A Summertime Classic...

There is just something about summer...the sunshine, the cool breezes (when you are lucky!) and just being outside more...it is glorious. And every year without a doubt I want my make-up to look fun and summery and just glowy.

So every year I go back to Sephora and get a new eyeshadow. And by new, I simply mean a replacement for my go-to summer shadow combo. Because once I found this baby I never looked back when it came to my summer eyeshadow needs.

Eye Shadow Trio in Bronze Glow by Stila Cosmetics - $ 28 (Sephora, Sephora.com and Stila counters nationwide)

This shadow is in a word - magnificent. I never thought that the colors would look good on me - I am a very pale Irish gal with blue eyes and freckles. However, this trio is one of the best color combos on my ever. It makes my eyes pop, my skin glow- it even makes my hair look good!

I can wear one of the colors or all three at once and Stila's makeup magic makes the color sheer and saturated and blendable all at the same time. Seriously, if you are looking for a good summer shadow combo and you don't have a ton to spend- this is the way to go. For $28 you get three awesome colors to mix and match.

Plus, if you go to Sephora and try this color combo (Bronze Glow) and are not blown away on your skin tone - there are two other trios - Champagne Glow and Gold Glow - Each as equally awesome as the bronze.

For a night out on the town, any of these combos mixed with the Stila Smudge Pots will deliver you the smooth smokey eye you only dreamed possible. And of course, just because it is summer and we all want to be bronze - it doesn't mean that this shadow can't travel to fall/winter because believe me when I say I have used it plenty in those seasons as well.

And just in case you needed one more thing to prove the awesomeness of the Bronze Glow - it is sold out on the Stila website! People love this trio! So get your butt to Sephora before they are all gone!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

The Bronze Medal

WOW is it hot outside! Thankfully most of us don't notice (too much) since we are inside glued to the television and the glorious Summer Olympics. We all love it. The competition, the pageantry, the medals. And even though at the 29th Summer Olympiad the Bronze is considered third place, in the hearts and minds of many a BGND reader, bronze is the place to be.

For some reason, bronzer has only really taken off in the past five to ten years. Maybe it is the realization by many that tanning beds are beyond silly or maybe it is just the natural curiosity to be a slightly more glam version of yourself. Whatever the reason, bronzer is a HUGE seller in the beauty market and for at least the time being, is here to stay.

Now truth be told, I am not a huge fan of bronzer. However, if you are someone who longs for a sun-kissed glow bronzer is probably a main-stay in your make-up bag whatever the time of year. So today I am going to talk about some bronzers that I recommend as being the best. I may not love to bronze, but I can appreciate it for those who do. The following are three bronzers I recommend in order of slightest bronze (for those just testing the waters) to the bronzer for a gal looking to skip the tanning bed but still get that "I've been sunning on the beaches of Hawaii" look.

For the gal just starting out:

Clinique Up- Lighting Liquid Illuminator - $22.50 (Sephora and Department Stores Nationwide, Online at Clinique.com)

Now this is the one bronzer that I do own. It is a glorious light liquid that adds just a hint of sheen to your face. It comes in many colors so there is a level of bronze for everyone. The main reason I like this bronzer is because it is great for someone like me who doesn't want to be bronzed but does like a little glow to their face. Sometimes I mix it in with my face lotion for an all-over glow, or just dab a bit on my cheeks or on my brow-bone for a bit of gloss. And the bottle will last you for a while since a little of this lotion goes a long way.

For the gal looking for a bit more color:

Hoola by Benefit - $28 (Benefit Counters and Sephora nationwide, Online at Benefit.com)

As most of you BGND readers know, I love Benefit. Their Dandelion powder has been in my arsenal for years. Hoola is essentially the bronzer version of that. I love Hoola because it is a fool-proof bronzer. Good for everyone wanting to dabble in bronzer but afraid to end up looking like a muddled mess. It glides on smoothly, gives subtle color and allows you to decide how dark you want your faux tan to be. Use it without fear of looking like you plopped an entire pancake of bronzer on your face.

For the Pro:

Nars Bronzing Powder - $29 (Sephora nationwide or Online at Narscosmetics.com)

One of the most popular bronzers out there for a reason. Apply this correctly and your skin will look even, smooth and tan. For most skin tones, Laguna is the color to go with but if you want to try it out before you buy ($30 is a lot for an "accessory" make-up as I like to call them) then pop into your local Sephora and try it out. Sometimes you can find Nars at Bath and Body Works as well.

So there you have it. My choices for the best bronzers out there. Glow girls glow!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND