Although the word “matte” were banded around (still not a fan), I decided the pros (light, non drying, non cakey) outweighed the cons (matte). Plus, since the terrible incident of December ’08 where my Mac Select Sheer fell on the toilet floor in a club and smashed into a million pieces, I desperately did need a new pressed powder!
This is what the Bourjois website said about Bourjois Mineral Radiance:
“For a matte, yet radiant complexion
Micronized mineral powders in a hot pressed formula. Incredibly fine, lightweight and non-drying texture for a matte, flawless and natural skin.
Radiance boosting quartz and purified mineral pigments for a luminous complexion.
Formula enriched and anti-oxidant vitamin E that repsects your skin.”
My interpretation of this description, combined with the shade I chose, was that it was a blend of radiance/illuminance and bronzer, in a light consistency. It actually sounded pretty exciting! Maybe this was exactly the product I had been looking for, to lightly set makeup, add bronze/radiance, take away excess shine WITHOUT looking like cake crusty dry face?!
The shade I picked up of Bourjois Mineral Radiance was 05 Dore, it was the most suitable out of the limited three available in my local boots/superdrugs. There are actually five shades available of this product, with two higher than the one I bought. This doesn’t neccessarily mean they are darker, although 07 Hale definitely is, I think the different shades are just different tones; pink, peach, light brown and so on. In retrospect, had 06 Brun Apricot been available I would have maybe preferred that as it looks lush on their website – a warm, peachy/apricot.
After applying foundation (Mac Studio Sculpt), after freshly washing and moisturising my face, I used a big, soft powder brush and gently applied the powder on my cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and jawline. It does come with a sponge, but I was hesitant to try that incase it picked up too much product. With powder, the technique is to ‘roll’ it over your base, similar to dabbing. That way it doesn’t move your make-up around, but just sets it. However, I wouldn’t advise that with this product. I think it could risk looking patchy, so I’d suggest a big round brush all over (just careful of any concealer work)!
Verdict
It applied like a dream. Yes I have to admit, at first I did think the colour would be too dark on closer inspection before applying, but now I think it is just right as the product is so light, it is not too heavily pigmented. It just resulted in me looking healthy and tan, glowing, with a nice natural matte. The perfect natural bronzer! The texture on skin is beautiful as well, again down do its lightness, it gives the perfect soft focus look without looking dry, cakey or cloggy. Far superior to any powder I’ve tried so far, including my Mac Select Sheer!
The best thing about Bourjois Mineral Radiance is that you can build and build coverage and colour without it going cakey or heavy or, ew, orange and dirty looking! It is honestly IMPOSSIBLE to go cakey with this so therefore great for touch ups too! Having gone through the “real” longevity test where I partied all night, minimal touch ups, woke up with my make-up still pretty much in tact I think it passed with flying colours! This product has now become a staple to my make-up routine.
All this for just £8. So cheap I am actually going to be purchasing some other shades! Will keep you posted!
Here is it with just some foundation and lip product (Bourjois So Delicate Lip Cream).
In different lighting…
