There’s something to be said about faking it until you make it. Especially when it regards normally pale skin and self-tan products. Rocking that bronzed look during the summer (or winter) via fake and bake is all well and good until you’re able to gain your own glow, but it usually leaves the face a bit lacking. Which is why I’ve been reaching for a little more bronzer lately.
As a pale skinned lady with pink undertones, finding a bronzer that isn’t too orange or muddy is not the easiest of feats. This on top of a personal preference of ‘anything that isn’t sparkly’? I’d rather leave the house without eyebrows being on point then try to find something that I thought was this much of a unicorn. Which made me steer clear of the whole contouring trend for a while (probably a good thing though).
Luckily, over the past few months, I have stumbled over two – yes as in more than one! – great everyday bronzers that work with pale skin tones. The blogger favorite that is Benefit Hoola, and the Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in chocolate.
Not only was I surprised how much I liked Hoola when one of the Benefit Cosmetics girls popped it on my cheeks earlier this year, but also how handy the little brush that comes with it is. It’s great at picking up color evenly and really depositing it in the hollows of your cheeks or along the “3”. That being said, don’t make the mistake I did and accidentally throw out the little plastic piece that separates the brush and the powder. If you aren’t just keeping it on your counter and foolishly tote it around everywhere with you… be prepared to have mucho bronzer fall out on you when you open the lid. Bronzer. Bronzer. Every. Where. This is mostly the only downside I’ve discovered – I border on thinking the packaging is either too cute or too bulky on a day to day basis.
I’ll admit, I might have mostly bought the Too Faced chocolate bronzer because it does indeed smell like chocolate. Seriously, this bronzer smells heavenly and makes me want hot cocoa even in 90-degree summer weather. On top of that, the staying power and pigmentation is ah-maze-ing. The big compact mirror is a nice touch too. Color wise it may be a little much for an ivory complexion if you’re heavy handed – but you can apply it pretty lightly and build it to the right level with a good sculpting or tapered brush. I’m a cool-toned light/medium right now and have been using this more than the Hoola since gaining a bit of color over the past week.
As you can see from the swatches, the Too Faced one is a bit darker (they do have a ‘milk chocolate’ shade though that seems to be on par with Hoola). Both formulas are incredibly silky and apply wonderfully. Hoola seems to be a little overly blendable while Too Faced is the exact opposite end of the spectrum. However, after you find the right amount for your complexion – both look natural and really play up your features well.
Both are amazing bronzers though I totally use them in different situations. I definitely use Hoola more during work since it’s more subtle. I’m also more apt to pair it with a good amount of blush since the combination isn’t too overwhelming. However, if I want staying power, I’ll reach for Too Faced. Basically, if you want just a little definition during the day time, I’d recommend Hoola. If you want something that will stay put with great pigmentation (think nights out or special events), then Too Faced is the one for you.
Shop this post: Benefit Hoola, Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer.
What are your favorite bronzers? Let me know in the comments below [=
♡Em
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