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Glow! 4You Beauty Board Tests Bronzers

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 11, 2008

e.l.f. All Over Color Stick

Available at Target, Kmart, Big Lots and other discount stores; $1 for a small stick

"Instantly soothes and conditions the skin for fresh and natural color all day long."

Rating: A-

Michelle says: Full disclosure: I was going to give this product a kiss-of-death D rating. Too blotchy, I told fellow Beauty Board member Cloe Cabrera. Then she turned the tables on me. "Maybe it's because you don't know how to apply it correctly!" So we stepped into the bathroom, and she expertly blended the Toasted Bronze stick on my cheeks, forehead, chin, neck and nose. Suddenly, I had this shimmery, sun-kissed glow about me. Cloe says the secret to getting a soft, subtle look is in the blending. So apparently those clown spots on my cheeks were entirely my fault. For a mere buck, you, too, can have a toasty glow -but be prepared to expend a little time and patience when putting it on.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

24.7 Minerals Anti-aging Mineral Bronzer Get Bronzed Face Kit

Available exclusively at CVS Pharmacy; $39.99 kit contains Simply Bronze bronzer, mineral highlighting palette bronzer and all-over face brush
"With its unique GABA complex, 24.7 Minerals makeup formulations instantly create a perfect, natural, flawless look, while nourishing, hydrating, protecting and restoring skin's youthful look with immediate benefits."

Rating: A

Cloe says: Bronzer is one of my favorite makeup items. The right bronzer can make your skin look radiant and luminous. This 24.7 bronzer does just that. The kit contains two bronzers: Simply Bronze warms your complexion without looking orangey or too sparkly, while the highlighting palette lets you add a little shimmer to features you want to play up (your eyes, cheekbones, even lips). You can even use it on your neck, collarbone area, chest, and shoulders to even out your coloring. Both have an ultra-silky feel and blend beautifully. And they minimize imperfections and wrinkles. What more could you ask from a bronzer? (Maybe a better brush. The one in the kit sheds a bit.)

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

Sue Devitt Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer

Available at www.suedevittstudio.com, www.drugstore.com and Ulta stores; $30

"This unique combination palette in shell, sand and bronze tones offers a sun-kissed glow to your eyes and cheeks with just one swirl."

Rating: B

Kim says: This is why it doesn't always work to try cosmetics at the store: If I had used this bronzer just once, I probably wouldn't have purchased it. It took me a couple of tries to master blending the colors on a brush and on my face. Once I did, though, I was impressed - it has a very natural look. And it can double as eye shadow, which makes the $30 price tag more tolerable. (Especially because right now, I have a summer tan, and I don't really need a bronzer. But I will. I will.)

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is senior features editor at the Tribune and editor of 4you.

Isa Dora Bronzing Powder

Available at www.cosmeticmall.com; $14

"Gives a natural, fresh and sun-kissed look."

Rating: A

Shantae says: Bronzer for what? I'm black, so my skin is naturally bronze, I thought. What a fool I was. Black women can and should wear bronzer. A little bronzer can take your skin from looking OK to amazing. Isa Dora bronzing powder gives me an even skin tone and a natural glow that's perfect for the summer. The color complements my skin tone, and the subtle gold glimmer absolutely illuminates my face. Instead of the sponge that comes with the compact, I use my MAC 169 angled brush to apply a little shimmer along the bridge of my nose, on the apples of my cheeks and the top of my cheekbones for a gorgeous, natural, outdoorsy glow. It's shimmery enough to give me that glow, but not so much that it shows off my flaws.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.

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