Friday, October 12, 2012

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Aruba review + swatches


         It's that time of year when the sun's rays fall obliquely and the pressing warmth of summer has since faded. Soon complexions will lose their summer glow in favor of a winter pallor. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Aruba is beautiful transition piece from my collection that helps hold onto that healthy glow for just a little bit longer.



         Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Aruba is packaged in shiny circular black packaging with medium weight. The package is opened by pressing the mechanical release button. While this is fancy, it does run the risk of breaking, leaving you with a product that won't close. This happened to me soon after purchase; fortunately customer service replaced my item, and it has been ok since. That said, I hope Bobbi will consider changing the packaging to either a magnetic or regular closure.


          Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Aruba is the lightest of the illuminating bronzers. It's finely milled light golden bronze that applies smoothly as you would expect of Bobbi's powder products. You can see it's lighter than a traditional bronzer such as NARS Laguna. Bobbi Brown Aruba is lighter and less orange than Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Buff. It's a similar color to Laura Geller Baked Body FrostingTahitian Glow (reviewed here), but significantly less frosty.


         Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Aruba adds a gentle warmth to the face. It's a sunlit caress, not an over-baked scorch. Aruba is like an illuminator / bronzer hybrid; it would show up best on fair skin tones and may disappear on medium ones. It's just the type of color that would help hold onto the remnants of a summer glow. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzers or Bronzers? What is your favorite fall bronzer?

Love, Dovey. 

15 comments:

  1. makeup forever mat bronzer #2!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That looks pretty Dovey! I'm still in love with my Dior Aurora for a light warmth. For a little more of a glow I like Edward Bess Daydream.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tracy, I think Dior Aurora is one of the best ever :)

      Delete
  3. I've never tried the Bobbi Brown bronzer, the opening seems to be a bit risky. That sort of thing isn't always on the forefront of my mind when I buy beauty products, so it is good that you pointed it out. At the moment I am loving the Clinique Superbalanced bronzer, I like shaving a fresh bit off every morning to brighten up my face :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Emma, I'm glad it was useful for you! I'm not too familiar with Superbalanced, but I think I have seen the ads. Shaving sounds fun (and hygienic too!)

      Delete
  4. The bronzer looks really nice on your skintone. I have tried BB bronzer, they are ok to me but my favourite is still Guerlain Terra Azzurra, Blonde and Dior Sunset. Whenever there is a new bronzer that appeals to me I am so tempted to get it but I know I probably will never finish one, I just need the tiniest bit of product, well I guess that my love for good quality products and packaging, lol / Claire

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claire, I doubt I'll ever finish a bronzer either. Guerlains are known to be wonderful, so I'll definitely take your word on that!

      Delete
  5. I wanted to try Bobbi Brown permanent range bronzer but I am afraid it doesn't blend well. I like this color, it looks very natural, however I am not sure about the shimmer though. I prefer a matte finish bronzer :) Nonetheless, this is worth trying :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi memoiselle, I used to have a matte bronzer from Bobbi that worked pretty well for me. I should dig it up sometime!

      Delete
  6. I own and use this BB Bronzer regularly (beginning to get pan peaking through the bottom) and have no major complaints; however, my compact broke quickly after purchase, too. I cannot travel with it or throw it in my bag which is a nuisance. As for the shimmer, I agree with other readers that sometimes you just want matte (for fair skin try BB Bronzer in Medium). I have pretty pale skin (NARS Siberia and Finland) which can look dull even after exfoliation, so the slight glow does help put life back into this face. All in all, this products works for me. Thanks for the great Blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dorinda, congratulations on the pan! I don't know if I'll ever get there! I'm glad you wrote about your experience; it does seem to be somewhat common. I'm baffled as to why BB doesn't change the packaging. Thanks for the comment and the bronzer rec!

      Delete
  7. Love the look of this and love your blog - it's just beautiful!

    Nic x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dovey! This looks like a pretty color!! I don't have a bobbi brown bronzer but I think i would get medium or the shade that is lighter in the matte range. I love guerlain bronzers too... the 4 seasons one is fun because you can vary shades for the season! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I truly enjoy hearing your thoughts!

Comments are moderated to prevent spam. Please note that links, promotions, and offensive / irrelevant / questionable comments will be deleted at my discretion.