Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo: Review + Swatches

I'm on a total bronzer kick right now, and one of the new bronzers I've been using is the Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo. This is new in their Nude Beach collection and features two red-toned brown shades. I've always heard that in order to "fake" your best tan with makeup, you should use the colors you naturally tan to, and I tan a little red. I wanted to try this duo to see if a bronzer with more red in it would give me a natural sunkissed look when dusted on the high points of my face.

The two colors in this duo are very similar. One is a matte brown with red undertones, the other is a copper brown with a slight shimmer to it.

The two shades of this duo vary in formulation. The left side has decent pigmentation and is a little bit more "dry" feeling, but still workable. The right shade is very pigmented and smooth. Between the two, I prefer the color on the right-- I can tell this one will be getting the majority of use in the duo. I found that with a light hand, it looks quite natural on my complexion! I still prefer a more true golden bronzer for contouring, but these work really nicely lightly dusted on my cheeks, nose, and forehead for a sun-kissed look. I found that these colors also work nicely as a bronzy blush.

The Bobbi Brown Face & Body Duo retails for $42 and can be purchased at Bobbi Brown counters as well as online.

Overall, I have somewhat mixed feelings about this powder. I'm really only in love with half of it (don't you hate when that happens?). I will get use out of both sides, but part of me wishes I could have bought the right shade individually, as I'll be using that one most. However, reddish bronzers are a little difficult to find, so if you are in the market for one, you may be really pleased with this one!

What is your favorite summer bronzer?
xx, Allison