Creamy Summer Bronzers: Soleil Tan de Chanel & Bourjois Bronzing Primer

A few years back, I watched a Lisa Eldridge video where she created a perfect bronze look using the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, and then I was desperate to get my hands on it. At the time, stores were always sold out, though now it seems more readily available. 

I've hardly used mine over the last two years or so, but last summer a lovely reader asked me how I was liking it after so much hype around the Bourjois Bronzing Primer being a dupe for the Chanel. Since I didn't have access to the Bourjois, she sent me a little sample pot! (I'm so sorry it has taken me THIS long to offer a proper comparison!) 

So, I'm sure you're wondering - is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer an affordable dupe for the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Base? Yes, and no. 

First off, the texture and feel of the two products is entirely different. The Bourjois Bronzing Primer is much creamier, and as a result, easier (for me) to blend. It is supposed to be chocolate scented, though to me it is just strong and artificial and somehow floral. Initially, I wasn't even sure I wanted to have it on my face because of the scent! However, the scent does dissipate after about a half hour, though on one occasion it somehow managed to meld with something else I wore and leave my face smelling like baby wipes... 

Color wise, I do agree that the shades can be reasonable dupes for one another. In my swatches, you can hardly see the difference (is there one?) but on my face I do feel that the Bourjois is slightly cooler and perhaps slightly less orange. 

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[Click to Enlarge] Swatches in shade, top to bottom: Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

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[Click to Enlarge] Swatches in direct sunlight, top to bottom: Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

On the other hand, the Chanel is much less scented, and the texture has more of a cream to powder feel to it though I wouldn't say it is actually cream to powder. It has a more solid texture than the Bourjois, and perhaps explains why some reviews out there find it hard to blend. In my opinion, it isn't hard to blend, though it does take a few seconds more to do so than with products that are creamier. (Which completely makes sense to me!) 

In the end, I don't know which is better. The Bourjois is now available for $19.05 for US shoppers on ASOS, so that does make it much more manageable than Chanel's $48. It does appear that the Bourjois has less product, though that doesn't matter to me. When it comes down to it, I think the scent may end up being a dealbreaker - though I don't seem to mind it now, I've noticed that I tend not to reach for products with scents I don't like. 

Have you tried either of these cream bronzers? Would you pick the Bourjois or the Chanel?? 

♡ Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder & Creamy Glow Duo

Earlier this year, I totally fell in love with Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder. It is a product I've wanted for years, but whenever I swatched it, I didn't think it would be quite right for me. Boy, was I wrong! 

Clockwise: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium, Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight, Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow Duo in Candlelight & Sculpting 

Initially, I thought that the Sculpting Powder would be a little to pale for my skin tone, but it is really quite perfect. I think this would work for skin tones a few shades darker than mine (I'm about NC35 during the summer), and for most skin tones lighter than mine as well. Do note that it does appear a bit lighter in the photo above than it is in real life. 

The powder itself is very soft and fine, much like the Celestial Powder in Candlelight, and both wear quite well. I find it to be quite cool toned, which really helps to create a nice contour. Compared to the sculpting shade in The Creamy Glow Duo, you can definitely see in the swatches below that the powder is much cooler than the cream version. 

Swatches L-R: Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium, Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight, Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow Duo in Candlelight & Sculpting 

For those of you who love cream blushes, I would definitely check out The Creamy Glow, which comes in single blush formulas as well as duos. The texture is very creamy and smooth, much like Stila Convertible Colors, but without any stickiness. It is also not cream to powder, so I'm not sure if the longevity would work for those who live in hot climates or have oily skin. On my normal to dry skin type, this Creamy Glow Duo seems to last 6-8 hours on me, which generally works just fine. 

In terms of highlighting, I can totally see what the hype is about when it comes to the Celestial Powder. The texture is so fine, and the glow is very natural. If I really want to highlight my cheekbones, I would choose something else (Jouer Creme Highlight in Tiare, I think) but this powder is definitely my pick when I want the look to be natural. I feel quite similar about the creamy version too!

All in all, I prefer the Sculpting Powder for a nice contour, though The Creamy Glow Duo is quite perfect for the summer. I wore the Sculpting Powder in this video and the Creamy Glow Duo in this video. Have you tried any of these products? Can you pick a favorite? I'd love to know!

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Kevyn Aucoin Beauty 'The Sculpting' Powder

KEVYN AUCOIN Celestial Powder - Candlelight

Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow Duo, Candlelight/Sculpting

Prime & Cover with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness

I'm always looking for products that can cover a bit of redness, and all last year I had my eye on this primer from It Cosmetics. 

I purchased this in December, and have been using it throughout winter and spring. It definitely has more coverage than the Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer, though I prefer the finish of the Sunday Riley overall.

The shade itself is light-medium in tone, but it seems that many people with skin tones lighter than mine have success with this product. (Check out Beautezine's review here.)

It Cosmetics has all of the ingredients posted on their site here. It retails for $32 and is available in store at many Ulta locations as well. 

Have you tried this primer or anything else from It Cosmetics? I'm definitely interested in checking out their matte eyeshadow, how about you? :)

Everyday Staples ♡ NARS

A few years ago, I was seriously obsessed with Nars. (Wow, 6 years ago now?) I've since let go of my obsession, finding most of their shadows and blushes a bit too shimmery for my casual daytime preferences. 

I recently realized, however, that there are still some products from Nars that I absolutely love, and wouldn't be without. 

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Moritz
I love this, and I've loved it since ... the week it came out! It is such a great, dewy tinted moisturizer, and I find that the coverage of it is quite good. I find that it covers minor redness well, and it just looks so natural. The shade range is always growing, so I think there is a good chance there is a shade for you. This one is my summer shade, while I'm a better fit for Groenland in the winter.

Nars Pro-Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base 
This is another one of those products I've loved since its release. I don't know what it is, but this stuff just makes my eye makeup stick. I never loved UDPP, and found that this one is more true to the color/texture of eyeshadow and blends better overall. 

Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Veneto
I've been loving this eyeliner lately - it is not too creamy or too hard. It applies easily, wears very well, and is a lovely deep black. Plus, it doesn't irritate my eyes like some other liners have. I wish I had tried these sooner! 

If you want to see all of these in action, take a look at this video also featuring the NARSissist Eye Palette. Have you tried any of these goodies from Nars? Do you have any favorites from the brand? I'd love to know!