Iconic London Caramel Glow Sheer Bronzer Review & Swatches
Caramel Glow
Iconic London Caramel Glow Sheer Bronze ($27.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a lighter-side of medium brown with moderate, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish, once the formula set. It had a very watery consistency that was slightly gel-like, which gave it some more body than literal water would have.
It had sheer coverage, as promised, and it didn’t matter how much was applied at first–it had to be layered to build up coverage, and each layer had to dry down before the next was applied (only took about 10 to 15 seconds). It worked nicely on bare skin and on base products as long as I used a tiny amount; otherwise, the liquid pushed the base products around. This color lasted for almost seven and a half hours before starting to fade.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Anastasia Golden Tan (P, $35.00) is darker (95% similar).
- elf Honey Drip (P, $7.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Moira Medium (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Amber (P, $35.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Phytosurgence Golden Blaze (5) (P, $25.50) is cooler (95% similar).
- Iconic London Golden Hour (P, $27.00) is cooler (95% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Macchiato (P, $32.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Kaja Shady (P, $24.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Cover FX Sunkissed (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ILIA Novelty (P, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$27.00/0.42 oz. - $64.29 Per Ounce
The liquid bronzer is supposed to have a "gel-to-watercolour formula" with buildable coverage. The characterstic that will make or break whether this is a go-to is in the name: sheer. It ended up have incredibly sheer coverage--a veil, indeed!--applied, though it could be built up after waiting for each layer to drydown. The formula was less dewy than I expected and had a more full-on drydown, but it was conducive to building up product.
The consistency was thin, watery with some susbstance to it (the "gel" feel) and spreadable. I liked applying some to the back of my hand, then gently tapping a small amount to my skin and going back for more as necessary. The formula dried down in about 10 to 15 seconds, faster when less product was used (and more didn't give more coverage, just required one to spread it out across a larger area).
Once in place, the product lasted between seven and eight hours on me.
Browse all of our Iconic London Sheer Bronze swatches.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Dimethicone, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Talc, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate, Polysilicone-11, Dimethiconol, Benzoic Acid, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Citric Acid, Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Probably a little too light for me, but I LOVE the golden tone! I usually get red-based brown bronzers, because those are what mimic a real tan on my NW30-35, or Fenty 260 skintone. However, it would be great to also have a more golden one, too. Especially for the cooler season!