Dior – who seemingly delight in creating brilliant products, waiting for me to discover them, then promptly taking them off sale – have discontinued the magnificent Diorskin Nude Air Glow Powder I’ve worn almost constantly for over a year, replacing it with something good but subjectively inferior. I especially loved it for times like these, when, despite relentless foul weather, my brain at least has moved on to spring, sunnier skies and a healthier looking complexion. And so I’ve been on the prowl for another powder with the same properties: a light, natural-looking glow (rather than orangey tan. It’s too early for bronzer), a sheer, translucent application – no dust, no dullness; a flattering combination of cool pink and warm brown, blending to create a neutral, believable hue that says not so much “fortnight in Florida” as “brisk stroll in Torquay”.
Sleek’s Bronze Block, £7.49, is an affordable and passable imitation of the Dior, but the closest I’ve found to the original is Guerlain’s Terracotta Light Bronzer, £37, a prism of sheer, silky powders arranged in beams of brown, gold and pink. The shade range is more comprehensive, with light, medium and dark in two different undertone options, but all shades are so forgiving that it’s almost impossible to get application wrong. After foundation, concealer and powder (none, one or all), swirl a fat brush in the glow powder and stroke on the temple, fleshy part of the cheek and jawline in a number 3 shape, then mirror-reverse it for the other side of your face.
The same technique applies to my other new favourite, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, £45. This also includes complementary but distinct shades (marbled here) in one compact, to be swirled together for a natural-looking glow, and is available in four equally pretty colourways for all skin tones from light to dark. Each of them looks beautiful, restrained and convincing. All of the above add only a subtle glimmer, but it you want a completely matte tint without foregoing perky glow, my enthusiastic recommendation is Matt Illusion Bronzing Powder, £7.99, from Bourjois. There are only two shades, which frankly isn’t good enough, especially since the formula here – soft, translucent, vibrant looking, is very nearly perfect for everyone.
