MAKE UP FOR EVER | PRO BRONZE FUSION

I believe that my brain is hard-wired to think about heat, sun & beaches (I am a July baby, after all) and with January coming to a close (which means warmer temps are now within reach), my thoughts naturally turn to giving my skin a sunkissed glow. With all the bronzer options available in the marketplace today, powder versions are still the easiest (as well as most portable) way to go, and MAKE UP FOR EVER has managed to elevate this ubiquitous makeup staple by creating Pro Bronze Fusion (available in 6 shades and 2 finishes: natural matte & iridescent) and then reinventing the genre in a unique gel-powder formula. Pasty skin, you’ve met your match. Literally.

Housed in a slim-profiled bronze coloured compact (that also has a full-sized mirror on the inner lid – great for on the go touchups), the powder displays an undulating wave pattern with what appears to be a Greek Key detail on the surface. In opposition to powder bronzers with their softer formulation, the surface of the Pro Fusion Bronzer is actually quite dense and almost ‘hard’, making the use of a traditionally fluffy bronzer brush rather redundant. A flat headed and dense kabuki brush (such as the one shown here and which is meant for use with these bronzers) is definitely the way to go.

As with other bronzing powders, these ‘develop’ once applied; after initial application, I suggest waiting a few minutes before adding more as the heat and natural oils of your skin may intensify the product. The formula of Pro Bronze Fusion is really lightweight and so incredibly fine-milled, that a seamless application – especially when used in conjunction with the kabuki brush – is 100% goof-proof and just so easy to achieve. Lasting power especially over foundation, is excellent with the colour staying true (zero oxidation noticed) and without any significant fading, until removed. NOTE: With continued use, you may notice that the surface of the powder seems to fuse; that is a result of the brush picking up your skin’s natural oils and then transferring them to the powder. While this doesn’t alter the effectiveness of the bronzer, it doesn’t look too pretty – but worry not, as the issue is easily solved by simply taking a piece of Scotch tape and lightly pressing it to the powder’s surface. This picks up any ‘gelled’ sections and restores your bronzer to its original look.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | #136 Pro Bronze Kabuki Brush

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Pro Bronze Fusion swatches

20M Natural Matte Sand (CAN $42.00) | Even though this is one of 3 matte shades, it’s not the flat & dull variety the word might imply, but holds a light sheen for a very realistic effect. Can also be used for light contouring (again, making for a more natural look). One of two shades in this finish that’s deal for medium skin tones.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 20M Natural Matte Sand Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 20M Natural Matte Sand Pro Bronze Fusion (detail)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 20M Natural Matte Sand Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 20M Natural Matte Sand Pro Bronze Fusion swatches

25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon (CAN $42.00) | When I think of ‘iridescent’, a prismatic glow comes to mind and not necessarily something I’d want in a bronzer. Thankfully, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s idea of iridescence is not only much more wearable, but so beautifully crafted as well. Displaying a lovely warmth, this shade can be worn alone for a sun kissed glow or layered with the matte shade for even more depth of tone. One of two shades in this finish that are suitable for medium skin tones.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon Pro Bronze Fusion (detail)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon Pro Bronze Fusion

MAKE UP FOR EVER | 25I Soft Iridescent Cinnamon Pro Bronze Fusion swatches

Sometimes having too many options can be overwhelming, but MAKE UP FOR EVER, the brand that has mastered the art of definitive makeup artistry, makes the process ridiculously easy with these bronzers. The gel-powder formula of each Pro Bronze Fusion means it can be worn as a light wash of colour, or dialled up for more intensity – and therefore catering to a broader variety of skin tones that the 6 varieties available might imply. Genius in its simplicity, I tell you.

MAKE UP FOR EVER products are available through Sephora and sephora.ca locations across Canada. Find more information via www.makeupforever.com