I had never seen the fascination with You Tube until I found out what it was all about. It all started when I was looking for makeup inspiration for an upcoming summer wedding abroad and through google search I discovered the likes of Tanya Burr and Pixiwoo, and reacquainted myself with the legend that is Lisa Eldridge. Fast forward to now, I blame You Tube and beauty bloggers for the majority of my outgoings from my disposable income.
One product that I have been very curious about and one that has had mixed reactions is the Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base. Its one of those products that you don’t often come across with many brands (Bourjois do a Bronzing Primer which I think is a similar product), which is why I have always been quite intrigued. It also only comes in one shade which added to my curiosity…”Could one shade fit all?”
I took the opportunity to try the product when I booked myself into Chanel for the Ultimate Makeup Lesson (read about my experience here). After seeing how easy the Chanel MUA applied it to my face and how subtle the product and colour looked it, I decided that I had to have it. Although, it can be worn under your foundation (I have yet to try this), it is basically what I would call a cream bronzer and you can apply it as you would a regular powdered bronzer (although it can look quite intimidating in the pot).
The key with this product is to blend it in well (no hard lines or harsh edges) and to use it sparingly, otherwise you run the risk of looking like an Oompa Lompa (unless of course that’s the look you’re going for). I like to contour with it, with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, buffing it in using small circular motions just as I would a foundation but I am careful to stay within the confines of the contouring zone i.e. under the cheekbones, up the temples, across the top of my forehead (close along the hairline) and along the jawline. The solid cream formulation is a silky in texture and blends ever so easily, and looks ever so beautiful. It can be applied quite sheer, or layered to build up more intensity without caking in skin. The end result is a beautifully sun-kissed look like you’ve just come back from a sunny, hot weekend away. I can imagine on a paler skin, it could come off slightly orange so do apply with a light hand and blend, blend, blend.
You don’t need this product in your life but if you’re looking to switch up your current makeup routine and to try something different from the usual suspects i.e. Nars Laguna/ Benefit Hoola/ (insert your powdered bronzer here) I would definately recommend this product. At around £31.00, it’s not cheap but a little goes a long way so it should last you ages (I use mine quite often but I’ve barely made a dent). So if you fancy treating yourself, I’d get down to the nearest Chanel stockist and ask one of the sales consultants to test it out on you and see how you like it. Try before you buy especially at this price point.
Have you tried the Soleil Tan De Chanel? Or even the Bourjois Paris Bronzing Primer? I’d be curious to know how the two compare and whether the Bourjois one can be considered a dupe.