Bigging Up the Bronze! How to Wear the Look

Some would say that bronze is the best of a bad lot but just ask any of the fourth place Olympian athletes of the past couple of weeks what they'd do to get their mitts on it and you might just see another side.

A look that transcends all seasons and a staple in many kits, bronze is one of the most wearable of the metallics when it comes to cosmetics. Lemme show you what I mean...

Estée Lauder Pure Color in Nouveau Riche: €20

One of the most stunning colours I now own and new from the brand is Nouveau Riche. A breathtakingly vibrant shade that almost catches fire in the sunlight. Subtle enough for office wear and luxe enough for an evening out. Lauder have really hit the mark with this. 

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Sparkle Leopard - €5.40

Richly pigmented and soft to the touch, NYX's Sparkle Leopard Jumbo Eye Pencil is a multi purpose pencil for pretty cheap. Use it as an eyeliner, eye shadow or even a warm highlighter,  once dried this pencil won't budge. Bronzey gorgeousness. 

Ray from TopShop - €18

I've raved about Ray before, for use on cheeks, lips, eyes and your bod this bronzed highlighter will add a kiss of sunshine to wherever it's applied. Ridiculously long lasting, if you haven't checked out Cheeks by TopShop, I say go see them, now. 

Made to Stay Catrice Eyeshadow, Metall of Honour - €3.29

A beautifully soft golden bronze, Metall (totally not a typo) of Honour is soft, blendable and rock steady once set. Use this rich bronze as a base for other shadows or on it's own for a sweep of metallic loveliness. 

Clarins Bronzing Duo in Medium - €33.04

I couldn't possibly do a bronze round up without my favourite, go to bronzer. Clarins Bronzing Duo is part of their Enchanted range that I told you about earlier in the year. This is probably one of the most flattering bronzers I've used. An ideal contouring powder and bronzer, if you need a lift or a kiss of the sun, this is the one for you. 

Are you a lover of the copper alloy?

Psst, not that I'm enabling anyone
but Barlust from the new Smoked 
Palette is a GORGEOUS bronze! 

Planning a DIY Tan? Garnier Have Got You Covered

Every third or fourth day now we're getting some sunshine, that's great right? Puts you in the mood for shorter sleeves and skirts and, course, bronzed skin. I have below a quick guide to Garnier's offerings with an explanation as to what each does so as to help you make your decision once you get to the shelves.

Garnier's Ambre Solaire Self Tan Mousse - €21.19

Garnier's newest addition to their line of self tanning products is the Ambre Solaire Self Tan Mousse smells almost nutty to me. Its vivisble tint acts like a guide and the mousse texture melts effortlessly into your skin. As with all self tans, I'd recommend you use a mitt or gloves with this mousse so as you can concentrate on your hands once your bod is done. 

Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Wash Off Gel -€15.64

For those of us that don't want to commit to a 5-7 day tan, this wash off gel is the perfect solution. Enriched with apricot extract, which gives it its fruity smell, this one promises you no steaks and 24 hours of moisture for your skin. Although a slightly shocking Ronseal mahogany when swatched, the gel buffs to a natural, glowing bronze. If you don't like your result, just hop in the shower and hey presto, you're pale and interesting once more. 

Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tanning Moisturiser - €6.90

Probably one of my favourite pre holiday preps, Summer Body Gradual Tanning Moisturiser is not only budget friendly but is a rich moisturiser that I've favoured for a long time now. I usually opt for a week before my hols to use this specially developed self tan so the smell always reminds me of getting away from it all. It's developed for paler skin and is perfect for use any time of the year. 

Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Self Tan Velvety Gel- €14.99 

Aimed at medium skin, this velvety gel feels just like that on application. Velvet. Non sticky and non streaky you'll see your results in as little as 3 hours. This one can be used the following day too, if you're not entirely happy with the depth of your colour.

As with all self tans, the trick is to exfoliate in the days prior, my post on body scrubbing should help, but skip the oil part, oil is the enemy of self tan application but the absolute saviour when it comes to maintenance as it penetrates the skin and moisturises from within.

Have you any self tanning hints or tips you'd like to share? I'd love to hear 'em...

Bronze Goddess Nails!

There are very few perfumes I adore. Sensuous is one, Bronze Goddess Soleil another and of course Bronze Goddess Original (are you sensing a theme?) Finding myself in Arnott's last night, the mecca of all things beauty, I happened to pass the Estée Lauder stand and spritz myself with this baby. Bronze Goddess Original. It's only out for the Summer months and sells out fast so I was delighted to see it. 

Estée sez it's 'A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver. All heat. All desire. All woman.'. I sez I could barely concentrate on what the gawjus Mark from Benefit was saying as I spent the entire chat sniffing myself! It's a sunshine holiday in a bottle. 

Anywho, the buidéal, to me, is fabulous, so fabulous that I want to bring it everywhere to show it off (ridiculous!). So I thought I'd Bronze Goddess up my nails instead (Not quite so ridiculous). This is actually an easier glitter gradient than the two I showed you previously. 

Here's HOW easy: 

You need just two polishes (Revlon Gold Coin and Inglot 207 for this look)

After a coat of clear basecoat apply your metallic polish to your nail tip

Apply a thin coat of your glitter, in a staggered motion from halfway up the nail bed

A swish of high shine top coat and that's you done!

Didn't I tell you they were peasy? Of course you can replicate this glitter gradient using any colour combination. Just be sure that both your tip colour and glitter are from the same colour palette, ja?

One more golden shot for the road

Tempted to give them a go? Or even Bronze Goddess a go? Lemme know!