Getting that perfect bronzed look...

Couple updates before I start!

• My regular posting schedule will start soon!
• The other day I went to the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour which was, hands down, one of the best experiences of this year so far. Being a huge Harry Potter fan (despite the fact the series has ended) it was absolutely amazing to visit. I'm thinking of doing a separate post sharing my experience as well as some photos; yay or nay?
• Lastly, wasn't the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations amazing? The highlight for me was at the concert on Monday when Charles called the Queen "mummy" in front of half a million people as well as the millions watching on TV. Ah, the royals.

Right, let's start...

My first ever post on this blog way back in February was a review on the NARS bronzer in Laguna which to this day is still my favourite bronzer. Yet I thought I'd update my thoughts and include some other bronzing tips that I have learnt, as well.

Choosing the right bronzer

There are many different types such as dewy, matte or shimmer and then it comes to what form you want the bronzer to be; gel, cream or powder. It's all personal preference! Here are some of my favourites:

Powder: For a bronzer with slight shimmer, I'd go for NARS Bronzing Powder is available in three shades: Laguna, a bronze shimmer, Casino, a dark brown with golden shimmer and Irrésistiblement, a golden terracotta shade. I used Laguna as it's perfect for adding warmth to the cheekbone without being left with a harsh, brown line. You can purchase the NARS powders here or here for £25. Another great option is Benefit Hoola for those who don't want any shimmer, available here for £23.50!

Cream or gel: Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel is the perfect choice for those with dry to combination skin as it won't look cakey. It's lightweight and you are able to control the amount of product used easily. At £26, it's expensive yet does the job well - get it here. For those who are looking for a cream bronzer, the best one I've tried is the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel, available here for £30. It can be used as a make-up base, as a bronzer on top of makeup and on it's own. The only issue is that it only comes in one shade, so before investing get a sample from a counter. Other than that, it's great!

Tools you'll need

Obviously you don't apply bronzer with your fingers - imagine that; it would look like Bridget Jones when she steps out of the taxi to go to the posh dinner in the first movie! My favourite brush to use is the MAC 129 (available here for £26) as it deposits the perfect amount of colour and doesn't waste any, which I love. It is also a multi purpose brush described online as a powder/blush brush which I also use to apply a highlight. If you were to get one face brush from MAC, I'd definitely recommend this one!

If for any reason you apply to much bronzer and find it difficult to blend it out using the brush that has the bronzer on already, use a big fluffy powder brush (preferably that has some powder on) to blend around the edges. I love to use the Real Techniques powder brush, here as it practically covers my whole face in a couple seconds! Kabuki's work just as well.

Source: makeupsessed

Getting the perfect bronzed look

Start right below the cheek bone working your way back close to the hair line towards the temples, and then up to the top of the forehead. Repeat this on the other side.

• Remember to use a light hand as you don't want any harsh lines. 
• Start subtle and then gradually build up your desired intensity. It's easier to add bronzer, than remove. 
• With what's left on the brush, blend all the edges and bring it down your neck and onto your chest area.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any requests, let me know! I've just purchased MAC Harmony so I will do a comparison between that with NARS Laguna and Benefit Hoola, if you would find that useful. 

Suzanna xoxo

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, 0.28oz, 8g

I'm back...after two hours! Woo-hoo. So this is my official first post of 2012 - and of my entire blog. How exciting? It is actually much harder than it looks - blogging I mean. First you've got to think about what to blog about, then you take relevant pictures and write away. Luckily I've got a new camera which means I can import super super fast. Anyway, let's get on with it...

I am most definitely late on the beauty bandwagon with this product. NARS bronzers in general have been a cult favourite of most professional make-up artists, make-up lovers and the infamous beauty "community" on YouTube that I thought it was time for me to try it and give my honest opinion.

Firstly, the packaging. It looks neat doesn't? I think that if you're willing to spend over £25 on one item, you'd want it too look pretty with the rest of your make-up, right? However I do have one problem - they get dirty so freaking quickly! Aside from the bronzers NARS have to offer, every single one of their products is made from the same useless material that means it gets dirty every time you touch it! And for people who use make-up, it's a nightmare.

Anyway, the product itself it much more important. My first impressions before touching or using it were "OH MY GOD IT'S SO SHIMMERY!" After I calmed down, I tested it out and I love it. It's got the perfect amount of shimmer (note: it's not glitter) without making it look like you have a disco ball on your face. I prefer this over Benefit Hoola due to the shimmer it has. In my opinion, satin finish bronzers are much more flattering than matt bronzers. I don't believe in "people with oily skin should have a matt bronzer whilst people with dry skin should stick with a satin-finish bronzer". Complete bullish*t. I have oily/combination skin and I use a satin bronzer and my mother has dry skin and uses a matt bronzer (Avon, by the way). It's personal preference! 

From this image (below) you can slightly see the shimmer it holds - it's really pretty. I have the shade Laguna which, I believe, is the lightest of the three NARS has too offer.

I am completely in love with this bronzer and have used it every single day since I purchased it (I got might from House of Fraser for around £24 on sale).

To apply bronzer I always use the MAC 129 Powder/Blush Brush which has the perfect size brush head to distribute the bronzer evenly. If you are in need of a great all-rounder brush, get this one. You can use it for practically everything; however it might be difficult to use it to apply eyeshadow, lol :-)

That's my first post, I really hope you liked it. Leave a comment telling me anything you want me to review or talk about - I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Suzanna xoxo