Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders are among my favorites for a soft, smooth and diffused look. This formula has been around for years but I wanted to give it some love with a post as many of you have asked for recommendations on natural looking bronzing powders and I this is what I often recommend. There are four Bronze powder options and one Highlight color. I’ve used the Matte Radiance Baked Powder Bronze 02 the most. Sometimes when I’m tan it almost matches my skintone and I can use it as a cheek finishing product to add warmth. Right now I still use Bronze 02. Compared to this time last year when we were in Florida (as seen here and here) I’m lighter in skintone although I still have a tan. This year I’ve actively spent less time in the sun, pool and ocean so I haven’t tanned quite as much. If you’re looking for a natural bronzer or something to help extend your summer glow in a natural way, the Baked Powders from Laura Mercier are a great powder to look into.
Top Row: Highlight 01, Bronze 01, Bronze 02
Bottom Row: Compact, Bronze 03, Bronze 04
The Matte Radiance Baked Powders are described as an ultra smooth baked powder with a soft matte radiance. This describes it perfectly. The texture is baked and comes in a dome shape. Powders are on the powdery side in the pan but they apply perfectly on the face for a very soft glow. Concept is similar in texture to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, but the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance powders come in matte flesh-like soft tan shades while the Hourglass matte options are really pale in color.
There are four Bronze shades 01, 02, 03 and 04. I feel 01 and 02 are nearly identical with 02 being a little more cool-toned. You can use any brush to apply. I’ve used anything from a fan brush, bronzer brush, powder brush to sweep across the face. The Bronze colors are matte with a tiny bit of glow, but no shimmer. Then there is one Highlight 01 shade which is described as a “golden nude” but to me on my olive complexion it’s more of a pale champagne ivory. You can find this in a mini in a lot of the Sephora Favorites sets. Right now it’s available in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow. The minis actually last quite a long time. I’ve used mine for years now and just decided to buy the full size. Highlight 01 is definitely shimmery but it melts into the skin for a less-frosty shimmer compared to other highlighters like the Face Illuminators or Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors.
Lasting power is excellent. I think it’s ideal for any climate, in particular with the Florida heat + humidity I’m really impressed how they stay put and stay looking matte for hours.
Bronze 01
________________
Bronze 02
________________
Bronze 03
________________
Bronze 04
________________
Highlight 01
________________
Swatches, comparisons and a look at Bronze 02 on the face.
Swatch comparisons of the lighter bronzers 01 and 02 to Becca Sunlit Bronzer in Bali Sands and Capri Coast (both reviewed here). Also a swatch next to Benefit Hoola Lite.
Highlight swatch comparisons to NARS Fort de France (review here), Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion and Devotion, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors in Opal, Moonstone and Pearl (reviewed here).
Beauty look with Highlight 01, also wearing:
- Foundation: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation* in Buff
- Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Pressed Powder 02
- Cheeks: Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight 01
- Eyeshadow: Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold + NARS Eyeshadow Quad Mojave* (review here)
- Eyeliner: MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack
- Mascara: Hourglass Caution Extreme Mascara* (review here)
- Brows: NARS Brow Perfector in Komo* (swatches of all shades here)
- Lips: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color in Lychee Parfait + Lip Glace in Bare Baby
- Brush shown: Laura Mercier Bronzer Brush*
Beauty look with Bronze 02, everything same as above, just no highlighter, just Bronze 02:
Bottom line I think they’re perfect. I can wear either Bronze 01 and 02 to add a soft glow to the face. They’re really impossible to overdo. I did try out Bronze 03 and 04, they’re both too dark for my complexion right now, but since summer usually lasts until November in Florida there’s a chance I will get more of a tan and need to go up in a color.
You can find the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powders at all counters now. Available online at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.
If you’re interested in sets you can find the Highlight 01 Mini in the Sephora Favorites Sunkissed Glow Set. These sets usually change seasonally. There is also a gorgeous Rose Glow Radiance Collection with a full size of Highlight 01 with a few other beauty items. Have you tried these yet? What’s your favorite natural looking bronzer?
Matte Radiance Bronze 01, 03 and 04 provided courtesy of Laura Mercier for review. Bronze 02 and Highlight 01 purchased by me. Other press samples featured indicated with a *.
