Guerlain

It’s like looking at works of art, amiright?! Between the packaging and color of these bronzers, these are two of my favorite summer makeup items so far. So many brands are putting out amazing bronzing powders these days that it is hard to narrow them down, mainly because they have become somewhat of a collector’s item at this point!

I am very familiar with using Guerlain bronzers, and this one has been in my top 3 favorites for a few years now. However, I have never tried the ever popular Dior Nude Air Bronzer, and there is always a new one each year with a slight variation in color and composition. I finally bit the bullet this year and bought one to see if it was worth all the buzz and constant repromotion every year. Read on to hear my thoughts on each.

1. Dior Diorskin Nude Air Glow Powder – Dior makeup is always a crowd pleaser because of the packaging and hype, but I do not always run to buy each new collection that is launched. Recently I picked up this foundation which has blown my mind, and during that same shopping trip I decided to finally try one of the Nude Air Bronzers. It is called a Glow Powder technically, but it is dark enough to be a bronzer for my skin. First impressions – this powder has the most delicate and beautiful texture that glides over the skin effortlessly. It always applies evenly and goes on quite sheer though can be built up to give a strong bronzed look. I have been loving it dusted all over my face to give a hint of color or applied more heavily on the cheeks to give them a glow. Though there is slight shimmer, it is minimal and makes the skin look healthy and radiant rather than shimmery and glittery. I don’t think I need to pick up each year’s new Nude Air launch, but I am so happy to finally have one in my collection.

2. Guerlain Terracotta Pause d’Ete Collector Bronzing Powder Duo – No one does bronzing like Guerlain. It’s true – they are the masters of it. And what makes them even more superior over every other line is their wide range of shades that work on every skin tone. This bronzer collection is one of their most popular (and a personal favorite) and has a color to complement the fairest to the deepest of complexions. Their newest limited edition Bronzing Powder is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. It has a definite shimmer to it with the gold overspray (it disappears the more you use it), so I only use this on my cheeks rather than the entire face. However, as only Guerlain can do, the shimmer is so finely milled and blendable on the skin that my face ends up having the most perfect radiant glow rather than a disco ball nightmare. The bronzing brush is sold separately but is worth the splurge. It’s small enough to travel with, yet the brush itself is better quality than typical travel brushes. It picks up just enough product yet allows you to either dust it on delicately or buff it into the skin for a stronger finish. Guerlain continues it’s reign as the winner of bronzing powders with this new launch.

Out of the two, I would say I use the Dior one more frequently because it has a hint less shimmer, though the Guerlain shade is a bit more of what I prefer for my cheeks – bronze with a hint of coral. Either way, they are both stunning and splurge-worthy. 

So many new skincare items have landed on my desk recently and I thought I would share with you the ones that have stood out the most or made it in to regular rotation. 

1. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist – Even though my skin is oily, I love adding a face mist after I cleanse (or cleanse and tone) and then quickly apply my next step (serum, moisturizer or face oil) to try and trap that moisture on my skin. I’ve recently been spritzing my way through this Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist and have really enjoyed it. While some face mists are good for the moment, the moisture leaves almost immediately after the mist absorbs into the skin. My skin felt hydrated for longer periods of time when using the mist. It has now earned a spot next to my bed because I like waking up with it and giving an additional spritz before I go to sleep.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb – I do have a ton of anti-aging products that bring out the heavy guns in terms of ingredients (retinol, glycolic, etc). However, it has been my motto for years that keeping the skin hydrated is the best anti-aging action of all. This Belif Aqua Bomb felt as good on the skin as the name would imply. It manages to mix the lightness of a gel with the rich, nourishing properties of a heavy cream. I am loving this now as we enter into the colder temps, but I can see this also working wonders in the summer to help replenish any moisture loss from being out in the sun. Year round hydration, please!

3. Caolion Blackhead Bubble Pore Pack – I was intrigued initially by the name of this product, and that intrigue continued when I opened it and saw the texture. I had to immediately put it on my face. Any mask the bubbles up is a friend of mine. But even though the experience using it is pleasurable, it means nothing if it doesn’t work, right? Thankfully, this gives a great pore treatment that makes my skin looks cleaner, less congested and pores appear smaller. It has a slight warming/tingling feeling on the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to patch test. But for those that have skin like myself that is not easily irritated, tingle/bubble away!  

3. Dr. Hauschka Quince Hydration Body Milk – Winter time should be nicknamed “itchy skin time”. And of course I don’t help the issue by taking super hot showers because I’m freezing at night or in the morning when getting ready. But I own my mistakes and try to compensate for it by using intensely nourishing body lotions and creams. I have already had great success with Dr. Hauschka products being soothing, comforting and gentle on the skin so I knew I had to try something for the body. While I typically reach for a rich body butter or cream to fix the itch (lol, that sounded funny), I was surprised when this lightweight lotion immediately soothed my legs and arms. The scent is delicate and pleasant, and absorbs so quickly that before I even get done applying one body part, the other one is dry with no sticky residue.

4. Oskia Super 16 Serum – There are so many fun aspects of beauty blogging, but when you focus a lot on skincare, attention needs to be paid to the efficacy of products and for how long you test them. Some products like masks, cleansers, mists, etc can show their results quickly, but serums need time. This is why I do not review them as frequently as other skincare products. In fact, I regularly turn down press samples of serums because I can’t take a product when I know I won’t be able to test it until months later. But I was nearing the end of a recent serum test run and felt it was time to give this one from Oskia a go. I already swear by their Renaissance Cleansing Gel and Renaissance Mask, so I had high hopes for this serum. The Super 16 Serum is a powerful anti-aging formula that uses an all natural retinol equivalent called Bakuchiol, which delivers similar results without any irritation. I noticed within the first 2 weeks how my skin looked brighter, less dehydrated, more supple and pore appeared less congested and minimized. It’s incredibly lightweight so I can wear it either morning or night, and it wears well under makeup. I am about 2 months in and still loving the result. Oskia stays winning in my book – there is no product yet that has let me down.

5. Guerlain Purete Cleansing Cream – I love a good cleansing balm. I love a good cleansing milk. So when the two come together, magic ensues. I have to confess that I do own a ton of cleansers. They are my skincare weakness, what can I say? But this Guerlain Cleansing Cream is like no other cleansing formula I own. It feels almost like a cold cream style cleanser – giving the skin a comforting yet cooling cleanse. It is not powerful enough to cut through makeup (and frankly too fancy to be wasted on that task), so I use this as a second cleanse. Recently I decided to go one step further and apply a thick layer to damp skin and leave it on for a few minutes as a quick mask treatment. My skin was left so incredibly hydrated and supple that I only needed a light serum after. I don’t wish a cold on myself this winter, but I will definitely be reaching for this as a product to help nourish and comfort my skin if I get one.