When I saw Estée Lauder's
Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette ($50) online, it looked pretty. I see that it is now sold out on Estée Lauder's Web site. That doesn't mean the stores don't have it in stock. These Bronze Goddess items always sell quickly.
Here is how it is advertised...
Illuminate. Contour. Blush.
Radiant, sun-kissed color for face, cheeks, and eyes. Use each shade on its own to sculpt and define, or blend shades together for a natural-looking, all-over glow. Let the sun worship you.
Sounded good and looked good to me, but I'm not thrilled with it. There may be two reasons, and only time will tell if the powder is light on pigmentation or whether there was some kind of coating (not an overspray that's easy to break through) on the surface of the three shades that made it hard for me to pick up enough pigment, even with a sponge-tipped applicator. When I run my fingers over the shades, I can get decent color from the highlighter and blush. The contour (bronzer) is very light, but that's good for those with fair skin.
I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched from left to right as I moved down my arm. The shade at the top is the highlighter; the blush is in the middle, and the contour/bronzer is at the bottom in the photo below.
I worked to get even swatches. The highlighter shines like a beacon in full sun. The blush is a very light rose, a nice everyday shade. The bronzer is a tad muddy on my skin. I think I would want to blend the bronzer and blush together. I have not worn these shades yet, mostly because I had little time to experiment before I left for work last week. I fear that these shades will not have enough pigment when applied with a brush. I plan to try to rough up the diamond-like surfaces before I apply them with a brush. It may be the points of the design that are denying me good color payoff.
I'm surprised that 100% of nine reviewers on Estée Lauder's site recommended this product - actually gave it enthusiastic reviews. I can only give it a qualified recommendation. If I partially destroy the surface, I may end up enjoying the highlighter and blush. I doubt I'll wear the bronzer.
I'm sure that some Estée Lauder counters will still have the Glow Multi-Palette. Call first.
Photo at top courtesy of Estée Lauder; other photos by Best Things in Beauty
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