Review: Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzer in Maui

I never thought I'd come to love Bobbi Brown or bronzers as much as I do this summer. I saw talk of this collection really early in the blogosphere, but I wasn't that interested as I am not a huge fan of bronzers. The Bobbi brown Illuminating Bronze collection just did not draw me... or so I thought.



After reading review after review, I still wasn't convinced. It wasn't until I saw Karlysugar's swatches that I was convinced I truly and absolutely needed this product in the Antigua shade, pictured above. It is just this amazing dusty pink, and I may go back to get it yet.

When I tried both on my cheeks though, Antigua did not show up quite as well as I had hoped. The saleslady tried to talk me into Maui since it's brighter, and I am glad I listened to her, because on me, Maui is an amazing coral-bronze that is so subtle, so lovely, and perfect for the light-make-up days where I don't want to pile tons of blush on. I still can't stop thinking about Antigua though, which means I'm probably doomed to go grab that.

The packaging is awesome, classic Bobbi. It does not waste any space, but it is a wonderful compact with 9 grams of product in the hefty casing, and a wonderful wonderful big fat mirror in the compact lid. As always, very chic and simple upscale packaging from Bobbi Brown.

Now, the product.. it imparts a beautiful but natural sheen. I had thought with my oily skin tone it would not go well and because this product is so pink, I did not think I could apply it all over. However, with Bobbi's new and improved Bronzer Brush (I will review this separately), I apply two or so dabs of it (after shaking excess off) on the apples of my cheek, blending back to my temple, across my cheekbone, then use the remainder on the brush (maybe one more tap on the product) all over to contour the edges of my face. It imparts a lovely glow, and the pink actually helps even out my yellow complexion!

At $33 this is not cheap, but the texture is soft, finely-milled, and it goes on wonderfully. It is really easy to apply and just an amazing product.


I have plans to be utterly bored with my life this summer, taking Ancient Greek classes at UCLA and working my butt off at work after class. My make up will need to hold up well and be minimal. The model in this picture, in fact, is exactly what I want to look like. Bright. Happy. Well-slept. Perhaps she just came back from a walk on the beach. She certainly has that lovely sun-kissed glow.

I went on over to Bobbi Brown's website to find out how to obtain this look. This is one of my favorite things about Bobbi Brown--her looks are easy to replicate and clearly outlined on the site. Asides from basic foundation/concealer make up, the look is described thus:

1. Metallic Eyeshadow in Burnt Sugar on the lids ($20)
2. Illuminating Bronzer in Maui (hey! That's what I have! $33)
3. Mascara (I use DiorShow Iconic and Blackout, layered together)
4. Shimmer brick for the body (I just do a little bit of the regular ol' Bronze shimmerbrick on my shoulders, collar bones, and across my chest if I'm wearing something summery and low-chested).

Burnt Sugar is a lovely mid-tone brown in Bobbi's amazing metallic formula. I love it, it blends wonderfully, and it has incredible depth for just one color. It's a perfect color for those lazy days when you only want to use one product on your eyes.

I replicated this look when I got the bronzer and the eyshadow, and it's beautiful and simple and gives me that look I desire so much! With a bit of tinted moisturizer, black/brown tightlining (to open up the eyes more) and some tinted lip balm (try the L'Oreal HiP jelly balms.. delicious shades and very pigmented), I am good to go for the day. Don't forget Urban Decay Primer Potion (I have it in Sin!) if you don't want any smudges all day!

If you are minimalist kind of person, theoretically you can slap on some sunscreen, swipe on some of this product with your bronzer blush, and be good to go! Don't forget to bring your lip balm with you.

The whole thing together.. it imparts a lovely glow on my cheeks!
The perfect make up without looking like make up look.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for the perfect pick-me-up product to make you look bright, well-slep, happy and awake this summer (without actually feeling any of the above), this is it.

Antigua review forthcoming.