Alright, people, before we load up the Land Rover and head out on this safari, let’s run through a quick cosmetics checklist.
Lipstick? ✓
Eyeliner? ✓
Powder? ✓
Shimmery golden bronzer decorated like a spotted big cat?
…
I repeat, shimmery golden bronzer decorated like a spotted big cat?
No?! Well, that’s not right. Don’t worry though. We’ll fix that.
Locals refer to these wildcats as Dolce & Gabbana’s Animalier Bronzers. They’re $57, part of the new Animalier holiday collection, and recognizable by their distinctive spotted patterns.
A similar cat was sighted prowling makeup counters back in the summer of 2011. That one was also called Animalier.
This specimen’s spots, just like last year’s, are an overspray.
When we find one for you, I want you to mix the colors together. That should give you a cool-toned bronzy brown perfect for chiseled ’80s music video cheekbones.
Now, I have some experience with this cat, so I should warn you — it can be dangerous, especially while it’s still an overspray. I wore it around the house this week and felt very Flashdance, without the high-cut leotard and leg warmers, of course.
The overspray doesn’t deliver the most natural look, so I wouldn’t wear it every day, but luckily, I don’t have to. The overspray wears off, revealing a velvety soft, finely-milled powder beneath it.
How soft is it? Well, to put it in perspective, it’s softer than a tabby’s low-hanging tum. 🙂
Once you get through that overspray, this cat will lavish your skin with warm, golden orangey brown kisses.
I think this year’s kitten is more pigmented than the Animalier Bronzer we saw last year, which was pretty sheer. I think it’s also a little more golden than orange.
From what I’ve seen, this year’s specimen seems more wearable than last year’s (it’s also more expensive; last year’s was $50), thanks to its downy powder fur — I mean formula.
For bronzing and contouring, Animalia is one heck of a good cat.
PRICE: $57
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saksfifthavenue.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+ (it’s awfully expensive)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Get hump day out of the way? ✓
It should be smooth sailing from here till the weekend, which I can’t wait for, because we’re getting our Christmas tree!! 🙂
Hopefully Tabs doesn’t knock it down… Every year he thinks we get these trees strictly for his amusement.
Neeraj says
December 6th, 2012 at 1:56 amI love the soft glow this bronzer imparts…it just looks like barely kissed by the sun but really glamorous…Hail Pat mcgrath…I wish the overspray was actually a complete product. It would have been amazing to mix the colors and customize the bronzer…
Karen says
December 6th, 2012 at 7:31 amHi Neeraj,
The oversray is kinda bananas… But it can look super cool if you’re going for that very sharply defined look, ya know?
Sarah says
December 6th, 2012 at 2:29 amHaven’t seen anything as pretty as this one! Though I’m not too fond of these but I think Ive started loving bronzers all of a sudden. 🙂
Sarah
Sarah recently posted … Life with INSTAGRAM – II
Karen says
December 6th, 2012 at 7:30 amHi Sarah,
Ha! Yeah, bronzer is life changing. Have you tried NARS Laguna?
Kim says
December 6th, 2012 at 4:59 amBronzers that are less orangey always sound better to me. 🙂 I’m still working on applying Laguna in a flattering way. My bathroom lighting isn’t spectacular so I probably looked like I’ve been playing in the dirt on most days. 🙂
Karen says
December 6th, 2012 at 7:29 amYou can do it (I believe in you!!). What brush are you using to apply it? My bathroom lighting is terrible too, btw. I only use it in times of extreme desperation. I try to use natural light when I can.
Kim says
December 7th, 2012 at 6:02 amThanks! I’m using a domed top, powder brush that’s a bit tightly packed (the bristles). I usually dab the brush and the blow off any excess before applying. I’m using it under the apples of my cheeks and on the underside of my jawline, then kind of blending all over. Please feel free to be like “whaaa? Do this instead!” 🙂
I totally agree on the lighting but it’s honestly pitch black outside when I’m getting ready. It’s really amazing how short the days are at this time of year!
Joyce says
December 6th, 2012 at 7:24 amI have been loving everything about this since I got it. The packaging is exquisite and the product leaves the most natural sun-kissed look to my cheeks. <3 I might need to get a backup!
Joyce recently posted … Swatches + Review: Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer 2012
Karen says
December 6th, 2012 at 7:28 amAwesome, Joyce! Glad you’re enjoying it.
Nina says
December 6th, 2012 at 8:18 amThat is very gorgeous!
Ashley says
December 6th, 2012 at 9:59 amThe packaging alone has me head over heels. Finding this post came at the most perfect time. I have just found my next holiday gift for a girlfriend (and one for myself of course).
Jennifer says
December 6th, 2012 at 11:22 amVery pretty look for you Karen!
Jennifer recently posted … CND Shellac: Photographic Evidence
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
December 6th, 2012 at 1:34 pmHm…it’s hard to resist due to the lovely packaging and pretty overspray, but I don’t think the bronzer itself seems special enough to warrant that much $ :/
Becca @ The Beauty Sample recently posted … The Sample: NEW Paul & Joe Make Up Collection 2012 Holiday Set in 001 Frozen Lilac Review & Swatches