When the fab, fashionable seven-year-old in my life (who recently made an editorial appearance in this important discussion about unicorns) saw the packaging for the Urban Decay Summer 2016 Beached Bronzer and Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter, she announced, “It reminds me of the Barbie clothes!”
And you know what?
She was totally right!
Urban Decay has an awesome early ’90s 90210/Baywatch vibe going on with these that makes me think of the hours and hours I spent playing with those oh, so early ’90s Barbie clothes — the same ones that my little lady now enjoys (although she says they’re “retro,” *cringe*).
I have such happy memories of my summers from that time that I’m all about this packaging, but as exciting as it is…the powders inside these terrifically tropical compacts are all that and a bag of banana chips!
Brand new for summer and ready to bronze, these $28 Urban Decay Beached Bronzers are just as beautiful inside as they are out. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen packaging this swoon-worthy. Both the box and the compacts themselves are decorated with muted palm trees that look as though you’re viewing them through sunglasses. Ah, I can feel the ocean breeze right now…
So, I’m not exaggerating when I say that these are two of the best bronzers I’ve ever tried. Period. End of story.
Why, you ask?
Well, the incredibly fine, pigmented powder feels smoother than butter, and even though these are pigmented, they’re still easy to blend and build up in layers to whatever level of bronze goddess-ness you desire. Somehow, some way, the powders are matte AND luminous, and I can’t believe how natural they look on the skin.
I mean, for someone as pale as I am, I actually look like I’ve been out in the sun and kissed in all the right places by a healthy bronze glow, and neither Sun-Kissed norBronze leave behind the slightest hint of orange powder.
I’m sure you’ve probably heard about the Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighters, because there’s a fierce buzz about these beauties, and with good reason. Available in three uniquely glowing $26 shades, these shimmering powders have set countless beauty lovers’ hearts aflutter! (Or, as I would have said in the ’90s…these powders are seriously slammin’.)
What I adore about Urban Decay is that they always take risks. Although we get a “comfort zone” highlighter in the classic shade Sin, a shimmering champagne that longtime Urban Decay lovers will know and recognize, we also hry two totally unique and “outside of the box” highlighting shades.
Fireball is a warm orangey peach with what the brand describes as a “pink shift.” It looks great as a highlighter, but I’m all about using this beauty as a blush.
And then on the cooler end of the spectrum, Aura, an iridescent light pink, reflects slightly blue, and it’s perfection both as a highlighter and as a shadow.
Much like the Beached Bronzers, these highlighters are as smooth and finely milled as can be. All three colors go the distance and wear all day long without rubbing off and leaving annoying shimmer all over your clothes and hands.
I think the picture below really shows that these highlighters aren’t messin’ around!
Surprisingly, especially after seeing Fireball and Aura in their compacts, all three of these are excellent for day-to-day wear, either as highlighters, blushes OR shadows — or, for a casual rollerblading session along the beach. (Side note: can we start a petition to bring the ’90s rollerblading in neon clothing trend back? For real, was there anything more awesome??)
If you crave a something different from your next bronzer or highlighter, check out what Urban Decay has done here for summer. From the finely milled matte Beached Bronzers in their approachable and buildable hues, to the uniquely lusterous 8-Hour Afterglow Highlighters that electrify and illuminate cheeks, it’s all there.
Have you explored any of the Urban Decay Summer 2016 bronzers or highlighters yet? I’m curious — what do you think?
I love the looks of the highlighters, and I ordered Fireball. I’m considering Sun-Kissed bronzer, but I need to try that one on in-store. (I’m super, super pale and neutral toned.)
I’m also pretty cautious when it comes to bronzers and I felt that these were very workable for lighter skin tones. I think you’ll really like Sun-Kissed (it’s my favorite of the two).
Jessica
Thanks, Jessica. I’ll definitely check it out.
I love those highlighters, especially Fireball! That could be so pretty as an eyeshadow too.
They’re all fabulous shadows in addition to being great highlighters. I’m really impressed!
Jessica
I can pass on highlighters, but bronzers are one of my (many) weaknesses… and these are totally screaming my name!!! I’ve been trying to resist them, but after your review I don’t think I can!
These are SO amazing Carolina. They are seriously the BEST bronzers I’ve ever used. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but they’re THAT good.
Jessica
The highlighters look very pretty in the swatches! I just don’t know how good they’d look on my face…
Sin is pretty universal, and despite how “out there” they look I think you’d be surprised by Fireball and Aura. Fireball is actually a very nice blush.
Jessica
I love Urban Decay’s eyeshadow in Sin as a lid shade. I’ve been using it for years and have repurchased quite a few times, so I definitely gotta check out the highlighter version.
I love that Urban Decay takes a beloved shade and adapts it to become different products across their line. It’s something I really appreciate about the brand.
Jessica
The mouth of children… They surprise us with their view of the world every day, don’t they? But she is right.
It’s one of the best parts of being a parent. 🙂
Jessica
I think the bronzers would be too orange for me (and I honestly don’t use bronzers that often, anyways) but the highlighters are absolutely gorgeous and Aura is calling my name.I want to swatch them in the store first before I make a commitment.
I always swatch before buying, and honestly it’s a good excuse to find other things you may like too. Aura is seriously amazing. I’m loving all these unicorn pinks that are coming out lately.
Jessica
I had high hopes for the collection in the press photos but most of it’s too warm and sparkly for my tastes. I might consider the highlighters for evening.
Ohhhhh these highlighters are to die for!!
Geez… Fireball does look “seriously slammin”. Too bad I’m waaaaay to pale for that nonsense.
I’m pale too and I find that it works for me when I really diffuse it on the cheeks as a blush. Give it a swatch, you may be surprised. 🙂
Jessica