Review: Milani Baked Bronzer in Soleil

As is the case every October, I'm feeling pale and pasty. I've never been a tan person, but I feel extra ghostly every fall, which would be nice if I wanted to be an actual ghost for Halloween! But since I prefer a more healthy glow, I was extremely excited when I received one of the Milani Baked Bronzers for review recently.

These new bronzers are core-collection products so there's no need for you to worry about them selling out before you have a chance to get one. They're here to stay! (For a picture of what the display looks like, you can click here.)

Here's the shade I received:

Milani Baked Bronzer in Soleil (retail: around $8.99)

Let me get this out of the way right off the bat. I've heard complaints from some of you who own these bronzers that you don't exactly love the packaging. Fair enough. Based on the rumors, I prepared myself for the very worst when I first opened this bronzer. I was surprised to find none of the issues others have stated, but then again I haven't been using it for weeks and weeks so my opinion might change. But so far, I don't have a single complaint. I'm happy to report that this particular compact opens easily and closes tightly.

Second thing I'd like to mention: I've heard that these Milani Baked Bronzers are a wonderful, affordable dupe for MAC MSFs and Urban Decay Baked Bronzers. I can't personally vouch for that since I don't own the MAC or UD products (can you believe it?) but I love the idea that these are affordable dupes of those more expensive products, so all the better if they are!

The shade I received, Soleil, is actually the middle shade in this collection (with Glow being the lightest and Golden being the darkest). I love that this bronzer comes with a brush in a separate chamber underneath the powder. And guess what? The brush is actually quite nice! I find it soft against my skin, and I haven't had any issues with shedding. Nice job, Milani!

So let's take a look at some swatches:

Soleil photographed in various forms of lighting,

as well as on my cheekbone (over blush)

Please note that in the above swatches (on the left side of the collage) I used a heavy amount of product on my skin to show you the color of the product. In the picture of my cheek, I swiped Soleil on my cheekbone, on top of my existing blush (which, in this photo, seems to be applied too heavily--it didn't look this dark in real life, I promise!). The blush I used underneath Soleil was Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow blush in Berry Glow.

I'm torn because I want you to look closely at the above photo, yet I don't want you to see the cavernous pores on my cheek! So just look closely at the bronzer at the top of my cheekbone, but don't look at my pores, ok? Good. So I hope you can see the golden glow that Soleil leaves on my skin. Just a swipe or two with the accompanying brush is all I need for a lovely hint of golden shimmer and sparkle.

Speaking of sparkle, there is a bit of sparkle to this bronzer, but I've found that if you apply it with a light hand, and blend well, the sparkle isn't as heavy or noticeable as you think it might be. On me, it only really becomes visible if the light hits my face just so.

I think Soleil is a lovely golden-peach shade that would compliment a variety of skintones. I find myself reaching for it quite often these days because it's pretty darned effortless to apply. A swipe on each cheekbone, a swipe across the forehead and maybe a little touch on my chin and I'm looking all glowy and ready for the day (or evening). What's better, or easier, than that?

Do you already own a Milani Baked Bronzer? Are you thinking about trying one? I'd love to hear from you!

A sample of this product was given to Nouveau Cheap for editorial purposes, either directly from the manufacturer or from the agency that works on behalf of the manufacturer. All reviews on NouveauCheap.blogspot.com are the honest opinion of its author and editorial samples do not, in any way, affect the outcome of product reviews.