bronze all the way
Foreword
It doesn't matter whether it is summer or winter, bronzer is one of those makeup essentials that we use all the time. As you guys know, the OG beauty community favorite Laguna is now available in a cream formulation. The collection of Laguna Bronzing Creams is the latest addition to the NARS family and without any further ado, let's dive in and see what it is all about.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: sensitive, dry
About the Product
NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream (38 USD; Made in Italy) - is described as a creamy bronzing formula that is inspired by the original Laguna powder bronzer.
Packaging: sleek, mattified plastic jar with a rose gold lid. Simple yet chic. You get 19 g/ 0.67 oz of product here, which is slightly less than what you see from other brands for less money.
Shade Range: currently there are five shades available (from light-neutral to deep bronze).
Formula: this is essentially a silicone-rich formulation that also contains flower extracts including Gardenia, Plumeria Rubra, Plumeria Alba Flower Extracts (aka frangipani; aka the Monoi of Tahiti), and Coconut Oil.
Now, by itself Coconut Oil is a highly comedogenic ingredient, which means it can clog pores and lead to the formation of acne (especially if you already have acne-prone skin). I have sensitive skin and from my experience, I did not get any side effects from regular use of the Laguna Bronzing Cream. I also understand this might not be the case for everyone out there, so please keep that in mind.
The shade pictured above Laguna 03
Scent: the Laguna Bronzing Cream has an added fragrance to it. I would describe it as floral, with notes of gardenia and frangipani. It is quite faint and will not linger on the skin.
Texture: silky smooth creamy texture that reminds me of melting chocolate.
Application: my favorite way to apply any cream bronzer is with a dense brush that has synthetic bristles. Preferably of a rounded shape that will allow a seamless product distribution and blend. The Laguna Bronzing Cream can be worn sheer or built up. The product is quite pigmented where little goes a long way.
This formula does not disrupt my foundation and blends effortlessly with other makeup products. It does not clog pores or get patchy.
Finish: a natural skin finish; does not pull oily.
Wear: the Laguna Bronzing Cream feels uber-weightless and stays put for up to 4-5 hours, with minor fading. If you want to extend the product's longevity, you can lightly set it with a powder bronzer.
I am wearing shade Laguna 02
Who is going to like it
If you love cream makeup products, particularly cream bronzers, I think this is a beautiful formula that you will enjoy. I can easily see how one jar will last you for at least a year, even with daily use.
The Laguna Bronzing Cream looks quite natural and (with the right shade) practically undetectable on the skin. I have used shades 02 and 03 on my light complexion, neither of which pulled orange. I love the healthy warmth and color this product gives.
Verdict
After playing with the Laguna Bronzing Cream for well over a month now, I get the hype 100%. I am glad that NARS decided to make this product permanent, as it is truly one of the best cream bronzers I have tried. Easy to use, intuitive, and beautiful. It is one of those products that I always look forward to using, and with that said I give it an A+ rating.
More online:
sephora.com (USA)
ulta.com (USA)
cultbeauty.co.uk (World)
PR samples; full disclaimer here