As the temperatures heat up many of us want a sun-kissed glow but none of us want the harmful UV rays that go with it.
Luckily they are tonnes of great bronzers on the market to transform you into a bronzed goddess the safe way. Here are some of the products that are available and there is something here to suit every budget.
But before you get started just remember these few simple rules -
only ever go a shade or two darker that your own natural skin tone. Apply to the spots where the sun naturally shines (the forehead, cheeks and nose) and remember ladies - less is more!
It’s much easier to add than too subtract. There is a fine line between a sun-kissed glow and looking like you’ve been tangoed!
Dior multipurpose Bronze Collagen-Activ Smooth Protection Bronzer
If you are thinking of splurging then Dior’s multipurpose bronzer is my top tip.
Not only will you get a flawless glowing complexion but it is fortified with active skincare ingredients to help prevent dark spots and offers an SPF 15.
It’s ultra soft and creamy texture glides on and it actually feels moist on the skin.
Available in four shades, it comes complete with a very nice flat bronzer brush in a luxurious compact.
Available from Dior counters nationwide, €47.50.
Clinique Almost Bronzer
If you are a bronzing novice then Clinique's Almost Bronzer range is a great place to start.
This cute compact complete with brush, contains a light and a medium shade that can be blended to achieve the perfect bronzed look.
If, like me, you use bronzer whatever the season then this will provide a natural look all year round.
Available in two shades light/medium and medium/dark, it also contains SPF15.
Available from Clinique counters nationwide, €32.00.
Shiseido Multi-Shade Enhancer
Another product worth checking out if you’re dabbling in bronzers is Shiseido’s Multi-shade enhancer, which features 5 co-ordinating shades of bronze.
The colours blend to create the perfect balance of colour giving a more interesting look that doesn’t look flat.
If you’re looking for a vibrant glow then this is the perfect purchase.
Available from Shiseido counters nationwide, €35.15. Also, you can purchase a refill for your case as opposed to rebuying the whole thing for €24.10.
Lancome Tropiques Minerale
Mineral make-up seems to taking the cosmetics industry by storm and Lancome have jumped on the band wagon with the launch of their new Tropiques Minerale bronzer.
Now I’m a big fan of Lancome bronzers, their Star Bronzer has been a staple in my make-up bag for years but their new offering doesn’t disappoint.
Formulated in subtle shades, this smoothing bronzer give a very natural glow – not a hint of orange here! This is my top buy for Summer.
Available from Lancome counters nationwide, €40.50.
Prescriptives Mineral Bronzer
Prescriptive have just launched this limited edition mineral bronzer which contains radiance enhancing crystals and minerals which apparently help absorb light to give skin extra radiance.
Available in cool and warm depending on your skin tone, it looks rather dark in the compact but don’t let that put you off.
On the skin it blends well to deliver a golden glow, with just a slight shimmer.
Available from Prescriptives counters natiowide, €38.00.
Mac Bronzing Powder
For the perfect bronzed goddess look try MAC Bronzing Powder.
The warm golden tones blend well and just one swipe of the brush gave my skin a lovely healthy glow.
To achieve the look you want, just keep layering.
It also has a little bit of shimmer but its not too overwhelming.
Available from MAC counters nationwide, €22.00.
Isadora Bronzing Powder
If you’re looking for value for money then check out Isadora’s Bronzing range.
It comes in two sizes, a very large and a small compact. The large retails at €24.95 and it would last you forever!
Available in a range of different shades, I tried the terracotta tan which was perhaps a shade too dark for me but it blends well, to give a nice bronzed complexion.
A little goes a long way with this one so use sparingly!
Available from Isadora counters nationwide, small compact €14.95, large compact €24.95
Bourjois Bronzing Powder
This bronzer deserves a mention for its innovative packaging alone!
The cardboard compact opens to reveal bronzer in the shape of four chocolate squares and it actually smells delicious too!
It has a definite shimmer so if that’s you’re preferred look then this is just the ticket. This would be perfect for a night out.
Aimed I would suspect at the younger market this product I’ve no doubt will sell by the truckload.
Available from pharmacies nationwide, €9.99.
Smashbox O-Bronze Cheek Bronzer
If powders aren’t your thing you may like this cream cheek bronzer from Smashbox.
It's designed to react to your skin’s chemistry to give the perfect glow to match your skin tone.
I’m not completely sold on this idea as there is huge scope it get this wrong and end up looking blotchy.
Also when I use a bronzer I tend to use it all over my face and not just my cheeks so I really don’t get the point of this.
Available from Smashbox counters nationwide, €28.00.
Rimmel Natural Bronzer
If you’re on a budget, and lets face it in this present climate who isn’t, then this cheap and cheerful offering from Rimmel ticks all the right boxes.
If comes in a basic compact but it has a lovely light texture that doesn’t look cakey when applied and you can layer to achieve different colour intensity.
A great bronzer at a great price. My Summer must have.
Available from pharmacies nationwide, €7.25.
