Givenchy is one of those brands that while in the realm of high end beauty, somehow manages to also fly under the radar, but here’s the thing: once you start delving into their range, it can very quickly turn into an obsession. A perfect example of what I’m referring to are the Les Saison Healthy Glow Powder and Mister Radiant Bronzer Healthy Glow Gel reviewed here today – products that aim to provide a glow but in the most luxuriously understated way. Then there’s the details: stars and beads … need I say more?
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Made in Italy and housed in the brand’s signature black lacquered casing with rose gold logo detailing on the lid, iconic stud closure, along with a full-sized mirror on the inner lid and the surface of the powder bearing a raised star pattern. The first thing to note, is that this is not a pressed product but in fact a ‘gel powder’ in a baked format. Formerly known as Givenchy Croisière, this is a talc-free powder that is airy-light, feeling soft and almost creamy to the touch (when pressing fingers upon the surface), although don’t let the somewhat hard-seeming texture fool you; putting a brush to the surface may appear like it’s not yielding much product but that’s only because there is zero powdery kickback in return (i.e.: no waste). Worth noting is that these powders are also unscented, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
With five shades to now choose from (the two shown here are new), these powders have not only been created to suit a broad range of skin tones, but the range can take your faux glow from the start all the way to the dog days of Summer.
01 Première Saison (CAN $60) | The lightest shade in the range, this is best suited for those with the fairest complexions to help achieve a natural looking bronze-y glow, although it can also be made to work on light-medium skin tones — but less in a bronzer capacity and more along the lines of a glowy setting powder (as in that ‘bonne mine‘ or healthy glow effect). The texture has been created in such a way, as to not only lay seamlessly upon the skin once applied, but to also provide a natural luminosity without any noticeable sheen; picture that healthy glow your skin takes on from a day spent walking along the beach, to give you a more accurate idea.
03 Ambre Saison (CAN $60) | The darker of the two and perfectly suited for light-medium to medium complexions, the texture is so incredibly refined that even the über-pale can get away with using this shade as a bronzer (albeit, applied with a lighter hand). Both powders display an excellent blendability and as with all such bronzers, it’s best to start with a light layer then wait a couple of minutes before adding more, as the product will ‘develop‘ once it begins merging with your skin’s natural warmth and oils, becoming slightly deeper in tone. Staying power (over foundation) is solid, staying true without any oxidation until removed, with minimal fading noticed.
Mister Radiant Bronzer Healthy Glow Gel (CAN $48) | A unique gel bronzing product in a transparent base filled with 3-toned microspheres, aimed at creating a made-to-measure and totally weightless glow. The initial feel is somewhat cool to the touch and once applied, this product dries down completely non-sticky. The brown and light yellow microspheres in the formula contain pigments and pearls to provide skin with glowy colour, while the dark yellow microspheres contain an antioxidant-active Vitamin E derivative.
As there isn’t much information out there on application techniques (and my press info didn’t supply anything either), so I basically figured things out via experimentation. There are a few ways to wear this gel; applied on bare skin for the most natural-appearing sunkissed glow, or over foundation to add strategic warmth in key areas such as where the sun would naturally hit. Regardless of how you opt to wear it, the best way to start is by squeezing some product onto your fingers, squeezing them together to burst first the microspheres, then going in with the actual application part. The good thing is that you can layer this to achieve your shade preferred depth without worrying about any heavy feel upon the skin, as this is truly THE lightest-weight bronzing product you will ever wear. One thing to note: if applying over foundation, first start with a patting motion on the skin before going in with more usual blending, to ensure your foundation doesn’t move around too much underneath.
I love bronzers — especially once warmer weather starts to roll around, and while there are days when I prefer a full-on intense and even showy kind of glow, there are also times when I want something more understated. That’s where both the Givenchy Healthy Glow Powders and Mister Radiant Bronzer come in, and if you’re into a more natural-looking glow, then stop whatever you’re presently using and check these out. The Mister Radiant Bronzer is not without its learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes one of the most fun products you’ll ever apply to your face, not to mention giving skin that lit-from-within kind of glow. Final verdict? Positively LOVE.
Available exclusively at Sephora and Givenchybeauty.com
Kindly provided by Givenchy for my bronzing pleasure/As always, all opinions are my own
