I can admit when I’m wrong, and so here’s my confession: I’ve been wrong about bronzer. In the past, this product always mystified me. I never understood how these over-sparkled powders were sold all over the place, and always in shades that resembled various stages of rust corrosion more than any natural tan I’ve ever seen. In my defense, genetics and diligent use of sunscreen have kept my skin eight shades lighter than pale, so bronzer was never on my radar as something I could actually use convincingly (Incidentally, I feel the exact same way about scrapbooking: it’s great for some people, but just not for me). Turns out, I have been wrong, wrong, wrong – not so much about scrapbooking, but definitely about bronzer. It is an amazing and versatile addition to anyone’s makeup collection, and I’m here to sing its praises.

Part of my initial dismay with bronzer rested in the overwhelming amount of options out there. Gels, sticks, matte and shiny powders, liquids with and without shimmer, even aerosol sprays – I was curious, sure, but just had no clue where to begin. So while I recently sorted through some stock here in the office (we have a mind-boggling array of just about every product imaginable) my curiosity got the best of me, and I found myself elbow-deep in the bronzer box. Right away, I couldn’t help but notice that many of the colors looked far more natural than I remembered. I opened up a Sonia Kashuk Matte Bronzer and swept some on. Suddenly, I had a cheekbone where there once was just a cheek! And, to my surprise, it did meld nicely with my fair skin after all. Gingerly, I continued, careful not to create the intensely over-sculpted faces I see so often on TV. With an angled brush I managed to create a convincing glow, accentuate my bone structure and camouflage discoloration all with one product. Color me bronzed and impressed!

Since my conversion, I’ve been intermittently using Paula’s Healthy Tan Pressed Powder SPF 15 as a bronzer, but I’m still on the lookout for some bronzing options that might impart a hint of shine in addition to a sunless glow. As much as I like the look, sometimes a matte finish feels too flat, especially in the summer – something Paula understands, thank goodness! So far, Benefit’s highlighter/bronzer powder 10 has performed excellently, M.A.C.’s Bronzing Powder more than impressed me at the counter, but the sleeper hit of the bronzer line-up has to be Wet ‘n Wild’s Ultimate Bronzing Powder – only $2.99, with a silky feel and a lovely natural finish, it’s an enduring Paula’s Pick (and bona-fide beauty steal) for a reason! I’m not sure if I will keep up the bronzing after summer ends (this is Seattle, after all, where the resident skin tone is best described as “pallid gray”), but I am pleased to find myself on the other side of a makeup rut. Now, who’s up for some scrapbooking?