Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée

One of the hotly anticipated Summer collections every beautista eagerly looks forward to, is most definitely from Estée Lauder and this year’s Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection (available as of April at select counters nationwide), will no doubt set many hearts aflutter (and the grabby hands a-grabbing). I was recently invited to a media preview event where I was able to peruse the collection in person and even got the chance to play with the various pieces (spoiler alert: you will want them ALL), and I immediately fell hard for the undisputed star of the group, the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée (CAN $44.00/Limited Edition), a mermaid-worthy compact, if ever there was one.

*The bronzer palette shown in the photo further down the post, is said to be a Sephora exclusive

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection Summer 2015

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée

Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée, Limited Edition | Unlike other gel bronzer powders released from Estée Lauder from previous collections, the catchword for the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is ‘subtle’, with none of the almost metallic reflection of earlier incarnations (such as that of Shimmering Sands and Topaz Chameleon, both of which I do own, but so rarely wear due to their high voltage shine). Coming in a clamshell compact that bears a gorgeous tortoiseshell pattern – while the actual product displays a radiating wave-rippled surface, the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is rose-gold coloured and ultra-finely milled, all in a gel based formula that applies whisper soft along the skin, leaving a sun kissed glow behind and providing a gentle radiance with just a hint of colour. Interestingly, any shimmer found here is ground so tiny, that no one speck stands out; rather, this is the best example of a glow-providing face powder that I’ve come across to date.

With both cool and warm tints in the base, this lightweight bronzer will suit many skin tones along the spectrum; those with fair to light complexions will find that the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée will work great in the bronzer capacity, as this soft peachy shade cannot be overdone, while medium to darker skin tones might find this works more effectively as a neutral highlighter instead. Definitely not meant to be glaringly obvious (think: the glow your skin gets from a day spent at the beach — under full sun protection, of course), you can also layer this with your usual bronzer for a multidimensional effect which also provides a stunning boost of warm radiance. Staying power is about average for this type of product (between 7-9 hours), although that can be extended if applied over foundation or combined with a regular bronzer.

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée, applied heavily & blended out

I have a total weakness for bronzers and highlighters, and even though the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is not the product I’ll grab when I want that deeper faux-glow, it is nonetheless the powder I’ve been reaching for lately for that finishing touch to my daily makeup — whether as a light wash of overall colour, or in strategic areas of the face for emphasis (upper cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, temples – even decolleté). Personally, I feel that what makes this product truly stand out, is not only how beautiful it applies as well as how natural it looks & feels upon the skin, but the unique rose-gold colour … totally on trend and absolutely perfect. I suspect that from the entire Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection, this will be the item that sells out first when it hits counters. You’ve been fairly warned.

Available at select Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and Sears Estée Lauder counters across Canada, starting early April. Find more information on the brand via esteelauder.ca