Like Tabs the Cat, star of screen, stage and glossy magazines, MAC’s $25 Refined Golden Bronzing Powder does it all, deepening tans, thereby allowing me to live out my bronzed beach surfer babe dreams (irrespective of the fact that I spend most of my time with my butt in front of a computer), and sculpting cheekbones like Michelangelo sculpted marble and clay. We’re talkin’ real-deal contouring here.
To my eye, it’s the darkest and most intense of the Temperature Rising collection’s four powder bronzers, making it ideal for skin tones NC42-ish and darker.
Flecks of golden glitter spice up this pan of deep golden tan, which I probably would have liked even without the glitter for the color itself, which never looks muddy, ruddy or dirty on my skin, perhaps due to the golden undertones.
Did you say, “hrmpf!” when I said, “glitter?” Not to worry. MAC didn’t go overboard with this glitter (not that there’s anything inherently wrong with going overboard on glitter). This isn’t Bollywood-caliber shimmer, which I also like.
No, the flecks in Refined Golden are microscopic. I only really notice them when I’m looking closely at a swatch, but they’re there, still working their magic, adding dimension and enchanting the skin to make it look more fresh, vibrant and alive.
I’m in lurve with this bronzer. I think it’s flat-out gorgeous, and I can totally see why MAC chose to give it an encore in Temperature Rising (it’s a re-promote from their permanent line).
PRICE: $25
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition (although you can also find it in MAC’s permanent line, ironically for $1 less), available now online and coming to MAC counters May 23
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Ohhh bronzers. I kind of want Nude on Board bronzer but at the same time I also want the New Clarins bronzer because it’s so pretty…
Yeah, I saw that one in store, it’s gorgeous!
I’m really getting into bronzer this year! I kinda like this one, the shimmer is very refined idd, it’s a great balance between the matte bronzers and the overly frosty once if you ask me. You look so nicely tanned Karen, really like the effect of it! ^^
Hi Teri,
Awesome! Once you start using bronzers you get addicted. 🙂 Which ones are you loving so far?
Love this bronzer, but it looks a touch dark for me.
You could try applying it with a lighter touch. 🙂
The texture and finish both look dreamy!
Hi Icaria,
Oh, for sure! The finish on this one’s really great, especially if you like bronzers with a little extra something.
You look like a bronzed goddess, Karen, just lovely!
Thanks, lady! Yay for bronzers, they make me feel human, LOL!
Really pretty! I like that the glitter doesn’t show up. I prefer my bronzers mostly matte
That looks amazing on you. It looks similar to Bobbi Brown’s Bali Brown bronzer to me.
I love a semi-matte bronzer especially if they show on nc45 skin which doesn’t look orange or muddy. Darn it, I just bought a new 4 Seasons bronzer from Maybelline.
Hi Charisma,
This one will show up on NC45 skin, for sure.
I owned a very similar Clinique bronzer..the â€True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer†in Sunswept..
I felt it was on the drier side and hard to get enough product to apply… so i guess this belong to the same family..:D
Hi Jessica,
This one doesn’t feel very hard! The powders are pretty soft.
Very pretty but too dark for me!
You may want to check out a few of their lighter bronzers from Temperature Rising then, like Sun Dipped.
Hi Karen
This bronzer look very pretty on you. I have some skin color as you.. NC 42 and Nars Syracuse. I’m new to bronzer.. and summer is just around the corner..
I have my eyes on NARS Casino at the moment
Do you think this bronzer darker then NARS Casino?? Which one do you perfer/like more for everyday natural looking in summer??
Thank you
You look really gorgeous! I’m nc30/35 and normally use Sun Dipped, but it”s a little too light…do you think I can try with this one?