The million dollar question; what is your make-up bag essential? The one product you grab from the bathroom each morning and zip into its dedicated pocket in your handbag? The one prized possession that is bought a week in advance of it running out, just in case…
For many an Irish lady, with our incessantly cloudy skies, it is the powdery magic of a bronzer. Pale, pasty skin is ultimately transformed into that much-coveted sunkissed glow. Well, until the lunchtime top-up anyway…
We bring you some of the best-of-the-bunch bronzers. Do let us know, however, if your own reliable favourite can top the few we’ve compiled.
It’s time to share our beauty secrets…
1. Rimmel Natural Bronzer
For the purse-content conscious among ourselves, Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer has never failed us. My own permanent handbag possession, the powder comes in several different shades, guaranteed to suit all and one. The non-sun glow is matte, always a favourite for a natural day-time look and is made from natural minerals, keeping us eco-conscious happy too. You cannot go wrong with a price of €7.25 a pot, and a daily-user can guarantee it lasts at least two months.
2. Benefit Hoola
Benefit Hoola bronzing powder is a girl’s best friend when it comes to contouring. Winner of a ‘Highly Recommended’ title at the Debenhams Beauty Club Awards 2012, the light pigment is a guaranteed handbag friend. The box looks small but the powder is quite deeply set. At €33.50, the product is steeply priced to others but the packaging is so nice..and pretty. We love it.
3. Isa Dora Matt Bronzer and Body Brush
Isa Dora brings competition to the bronzer crew as they present their Isa Dora Matte Bronzer and Body Brush combo. The massive, dense brush has bronzer fans swooning as it guarantees full face coverage and can bronze your chest and lower legs within seconds. The matte powder can be layered on for any depth of colour, without any ruddiness or strange orange streaky look. Isa Dora’s packaging is sturdy, ideal for any swinging handbag on the dancefloor. The bronzer is priced at €25.95, a must-have. The brush is an extra €19.95, a luxury for many but if a birthday present request comes your way, be sure to ask for it.
4. Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc
If it is a night-time shimmery glow you are looking for, look no further than the Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc. Widely known as one of the best highlighters in the market, the bronzer offers a four different shades from white gold to deep bronze on the one bloc to highlight, contour or bronze your face. A great shimmer bronzer, the gold colour can also be applied to inner eye corners to make them pop. The medium browns can also be applied to the eyelids for daywear eyeshadow. Can this product get any more versatile? It can be classed as expensive at €35.52 but the versatility of this product promises it is much more than a bronzer you are buying, it is an investment.
