I haven't been fortunate when it comes to the recent bronzers I've picked up...the last three bronzing compacts I've owned have all smashed somehow halfway due to random accidents. My Yves Rocher bronzing powder duo *sniff* dropped at my cousin's wedding, now phased out locally, my Topshop matte bronzer in Mohawk from the UK that fell before I got to review it (fell off a desk during a job, I've pressed it back into the compact but it's a mess to work with), and my last one which was a heartbreaker, none other than the Pixi Shape and Shadow contour compact (which is awesome by the way). I've picked up a new one from the department store that's mid-range to affordable in pricing.
CATRICE Sun Glow Matte Bronzing Powder 020 Deep Bronze (Darker Skin...umm, but not really) Php399.00 SM Beauty
Accidents have recently happened to my favorite bronzers when I'm not even halfway in, but never to my blush or powder compacts...strange. God bless and protect this next one. I don't have the budget anymore for something high end and I spotted this Matte Bronzing Powder by Catrice for Darker Skin (which ironically is suitable for medium to fair skin), in SM immediately and swatched it. I'm pretty glad I did, because it's wonderful. Read on for the full post.
Mom and I both had a look at the Catrice Sun Glow Matt bronzer in the compact and the first thing she said was "It looks like MAC Harmony...". It does remind me of Harmony in shade level but to be specific this is has way less of a pink undertone and is slightly earthier. Pardon the stiff faces by the way, we were in a rush to leave and I barely squeezed this shoot in.
9.5g/0.33 oz. Made in Poland
I appreciate the absence of visible shimmer in this bronzer, but it holds a secret...it isn't actually 100% matte, just matte enough for you to think it's matte. When you swatch and look extremely close and I mean...REALLY CLOSE...there is micro shimmer that helps deliver a satin glow that isn't chalky. You will not see the micro sheen in the pan, you need to swatch heavily and inspect the swatch to really see it. The micro shimmer helps catch the light just enough without visible glint or sparkle, helping impart a bronze-y glow.
I've applied more product than I would usually wear just so you can spot the difference and tone of the bronzer. It's warm to be sure but you won't turn into an orange mess. I've also applied it as eyeshadow which is more evident in the before shot.
It looks pretty good on doesn't it? It does a bit of warming and defining for the face in almost equal measure. The texture is silky with minimal fallout only when you energetically work a brush in. This bronzer would suit medium to fair skin tones but is too light for truly darker skin, which ironically is what it is labeled for. The only thing this lacks is a mirror, but I can live without it to have it at this price.
The cost for this Catrice bronzer I got from SM Aura's beauty department (should also be available at Megamall or SM Makati) is a reasonable Php399 for 9.5 grams of product, more or less the same amount of product contained in an old favorite compact of mine by Rock & Republic which in my opinion was from one of the most beautiful discontinued ornate blush ranges ever from the previous decade, and the formula was good...random reminiscing right there, sorry I strayed. Sometimes we drift.