Bronzer, oh how I love thee!
Out of everything in my make-up bag, nothing transforms my skin quite like it. As someone with a perpetually grey-toned complexion (the joys of being Irish), I take real joy in its transformative powers. Just a light sweep across the apples of my cheeks, the bridge of my nose and into the hairline is enough to pep up my skin beautifully. Find a good one and I look like I’ve spent the morning basking in the Med as opposed to fighting for my life on the Victoria line.
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried more than my fair share of bronzers. Westman Atelier’s Glow Drops promised 'instant summer skin' and they really delivered. And of course, like every other beauty journalist, I’m loyal to Chanel’s iconic cream bronzer- the one every make-up artist under the sun swears by.
In recent years, liquid and cream bronzers have definitely reigned supreme with powders seemingly taking a bit of a back seat. But when I spotted a rise in Google searches for a certain classic this morning- Guerlain’s- I was reminded there’s still a rightful place for a bronzing powder. Especially one as revered as Guerlain’s. This is, after all, the brand that put tanning powders on the map when it launched Terracotta in 1984. It became an instant best-seller.
So naturally, I decided this was the perfect time to become reacquainted with an old classic. But in a world of new launches all claiming to be the best - does it still live up to the hype?
What does Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder do?
It delivers 'a true-to-skin bronzed glow.' Designed to make light work of dialling up the bronze, it’s infused with luminescent shimmer pigments to provide that elusive lit-from-within radiance. There are skincare benefits too- like nourishing Moroccan argan oil, which adds moisture and keeps skin hydrated over time.
Shop: Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
www.selfridges.com
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'The texture is beautiful. It's soft and silky with a velvety quality. It blends with ease and makes building up the product feel effortless. For me, the finish hits that rare sweet spot between matte and luminous. And let me be clear- I loathe glitter in face products. Nothing is more unflattering, and why brands insist in putting chunks of it in formulas is beyond me. Thankfully, this has just a whisper of of the stuff- the subtlest gleam that catches the light beautifully. Sunlit in the morning, candlelit by evening. Stunning.'
Pros
- Buildable colour
- Made with hydrating ingredients
- Long-lasting
Cons
- The biggest risk with powdered products is dropping them - don't!
- An investment buy
How to apply the Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder?
In my experience, Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder works best when paired with a large, fluffy brush. I dip in lightly, tap off any excess, and sweep it over the high points of the face where the sun would naturally hit. It’s richly pigmented, so a light hand is key. If I want to tie the look together and go full bronze goddess (what can I say, I'm my own hype woman), I take a smaller fluffy brush and sweep it across my eyelids too. This creates the most beautiful, cohesive warmth.
Our verdict:
Rachael Martin, Beauty Director, says:
'Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! First off, the practicality. After years of battling with bronzers without mirrors, the joy of having one built into this compact cannot be overstated. It makes on-the-go application a dream. The compact itself is a thing of beauty, too. It's a rich, transparent brown subtly embossed with the Guerlain logo - it's all incredibly chic, and I'm already excited about nonchalantly taking it out of my bag. My first impression of the formula? It’s pigmented. Very pigmented. Just the lightest touch gives a deep, warm glow, so take your time and build it slowly. That’s when I see the best results.
The texture is beautiful too. It's soft and silky with a velvety quality. It blends with ease and makes building up the product feel effortless. For me, the finish hits that rare sweet spot between matte and luminous. And let me be clear- I loathe glitter in face products. Nothing is more unflattering, and why brands insist in putting chunks of it in formulas is beyond me. Thankfully, this has just a whisper of of the stuff- the subtlest gleam that catches the light beautifully. Sunlit in the morning, candlelit by evening. Stunning.
Final thoughts
This is a cult classic for good reason - and not just because it looks chic in my handbag. Crucially, the finish looks like a natural tan - a my skin but better radiance. Guerlain has proven why it remains golden (quite literally) all these years later.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism