend more time on my eyes 😉
You’re right about people wearing tons of makeup right now. Even the so called natural look isn’t so natural. 🙁
I wish I had your blemish and imperfection free skin. The day I achieve that (fingers crossed), I’m going bare faced…all the time!