Swatches + Comparisons: Matte Contouring and Bronzing Powders

All of the products mentioned in this post have a matte finish. Some shades are more suitable for contouring, while others work better for bronzing. Even though I have a warm NC30/35 skintone, I prefer to use cooler shades to contour my face because it creates a more natural looking shadow. When bronzing my face, I prefer to use warmer shades because cooler shades can make me look dirty or sick.

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Swatches + Comparisons - Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze + Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Top Left Clockwise: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ~ Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in 42 Rich Bronze ($10.99/0.18oz) - It costs $61.06 per ounce, which is actually more expensive compared to the Chanel bronzer ($48/oz), but the quality is well worth the price. Rich Bronze does not look Oompa Loompa orange and has a more yellow undertone compared to the Chanel bronzer. It's extremely buildable and dark enough for medium to tan skin tones, but it's also very blendable and looks natural on lighter skin tones. Because it leaves a matte finish, I love using it as a contour shade to define my cheekbones. I usually use a synthetic brush, such as the ELF Angled Blush Brush because it fits nicely on the hollows of my cheekbones. (A little goes a long way, but don't worry if you over apply the product because it's super easy to blend out.) As for longevity, it lasts at least 10 hours without fading when set with a translucent powder and it also prolongs the wear of my powder bronzers when used as a base. Also, it has a compartment underneath that houses a mirror and sponge, which I find to be very odd and useless. Definitely use a synthetic brush or even your bare fingers to apply the product.

Ingredients List: Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Nylon 12, Silica, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salycilate, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, Fragrance, Caprylyl Methicone; May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine, Ultramarines, Manganese Violet, Zinc Oxide, Ferric Ferrycyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Red 6, Red 7, Red 7 Lake, Red 28 Lake, Red 30 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 lake, Yellow 6 Lake

Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ($26.10/0.32oz) - It costs $81.56 per ounce, which is the most expensive out of the bunch. Aqua Bunny is more red based compared to Rich Bronze and Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, but it has the same pigmentation, blendability and longevity as Rich Bronze. The biggest difference besides the undertone is that it has a more satin finish. Under direct sunlight, I notice tiny bits of shimmer, but it's definitely not glittery. Also, it has a mirror on the top compartment and a bottom compartment that houses a synthetic brush, which is convenient for touch-ups.

Ingredients List: Triethylhexanoin, Corn Starch Modified, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Hexyldecanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, SD Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Aroma/Flavor, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, BHT, Limonene, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

(Outdoor Natural Lighting in the shade)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting on a Sunny Day)

(Indoor Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: If you found the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel to be too light or too orange, then the Sonia Kashuk one would be a more suitable option, especially as a contour shade since it's completely matte. You can't go wrong with the Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer either because it's dark enough for medium to tan skin tones and it also blends out easily. So, it looks very natural on light skin tones as well. Personally, I love all 3 of the bronzers because each of the formula is so easy to work with and they all apply like butter.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store and Nordstrom for $48. The Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze contains 0.18oz/5.2g of product and is available only at Target for $10.99. The Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer contains 0.32oz/9g of product and is on clearance on their online store for $26.10.

What product do you use to contour your face?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review - Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer

Left: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil

Right: Too Faced Endless Summer

Packaging: I don't really care for the packaging. It's not ugly, but it's definitely not something that I'm excited about. I prefer the Chocolate Soleil packaging more.

Endless Summer is lighter, has a more brown undertone, leaves a satin finish to the skin, and is fragrance-free compared to Chocolate Soleil, which is slightly darker, completely matte and smells like cocoa. I'm glad to report that neither are orange! 

Endless Summer works well on most complexions. I have a medium NC30/35 skin tone and I use it as a bronzer to warm up my face. It has regular pigmentation (not too sheer or too pigmented) and applies the right amount of product with the Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher brush. Be careful though because the formula is easily buildable and can leave a muddy finish if you apply too many layers. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting. 

Chocolate Soleil is more suitable for medium to deep complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined) since it leaves a matte finish and creates a more natural effect.

As for the wear time, Endless Summer lasts at least 10 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder (I haven't tried it for 16 hours straight yet, but will update when I do), while Chocolate Soleil fades within 8 hours of application. 

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)

(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: Endless Summer is a must-have for those that want to add warmth to skin without looking orange or ridiculously shiny. 

Note: The Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer contains 7g/0.25oz of product. It is limited edition and is available at Ulta, TooFaced.com, Beauty.com, and Sephora for $30.

Which bronzer will you be wearing for Summer 2013?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Too Faced Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: 20% OFF Sale

Too Faced Cosmetics is having a Valentine's Day sale and is offering 20% OFF. 

You also get free samples with every order and free shipping on orders over $50. 

Enter promo code XOXO20 at checkout. Offer expires February 14, 2013.  

My Picks:

• Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer (swatches) or Milk Chocolate (for lighter beauties)
• Peach Leopard Brightening & Perfecting Bronzer (review & swatches)
• Primed & Poreless Skin-Smoothing Face Primer (review & swatches)
• Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review: Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer 2012

Dolce & Gabbana released the Animalier bronzer in 2011 in the standard gold compact. They recently relaunched the bronzer in a new limited edition leopard print compact, which is $7 more. I've always thought leopard print to be tacky, but recently, I've been loving all things leopard, (including this) and I just had to buy the Animalier bronzer.

Packaging: The gold metal compact contains a slightly rubberized leopard print design on the outside and a leopard print overspray on the inside. It also comes with a velvet pouch, full-size mirror and a mini travel brush, which feels soft and is convenient for touch ups. I am absolutely in love with the packing, but I think it would have been more exquisite if the rubberized cover was made of faux fur. Maybe next year? ^_^

The overspray may be a turn off for some people, which is understandable because (1) the leopard print disappears with 1-2 brush swipes and (2) the color is a dirty brown that's very glittery and unwearable. However, beneath the overspray is a gorgeous warm bronze shade that leaves the skin with a natural sun-kissed look when applied with the Chanel #1 brush. The color is dark enough to show up on my medium NC30/35 skin tone, but it's still light enough for paler complexions to wear without looking orange. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil is darker and completely matte, which is more suitable for medium to deeper complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined). I use the Animalier bronzer mainly for my cheek area and when I want a "no makeup" makeup look.

As for the wear time, it lasts at least 7 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder.

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)


(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer is definitely a collection piece for leopard lovers, but it's also practical and looks absolutely divine on the cheeks.

Note: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer contains 0.53oz of product and is available at Saks for $57.

Do you think leopard packaging is tacky or classy?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Too Faced Black Friday Coupon Code 2012: 50% OFF

 Too Faced Cosmetics is having a BLACK FRIDAY Mini Vintage Sale, 

starting Friday, November 23 at midnight PST until Monday, November 26 at 11:59pm PST! 

They are offering an additional 50% OFF all vintage items with code BLACK2012 at checkout. 

*affiliate link

Too Faced Friends and Family Sale 2012: 20% OFF Entire Site (NO Minimum Purchase)

Too Faced Cosmetics is having a Friends and Family sale. Get 20% OFF everything. Offer expires November 11, 2012. You also get free samples with every order and free shipping on orders over $50. Enter promo code FFSALE12 at checkout.

My Picks:

• Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer (swatches)
• Peach Leopard Brightening & Perfecting Bronzer (review & swatches)
• Primed & Poreless Skin-Smoothing Face Primer (review & swatches)
• Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Too Faced also recently launched a new lighter shade of their popular Chocolate Soleil Bronzer called Milk Chocolate. The original Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is the best matte bronzer that I've tried for my NC35/37 skin tone. It doesn't make my face oompa loompa orange and it doesn't contain any shimmers. However, if you found the original shade to be too dark or muddy, then you should give Milk Chocolate Soleil a try instead.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review - Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a cult favorite among many beauty bloggers and YouTube vloggers. I never understood why because the swatches online look Oompa Loompa orange. I already have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer, which is my holy grail bronzing and contouring product not orange, it's completely matte and it gives my face dimension. I decided to purchase the Chanel cream bronzer with the intention of using it as a base and to prolong the wear of my powder bronzers. 

The texture of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel is creamy and it blends into my skin effortlessly when applied with a synthetic brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-25, BX-15, BX-30, BX-35 and BX-70 brush (review + comparison). (Do not use a brush that's made from natural hair because it will shed when it comes in contact with cream products.) I usually apply my foundation, then the Chanel cream bronzer and finally, I'll set everything with a translucent powder. I prefer to apply the cream bronzer in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion because if I use the sweeping motion, it can mess up my foundation and the finish can look blotchy. Tapping the product into my skin leaves a more natural finish.

The BX-25 brush is denser than both the BX-15 and BX-30; therefore, it picks up more product, applies more heavily and requires less layering to get good color payoff. The BX-15 and BX-30 are by no means flimsy, but they apply more lightly and prevent you from over applying the product. However, it's difficult to over apply the Chanel bronzer because it looks so natural no matter how many times you layer it. Therefore, it doesn't matter which 3 of the brushes you use. You'll still achieve the same result.

If I want a more "chiseled" look, I'll use the BX-35 to contour my cheekbones and the BX-70 to contour my nose. (I use the BX35 in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion to prevent it from moving my foundation and from creating a harsh line.) To finish off the look, I apply a setting powder and then my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil as the final step. I find that it gives me more dimension than Soleil Tan De Chanel because it's darker and completely matte.

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-25 ~ BX-15 ~ BX30

(brushes are dirty, sorry)

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-35 ~ BX-70

Soleil Tan De Chanel looks scary orange compared to Chocolate Soleil, but I assure you, it looks completely natural when applied to the face. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD 127, L'oreal True Match W4 and Dior Forever 21 mixed with 31. I have also wore this when I was a MAC NC35/37, MUFE HD 128, L'oreal True Match W6 and Dior Forever 31 and it looked absolutely gorgeous. However, lighter beauties may find this to be too orange and darker beauties (NC42 and up) may find it to be too light. This product works best on medium skin tones as it adds warmth to the skin and enhances the complexion.

It is important to mention that Soleil Tan De Chanel looks slightly shimmery under direct sunlight. However, the shimmers are barely noticeable and it looks nearly matte under artificial lighting. It's still very safe to wear during the day time because it looks very natural. Also, it lasts at least 12 hours without fading when worn over liquid/cream foundation and set with a powder.

The price can be a turnoff, but it contains a hefty amount of product and you only need about 3 taps of product for each cheek. Therefore, it will take months before you'll need to replenish.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend getting the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel to use as a base in order to lengthen the wear of a powder bronzer. If you have a medium complexion, this will also work well alone and leave your skin with a natural sun-kissed look.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store, Nordstrom, and at Chanel makeup counters for $48.

*This post contains affiliate links.

What product do you use to contour your face?

Too Faced Cosmetics Coupon Code 2012: Semi-Annual Vintage Sale (up to 70% OFF)

Too Faced Cosmetics is having their Semi-Annual Vintage Sale and is offering up to 70% OFF. Offer ends September 6, 2012.

*affiliate link

Too Faced Friends and Family Sale 2012: 20% OFF Entire Site (NO Minimum Purchase)

Too Faced Cosmetics is having a Friends and Family sale. Get 20% OFF everything. Offer expires May 16, 2012. You also get free samples with every order and free shipping on orders over $50. Enter promo code FFSPRING12 at checkout.

My Picks:

• Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer (review & swatches)
• Peach Leopard Brightening & Perfecting Bronzer (review & swatches)
• Primed & Poreless Skin-Smoothing Face Primer (review & swatches)
• Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Too Faced also recently launched a new lighter shade of their popular Chocolate Soleil Bronzer called Milk Chocolate. The original Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is the best matte bronzer that I've tried for my NC30/35 skin tone. It doesn't make my face oompa loompa orange and it doesn't contain any shimmers. However, if you found the original shade to be too dark or muddy, then you should give Milk Chocolate Soleil a try instead.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Review + Comparison: Benefit The Porefessional Primer + Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

I bought both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and the Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer, during Sephora's 15% off sale. I'm glad I bought both because they actually do what they claim to do!

Benefit The Porefessional Primer

• silicone based
• oil-free
• slight fragrance
• feels silky & lightweight
• becomes translucent when blended
• covers up pores really well
• does not lengthen the wear of makeup
• contains 0.75oz of product
• retails $29

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide (ci 77891), Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance (parfum), Mica, Iron Oxides (ci 77492), Limonene, Iron Oxides (ci 77491), Iron Oxides (ci 77499), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bht.

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer

• silicone based
• contains camellia oil, vitamins A + C, mulberry extract, and retinol 
• no fragrance
• feels silky & lightweight
• becomes translucent when blended
• covers up pores really well
• does not lengthen the wear of makeup
• contains 1oz of product
• retails $30

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crossploymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclodextrin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Retinol, Diacetyl Boldine, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Polysorbate 80, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hedra Helix (Ivy) Extract, BHT, Cycloheptasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Bioflavonoids, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Chromium Oxide Green

Both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer have a silky texture to them that makes foundation go on smoother. They are silicone based; therefore, the product does not absorb into the skin. Instead, it sits on top of the skin, creating a barrier between the foundation and skin.

There is a slight fragrance to the Benefit primer, but it quickly dissipates with a minute of application. As for the Too Faced primer, I did not detect any fragrance at all.

When swatched, they both look slightly tinted. The Benefit primer is more yellow toned, while the Too Faced one is more neutral. However, they both look the same and colorless when blended into the skin. They also look sparkly under direct sunlight, but the sparkles are unnoticeable under foundation and under natural or indoor lighting.

Most importantly, they both perform the same and make my pores virtually disappear when applied by hand. They work like magic! Moreover, they do not ball up, crumble or flake when worn under foundation. However, I do not recommend wearing either of the primers over foundation because it will move the foundation. Also, neither of them prolong the wear of foundation. It is important to note that most of the other primers that I've tried, including CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free and Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer have not lengthened the wear of my foundation either. 

As for packaging, the opening of the Too Faced primer may look huge compared to the opening of the Benefit primer. However, it is actually very easy to control the amount of product that squeezes out of the tube. I can get it to squeeze out 1/4 of a pea size with no problem! 

Both primers are lightweight and are great for travel, but since the Benefit primer contains less product, it is more slimmer and more travel friendly. Also, the amount of product in both primers will last a very long time, considering that a little goes a long way. Moreover, I only use it on problem areas, such as the small crevices around my nose, where there are visible pores.

 Left: Benefit The Porefessional Primer (heavy swatch, smeared, blended)

Right: Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer (heavy swatch, smeared, blended)

Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with either of these primers. Both the Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primer provide the perfect canvas for foundation to glide onto the skin effortlessly. These two are staples and should be in everyone's makeup kit because they leave the skin looking poreless and flawless. What it comes down to is price and your personal preference in packaging.

Note: The Benefit Porefessional Primer and Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer can be purchased at Benefit's online store and Too Faced's online store, respectively. They're also available at Sephora and Ulta.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Which primer have you tried and
what did you pick up from Sephora's 15% off sale?