Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

With Summer firmly in sight you may be on the look out for a new bronzer to warm and sculpt your complexion throughout the warmer season. What if I told you that there are a few must try bronzing solutions, that will not only deliver both warmth and definition but are also suitable for use on the body? Not only are they ideal for saving money but also space in what I am guessing to be an overstuffed make-up bag and perhaps suitcase?

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body
Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

For those that lean towards powder formulations when bronzer is involved I have three product recommendations. On the budget spectrum there is the newly launched Barry M Glow Bronzers - two huge pans of slightly shimmery bronze: one warm toned and one cool toned. Barry M After Glow Bronzer is a warm toned, slightly pink tinged powder bronzer that can be swept all over the face and body to create a subtle bronze glow. I realise this may seem out but if you burn in the sun this will be the most natural shade you will find. For those with a more medium or tanned complexion then Barry M Deep Glow Bronzer is for you - a slightly more neutral bronze that again can be used all over. At just £5.99 each they are ideal for packing in your travel bag.

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body
Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

If you do invest in one, do it all powder bronzer let it be Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact (£27). The beauty of this bronzer is that you can sweep all four shades together to create a custom, warm bronze hue or use all four separately - great value for money. Very few bronzers suit so many complexions due to the tone but as this offers up four varying hues of brown, there should be a shade for almost everyone. For some the palest shade will be enough to warm and sculpt the face and body (chest area), for others this could either be a setting power or highlighting option. The shade up makes a great blush on medium skin tones and the following shade a lovely contour. Really the world is your oyster with this bronzer come palette, especially as all four shade options are matte. Much like you would expect the Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact is beautifully pigmented, easy to blend, long wearing and a dream to apply. At £27 this is a Summer staple you don't want to miss out on!

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

Another Clarins recommendation would be the new Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Bases in 04 Apricot and 05 Golden Bronze (£23.85 each). These liquid bronzers come primer come highlighters (yes really), not only warm the complexion but also add a hint of radiance and perfect too.Unlike a typical radiance boosting product this has been designed to even out the skin tone, give the appearance of blurred pores and of course a healthy glow to the skin - be that on the face or body. The texture of the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Bases are creamy yet lightweight - they instantly absorb into the skin without adding extra moisture to the skin nor are they drying. If you are having a good skin day this would be perfect for just evening out the skin tone and adding a subtle natural glow, due to the texture they are wonderful used as a primer. That's not all you can also mix a little in with your foundation for a more dewy finish, use as you would a typical highlighter and if you are feeling fancy rub a little on exposed skin (I'm looking at you legs and chest area). Oh and it gets better all three shades feature Clarins Anti-Pollution technology - it acts as a barrier to prevent pollution from affecting your skin.

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

Now bare with me when I tell you what and how I use my once unloved tub of Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel Bronzing Makeup Base. At £32 it is one of the most expensive bronzers I have ever purchased, when you spend a large chunk of money on something you almost expect it to work wonders. Not the case with Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, a slightly orange toned medium brown that is matte yet a little too warm and dare I say it tricky to contour with. Rather I grab a large kabuki brush and buff this into my body, normally to disguise tan lines and on occasion instead of foundation on my face. If like myself you tan rather easily (even with high SPF) you will know only too well how troublesome tan lines can be. When the warm weather arrives my skin warms almost immediately and my normal foundation can be too pale - when this happens I reach for Soleil Tan de Chanel and buff it all over my face and where else needed. I'm not recommending you purchase this, in truthfulness there is far better options out there, rather hopefully breathing some life into an old product.

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

I for one forget that liquid bronzers exist, technically most are tinted BB Creams and foundations but with a good brush and a little patience they can offer the most natural results. As a foundation I do not rate MAC Face and Body Foundation (£21.50); I find it to be a little sticky and problematic yet buffed onto the legs or anywhere on the else body wise it is close to perfection. Of course to use this as a self tanner you will have to buy a few shades deeper than your own skin tone. The beauty of MAC Face and Body Foundation is that once it is set it not only hides imperfections such as stretch marks, bruises and general imperfections but it stays in place. It will not transfer on to clothing nor will it streak due to sweat or a light drizzle of rain. I use it on my legs and décolletage any time I have a large event to attend. In the same vain I recommend Vichy Ideal Soleil BB Tinted (£13.15)- an instant bronzer that will look natural on most light to medium complexions, all the while containing an SPF 50! 

Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body
Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body
Multi-Purpose Bronzers for the Face and Body

Lastly we have Benefit Dew the Hoola - a light, liquid come gel bronzer that promises to revolutionise how we see the world of bronzing. It is of course based on the original and best selling Benefit Hoola Powder only this boasts a sheer, glow inducing finish. Think of it as a liquid highlighter and bronzer all rolled into one. It gently warms the skin will adding radiance and due to the sheer finish it is suitable for just about every skin tone; medium complexions will most likely need to apply a few layers and deeper skin tones may see this as more of a highlight than bronzer. In terms of colour I would liken it to Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel - a warm yet yellow based bronze, neutral yet not unnatural in colour; subtly sun kissed rather than obvious. The only downside is that we do have to wait a full year before this becomes a stand alone product. Until then you can purchase it as part of the Benefit Do the Hoola Beyond Bronze Kit £23.16 via QVC - link.

Do you have any multi-purpose bronzing solutions you'd recommend?