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Physicans Formula Healthy Wear Bronzer: A Trifecta of Skin Lurving Benefits?

April 13th, 2010 by Karen 62 Comments

Well bake me biscuits, and cover me in gravy!

[Sorry, I’ve been re-watching True Blood: Season 1]

Now here I go being all wrong about bronzers… I always thought they were for adding a warm, almost-tanned look to skin. Not true, says Physicians Formula, or rather, that’s not all they can do.

New Healthy Wear Bronzer gives a sun-kissed glow but couples it with healthful skin benefits.

The new line of powdered bronzers includes four $15 shades — pricey for drugstore makeup — but PF claims that’s because you get a bunch of bells and whistles with ’em too:

  • SPF 50: As in non-greasy, mineral-based (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) SPF 50 sunscreen to keep you aging gracefully
  • Antioxidants: To help repair UV damage
  • Skin brighteners: Namely licorice extract and tomato derivatives, to brighten skin and diminish the appearance of sun/age spots

So, how do they do ya?

Well, I’ve been using the Medium shade (a warm, orangey brown with a dainty shimmer) for about a week, which is probably not enough time to gauge much beyond the makeup’s appearance. I can’t say I’ve seen signs that the good-for-your-skin stuff is working, but I do think the shade itself gives my skin a lovely natural glow.

More notes on the “makeup” of the makeup…

  • Texture: Fast absorbing, finely milled and soft. Based on touch it, it could pass for department store bronzer
  • Wear time: Once it’s on, it’s ON. Water-resistant and absorbs oil fantastically
  • Flexibility: As far as the Medium shade, it’s a touch darker than my NC35 skin, which has made it great for subtle contouring, and when the sun’s out every day in the summer, maybe it’ll work as an all-over face powder, too (OOH!).
  • Packaging: Orange and hot pink? I mean, come on! Even writing the words makes me grin. 🙂

The jury’s out on whether or not Healthy Wear’s healthy benefits justify the higher-than-usual drugstore cost, but as a straight-up bronzer, I think it works pretty darn well. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: B+

Glee!!

OMG! OMG! OMG! Please say I’m not the only one crazy stoked about the season premiere of Glee tonight?? I’m counting down the minutes (every one of them!). 🙂

How was your Tuesday? I hope it passed without too much drama.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Bronzer Review / Originally published April 13th, 2010

There are 62 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Product Reviews

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Comments

  1. Hannah says

    April 13th, 2010 at 8:19 pm

    Well I just watched glee, and I have to say it was an amazing episode!! Rachel and the new boy- so cute. I loved the songs in it too- how’d you like it Karen?
    I’m definitely excited for this bronzer- I’ve been looking for a new one and one with spf 50 is definitely going to make me try it out.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:45 am

      Hi Hannah,

      I have mixed feelings about this ep. I felt like it was kind of rushed, like they wanted to jam pack a bunch of stuff in. I did like the addition of the new guy — boy can sing!!

      Reply
  2. Rae says

    April 13th, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    GLEEEEE! =D I wish I had time to watch it, but I suppose taping it will have to do for now.

    (Oh, and the bronzer looks lovely as well :P)
    .-= Rae’s last blog post… Fresh Supernova — probably about as pretty as a real supernova. But safer. =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:44 am

      Did you watch it yet? Let me know what you think!

      Reply
  3. Cindy (Prime Beauty) says

    April 13th, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    Gosh I’ve been using the Bamboo one and I like it, may have to try this one, but it will probably take forever for me to get it here. Oh, I also tried the Tarte Park Ave Princess bronzer and for us fair skinned gals it’s really great.
    .-= Cindy (Prime Beauty)’s last blog post… Conan….He’s Baaaaaack! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:43 am

      I like the packaging of the Bamboo bronzer and was wondering if it worked well! That’s good to know it does.

      Reply
  4. makeup morsels says

    April 13th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    I usually don’t like orange toned bronzers, but this looks so natural and glowy on you. spf 50 is impressive for a bronzer! I’ve only seen Season 1 Episode 1 of Glee, and I wasn’t really feeling it. I heard it grows on you quickly though
    .-= makeup morsels’s last blog post… Best Bargain Buys: Face =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:43 am

      It does! Give it a chance and watch a few eps — it gets really good.

      Reply
  5. Marie says

    April 13th, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    Did you use this all over your face? You look great!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:42 am

      Hi Marie,

      Here I used it to contour my cheeks, along the edges of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose and around the outside of my face. LOL… I might as well have put it all over my face!

      Reply
  6. Glosslizard says

    April 13th, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Gah! Glee was tonight? I’ll be watching as soon as it’s on Hulu! 😉

    Might try out the light bronzer, or maybe if they come out with a pressed (regular) powder! Love all the fabulous perks, and a high-SPF powder is perfect for reapplying sunscreen every few hours in hotter weather!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:41 am

      I hope they have it on there already… it seems to take a few days for them to put the new eps up.

      Next week they’re doing a Madonna episode — I DIE!!

      Reply
      • Glosslizard says

        April 14th, 2010 at 9:37 am

        I know, right?!? I hear Sue vogues!

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 14th, 2010 at 10:31 am

        She does!

        I wonder if the makeup artists put Russian Red on her…

        Reply
  7. Marisol says

    April 13th, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    I am so excited for Glee!
    .-= Marisol’s last blog post… Europe here I come! =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:41 am

      Hi Marisol,

      Okay, what’s the verdict? Did you like the ep? I’m so stoked about the Madonna episode next week.

      Reply
      • Marisol says

        April 14th, 2010 at 8:57 pm

        I am looking forward to Madonna and the Lady Gaga one. Also, Neil Patrick Harris is going to be on a future ep and I can’t wait for that.
        .-= Marisol’s last blog post… Europe here I come! =-.

        Reply
  8. Ashley says

    April 13th, 2010 at 10:07 pm

    Just finished Glee. I thought it was airing on the 20th of April so I was super surprised today! Finally, something good to watch on Tuesdays.
    Being in Canada, prices are jacked up in all departments of luxury! Buuut I realized this Sunday that Physicians Formula is cheapest at Wal Mart compared to local Canadian drugstores/grocery stores (by atleast $5!).
    I wish I hadn’t of bought the Physicians Formula Bronze Gems bronzer, it’s not very good and now I want to try this one!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:37 am

      Ooh, I was tempted by that one… glad I passed it up.

      What did you think of Glee?

      Reply
      • Ashley says

        April 14th, 2010 at 10:32 am

        Well… sooo many new plot twists and so much drama. I want to hear someone other than Rachel & Finn. I was expecting they’d continue the season with variety but who knows! Until next week right? 😀

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 14th, 2010 at 10:35 am

        NO kidding! Gimme more Mercedes, STAT!!

        Reply
  9. amy says

    April 13th, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    The packaging is cute, along with the imprint on the bronzer but the colour is a bit too pink for me. Speaking of True Blood I just finished watching seasons 1-2 online and I can’t wait until season 3 starts. Glee was excellent tonight, it has been too long.
    .-= amy’s last blog post… EOTD Smokey Teals: MAC Bough Grey, Birds & Berries, Vex and Shroom =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:46 am

      I hope season 3 of True Blood is good. I felt like the second season dragged.

      Reply
  10. Amy says

    April 14th, 2010 at 4:14 am

    You look lovely with that bronzer Karen. Your cheeks are glowing 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:36 am

      Hi Amy,

      Are you a bronzer kind of girl, too? What are your faves?

      Reply
  11. gio says

    April 14th, 2010 at 4:54 am

    The packaging looks pretty and the bronzer looks beautiful on you. Very natural and makes you glow.
    .-= gio’s last blog post… Sunday Beauty Reads, 11/04/10 =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:35 am

      Hi Gio,

      Thanks! Have a nice Wednesday.

      Reply
  12. NINA says

    April 14th, 2010 at 5:10 am

    Oh wow @ that bronzer. I dont know if I should rush over to CVS STAT or resist because I want the Chanel duo so bad. LOL.

    Yay for GLEE !!! It was awesome …. and Rachel’s outfits (and Emma’s too) were sooooo cute! Plus … my <3 Kurt was so, so, so adorable!!!! Woohooo!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:35 am

      Did you (or anybody else) notice the resemblance between the Vocal Adrenaline teacher and Rachel? It kind of freaked me out…

      Reply
      • NINA says

        April 14th, 2010 at 11:16 am

        Weird wasnt it? The VA teacher is Idina Menzel and I never thought that she looked like Rachel til now!!!

        Weirdness huh!!!!

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 14th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

        Totally weird! I wonder if it was intentional.

        BTW, I love the Glee kids and all, but I wouldn’t mind being part of Vocal Adrenaline, I can’t lie.

        Reply
  13. Sarah says

    April 14th, 2010 at 7:14 am

    I only caught the last twenty minutes of Glee and hot damn! I’m definitely going to be watching the whole thing today on Hulu! I’m so excited for next week’s Madonna episode!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 7:34 am

      Me too! Madonna’s one of my idols so they better not muck her songs up, LOL!

      Did you catch the Vogue bit? Hilarious.

      Reply
      • Sarah says

        April 14th, 2010 at 8:38 am

        I have faith in them – I saw a clip of Rachel singing Like a Virgin and I got chills! I love her voice.

        I LOVE Sue Sylvester! That video was hilariously awesome, definitely a highlight of my night!

        I’m so glad its back, its definitely one of my favorite shows!

        Reply
      • Karen says

        April 14th, 2010 at 10:33 am

        NO way! I have to see if I can find it. Like a Virgin was my jam when I was eight, ha ha ha…

        Did you happen to notice how the Vocal Adrenaline coach looked like a grown up version of Rachel?

        Reply
        • Sarah says

          April 14th, 2010 at 10:49 am

          Yeah, it was just in a trailer but it was so good! I can’t wait until its available on iTunes!

          Oh, wow, I didn’t even catch that! I wonder if thats on purpose?

          Reply
        • Karen says

          April 14th, 2010 at 1:53 pm

          I wonder!! It kind of grossed me out when she was making out with Mr. Shu… ewww.

          Reply
          • Sarah says

            April 14th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

            Oh, wow, I didn’t even think about that. I just thought it was creepy when Jesse was kissing Rachel while looking at her!

            Also, I just re-watched the Vogue video and she changed one of the lyrics to “Will Schuster, I hate you!” in the middle of the song… I seriously think she’s one of my favorite characters!

          • Karen says

            April 14th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

            Totally creepy. I knew he was up to something the second he opened his mouth to sing “Hello,” LOLOL… well, at least this way Finn is gonna have to fight for his woman.

            Sue is HILARIOUS. She has the best lines!

          • Sarah says

            April 14th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

            I know! I’m so excited to have Finn pursue Rachel! I also loved her singing an awesomely bitter song at him. And the entire group knowing it…

            No doubt Jesse is up to no good. One of the previews shows him challenging Finn to a fight, I’m so excited!

            Oh god, every week the lines get better!

  14. Katie says

    April 14th, 2010 at 8:21 am

    I have bought so many bronzers! I like their bronze boosting formula, and I’m really excited to try this one! 😀
    .-= Katie’s last blog post… Favorite Bronzers =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 10:33 am

      I have a little bit of a bronzer addiction too. 🙂 Do you have any faves?

      Reply
      • Katie says

        April 14th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

        I have a million favorites, I think my current favorite is Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in “Sun Bunny” it’s almost gone 🙁
        .-= Katie’s last blog post… Favorite Bronzers =-.

        Reply
  15. dallasbrowneyes says

    April 14th, 2010 at 9:16 am

    I need a good bronzer for the summer, since my skin doesn’t really tolerate the sun. Thanks for the review!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 10:34 am

      You’re welcome! I hope you like it and that it works for ya. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Sharon says

    April 14th, 2010 at 10:03 am

    Oh, I missed Glee last night, unintentionally! The TV listings had it buried so I didn’t see it until today… oops! We can’t use Hulu in Canada so I’ll try to find the ep on the ‘net.

    *reminds herself to watch Ugly Betty tonight at 10*

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 10:34 am

      Ya know, I haven’t seen one episdoe of Ugly Betty. I’ve heard it’s good though!

      Reply
  17. Fabienne says

    April 14th, 2010 at 10:52 am

    h’m…doesn’t it cost just about as much as MAC Blunt? PF needs to slash the price a bit more, I don’t think the “benefits” sound like it could out do the quality of MAC!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

      Hmm, I haven’t tried MAC Blunt! Sounds interesting, though.

      Reply
  18. Cassidey says

    April 14th, 2010 at 11:14 am

    Hi Karen,

    I am an nc40-42, and was just wondering if there is a shade dark enough in this product. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Cassidey,

      I haven’t seen the darkest shade, Tan, in person yet. I’m guessing though, that it will probably be dark enough for you, as the Medium shade is pretty dark.

      Reply
  19. Rica says

    April 14th, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Did you dress up to match the compact? You know, the pink park lol.

    For a drugstore bronzer, it’s kind of on the pricier side. And I think I should stay away from talc as much as possible.

    Anyway, the wait is over! I watched Glee last night and it was pretty dramatic for a comeback episode. I can’t wait till next Tuesday!
    .-= Rica’s last blog post… WLC week 4 wrap up =-.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 14th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

      Ha ha… that was totally unintentional. That’s my new favorite hoodie. 🙂

      Reply
  20. nancy says

    April 14th, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    ooh i have Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation, i love it!! i keep it in my office beauty drawer 🙂 see pix here:

    http://msnancysfancies.blogspot.com/2010/04/whats-in-my-makeup-bag-office-edition.html
    .-= nancy’s last blog post… Fancies: shu uemura eyelash curler & Sephora 15% off =-.

    Reply
  21. knownever says

    April 17th, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    If this didn’t have talc I would definitely buy it. Just the idea of it is amazing. I haven’t heard of too many powders with this high of SPF and certainly not at the drugstore. Why PF couldn’t you have just foregone the talc? I know you can do it since you do it so successfully in so many other products.
    .-= knownever’s last blog post… Candied Almonds =-.

    Reply
  22. lily says

    April 17th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    i’m on the east cost (CVS heavy area), but i found an in-store coupon on the box that’s for $5 off. for $10, i totally bought it to try it out.

    Reply
  23. Rosie says

    April 19th, 2010 at 7:00 am

    Madonna episode tonight!

    Reply
  24. Kristen says

    April 19th, 2010 at 7:25 am

    I really like the finish of this – it looks way better than drugstore-quality makeup!
    .-= Kristen’s last blog post… Recession Beauty – Drugstore Beauty Finds, Part 3: Haircare =-.

    Reply
  25. jojoba (My Makeup Reviews) says

    May 25th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    oh this is very interesting. i have to check it out. it looks really natural and lovely on you.
    by the way, my blog roll went wonky for months and i deleted a lot of blog that weren’t blogspot and yours went along with it. 🙁 but now i am back on track and i added you, finally! it was hell for me. but i am glad i am back.
    .-= jojoba (My Makeup Reviews)’s last blog post… Review: Dr. Hauschka Lipsticks (01 Amoroso, 02 Legato, 03 Giocoso, 04 Mezzoforte, 06 Fortissimo, 07 Adagio, 09 Dolce, 11 Effetuoso) =-.

    Reply
  26. Stavroula Plag says

    June 29th, 2010 at 4:43 am

    Great review!!!! I’m gonna get it!!! 🙂
    .-= Stavroula Plag’s last blog post… Random Tip of the Day =-.

    Reply

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Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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