In the Bronzer Olympics, the NYX Matte Bronzers Get the Gold

Wearing NYX Bronzer in Medium

To the uninitiated, spotting the differences between the new NYX Matte Bronzers and the many other compact bronzing powders currently on counters is like trying to tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi blindfolded without tasting either one.

In other words, it’s tough.

After all, like most of the bronzers vying for our attention this summer, these new ones from NYX promise to do the same things — deliver a natural-looking, honey-like glow for your skin.

But if MAC is trying to rule the department store market with their Pro Longwear Bronzing Powders, NYX is going after drugstore divas and budget-minded babes with their five new Matte Bronzers.

At $9 each, the prodigious 0.33-ounce pans shout “BARGAIN!” from their perches in drugstore makeup aisles. For the price of one MAC Pro Longwear Powder, you could get two of these from NYX and still have enough change left over for a drugstore ice cream cone (do you like mint chocolate chip?). 🙂

I’ve been wearing three of the five shades this week, and impressed doesn’t come close to describing how I feel. Blown away is more like it.

Clockwise from the lower left: Medium, Deep and Light

None of that “BS” Oompa-Loompa orange business here. No way. The golden russet glow these bestow upon skin is worthy of beach barbeques and pool parties.

Very long beach barbeques and pool parties.

How long?

Well, starting with that first buttery cob of sweet corn, they last past the late-night singalongs and woozy revelations (like “S’mores are so genius!” and “Whoever invented nude wedges deserves a medal!”), and all the way until you’ve said your goodbyes before packing up the cooler to head home.

Say “howdy” to the NYX Matte Bronzers

• Newly added to the NYX permanent line for summer 2012 and available now in five shades — Light, Deep, Medium, Dark Tan and Deep Tan
• Although the powders contain bigger grains that don’t feel as fine as the grains in the MAC Pro Longwear Bronzers do to me, I still think they’re very soft.
• And despite the grande grains, these Matte Bronzers don’t just chill out on top of my skin. They apply evenly, even where dry, flaky patches are concerned (like on my cheeks sometimes).
• If you’re concerned about large pores and/or fine lines (aren’t we all?), have no fear about the Matte Bronzers here. 🙂 They don’t emphasize either one.
• The powders are so buttery that even the clumsiest among us should be able to blend them with ease.

For quick minimalist summer makeup looks, bronzers can be a great addition (or change) to your routine.

Swatches from the left: Light, Medium and Deep

Pourquoi? you ask.

Because in terms of effort and effect, they’re all about getting big bang (effect) for your buck (effort).

Lately, what I’ve been doing after filling in my brows and curling my lashes, is applying NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer followed by either NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium or MAC Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Nude on Board.

I apply them wherever the sun would naturally fall upon my face, like across my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, on my chin and along the tops of my cheek bones.

One swipe of a nude gloss like LORAC’s Raoul (a good match for medium and dark skin tones) or Illamasqua’s Intimacy (looks fab on lighter lasses), and you’re done.

PRICE: $9 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at drugstores and nyxcosmetics.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+ (just an all around great product)

Sleigh bells ring… (yep, even in May)

I had to share about this band I just discovered that I’ve been obsessing over listening to on my runs! They’re called Sleigh Bells.

No, really. Sleigh Bells. Like Santa’s ride. 🙂

Their music is…I’m not sure how to describe it. It’s like a grungy guitar-driven rock anthem with hip-hop undertones.

Picture angry cheerleaders swinging chains and bats in the air to fire up the crowd at a riot.

LOL! I like to walk around the mall by my house imagining this song (Infinity Guitars) playing in the background…

And if you ever want to feel LIKE A BOSS, or need something to propel you through your sprints, there’s also Tell ’em.

How about you? What tunes have you been listening to lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen