Having briefly dabbled with MAKE UP FOR EVER a few years ago, I’ve been so excited about its UK launch and Pro Bronze Fusion is the first product I’ve tried since it became available here. This new gel-powder bronzer has a lightweight, waterproof formula and is available in six shades with matte or iridescent finishes (marked ‘m’ or ‘i’ next to the shade number). Made using BouncyGel technology, it adds a veil of seamless colour with a non powdery finish. Mine has the iridescent finish, with a fine shimmer in the light, but I can imagine the matte looking entirely undetectable on the skin, besides the bronzed glow.
I was wary about destroying the gorgeous wavy pattern on first use, but needn’t have worried as it still looks almost perfect after a couple of weeks’ use. The formula, how it applies and buildability reminds me a bit of Clinique Cheek Pops (review here).
SWATCHES
This sample is in a medium shade, Cinnamon 25i, warmer than I’d normally go for, but it can be used in such a sheer layer that I can still get away with it (I’d probably opt for the lightest Honey shade with a matte finish, 10M). I’ve shown a heavy finger swatch and both light and heavy brush swatches to illustrate how versatile the finish is. The light brush swatch is the maximum amount I actually use on my skin. The iridescence is super fine, just seen in the sunlit swatches… I actually didn’t notice it until taking these photographs, so it’s obviously not OTT on the face (though I do generally like a matte bronzer for day time). The overall finish - when not stood under a spotlight or in direct sunlight - is of radiance. This definitely gives my skin a glow, almost as if wearing a radiant finishing powder, but with zero powder effect. I need to find an actual face powder that performs like this!
I used the MAKE UP FOR EVER 136 Pro Bronze Kabuki brush to apply Pro Bronze Fusion (inc the brush swatches). This is a very different experience from my regular bronzing brushes as it really works product into skin, compared to my usual light dusting. It’s velvety soft, zero scratch and densely packed with a completely flat base, unlike the looser brushes I normally use for bronzer. I can achieve a smooth finish with this when applying the powder all over for a wash of colour, but for a more subtle sunkissed effect on cheekbones and temples, I personally prefer using a duo fibre brush.
Overall, I’m really impressed with the texture, finish and lasting power of Pro Bronze Fusion. Oh and I did test the waterproof element too… water droplets sat on the surface of my skin rather than creating little bronze rivulets - I’d say it’s splash proof, to the extent that it could withstand sweat and the odd pool splash on holidays, but maybe not swimming long distance with your head under water. If, unlike me, you’re into that kinda thing!
Have you tried any products by MAKE UP FOR EVER? I love the lipsticks and am curious about the foundation and concealer, but would love to hear your recs!
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Bronze Fusion, £28 & 136 Pro Bronze Kabuki brush, £24 are available in the UK at selected Debenhams stores or online at Debenhams.com
