Musings on Diorskin Nude Tan # 002

This summer, for some unknown reason, I actually tanned a little bit. This didn't come without effort! I had to (HAD TO, poor Annick!) lie on the beach several weekends in a row in order to get any color. And yes, you can absolutely tan with sunscreen.

Sadly, I haven't gone in about a month because a) I'm too busy and b) it hasn't really been nice enough. Because I'm not really into self tanning (even if I should) I've been resorting to bronzers to hold on to my mini-tan as long as I can.

While I had previously been using the Diorskin Nude Tan in 002 as a contour powder/blush, I have recently been using it as an all over face bronzer/powder and have been loving it! It's the perfect shade to add a little bit of color to my skintone in a very natural way. I apply this generously under my cheekbones (or sometimes as a blush), and then use a the leftovers for my nose, chin and temples.

One of the nice things about this product is that the packaging is so luxurious that it's truly a treat to use. Plus, there's a massive mirror inside the compact which makes this a perfect addition to a makeup bag.

From the swatch, you can tell the powder is quite natural looking and it couldn't make me look like a streaky mess even if applied generously. It's quite light in texture as well, so I don't look like I've caked on the powder either - it sits beautifully on the skin because it has the tiniest amount of shimmer. It makes me look like I have a light tan, or I've spend the weekend in the sun. And that is just awesome.

I wouldn't suggest the Diorskin Nude Tan in 002#  if you're looking for a serious contour powder - you might have more success with NARS Laguna or MAC Sculpt. They do carry darker shades, but in my experience they pull a bit orange and wouldn't work as well as a contour powder. The darker shades would look fabulous if you're looking to bronze up your skin though!

When I first got this product, I was a bit disappointed that it didn't show up too much on my skin and I pretty much only used it as a light contour powder or blush. I'm so happy I've found more uses for the Diorskin Nude Tan and hope to stretch my face tan well into October with it!

Thank you for reading friends!

Battle of the Bronzers/Contour powders! A peek in my collection!

While some people think of them as an absolute must in their daily makeup routines, the use of bronzer or contour powder is usually done when thought of, or for a special occasion on my part. I just don't always think to put it on, even though with my round-ish face, it would do me a favor to remember.

My skin tone is so pale and pinky/neutral that I find they often make me look yellow. It took a lot of research and reading up of reviews in order to be satisfied with the small collection I've acquired. I must say, I really love every one of them in a different way. 

From bottom left to right, clockwise: Dior Diorskin Nude Tan 002, Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light, NYX Blush in 11 Taupe, Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Disobey, NARS Laguna Bronzer, MAC Pro Pan Blush in Harmony.

 NARS Laguna is showing pan!

From left to right: Sleek Contour Kit in Light, Diorskin Nude Tan in 002, NYX Taupe, MAC Harmony, Illamasqua Disobey, NARS Laguna.

As you can see from the swatches, they are quite different from each other. I tend to prefer the look of ashier or neutral brown powders on my skin tone such as the Sleek Contour Kit, and NARS Laguna for contouring the cheekbones. Laguna is my only contour/bronzing powder with significant shimmer but as stated by many bloggers before me, this shimmer is actually quite subtle on the skin, and does not interfere with its function as a contour powder. If not blended properly, especially since it is so pigmented, NYX Taupe can look dirty on my skin tone. I really like it for a night out because it gives a realistic and quite deep looking shadow to the hollows of my cheekbones - however, I don't think I'd use this everyday other than with an extremely light hand. I use the Diorskin Nude Tan Powder to create an overall glow (as it does contain a bit of light shimmer), rather than a specific contour. It's excellent for that purpose since it isn't too pigmented, and blends wonderfully into foundation. MAC Harmony works very well as a contour powder, or as a blush. It is a bit pinker than most of my contour shades, but I find this works especially well if used to contour without any blush to my face - it adds a bit of healthy color to it. Illamaqua Disobey tends to lean more yellow and is more suitable for my skin tone in the summer - the softness of this powder is amazing, and incredibly easy to blend. It's also a great color to blend in the eye socket to soften the edges of a dark eye makeup look.

Hope this comparison was somewhat helpful for you! Bronzers and contour powders are tricky - not every bronzer/contour shade will suit every coloring! The best thing to do is to test them out before purchasing - and don't be afraid to return something if it doesn't work for you!

What are your favorite bronzers/contour colors?  I'm curious to know what works for you!