Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette Review & Swatches
Bronze
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette ($55.00 for 0.4 oz.) is a new, seemingly-permanent palette that features four luminous shades with two cream-based formulas and two powder-based formulas. The cream formulas were disappointing and a deliberate departure from the brand’s prior formulas but not in a good way. The powder formulas were consistent with past releases–they worked best with denser brushes/firmer hand but have no powderiness and “melt” a bit when applied to bare skin.
It includes a new formula–Bounce Cream–that’s used for the highlighter and blush shades in the top row. I wish there was more information about the formulas on the brand’s site. They are more of a cream-powder formula, but they were both quite thin, not that emollient, and firmer, which made them harder to pick up with any time of brush. They were only usable with fingertips, and I felt like I had to do a heavier swirl to get coverage to translate onto my skin.
Sephora has a very lightweight “how to” on the Cream Bounce shades that says to apply the highlighter with “your fingertip” and the blush with “your fingertip or a blush brush.” From that minute piece of information, my best approximation is that fingertips will yield higher coverage while brushes will yield sheerer coverage (which is line with other brand’s descriptions of comparable formulas, like ColourPop Super Shock Cheek).
The formula felt clay-like, so it indented and pushed to the sides as I pressed my fingertip against it, but it didn’t have the traditional wetness of a full-on cream formula. The lack of glide in the formula reminded me of the brand’s first iterations of cream-powder eyeshadows in pots that got much creamier in the next release.
As a note, Natasha Denona’s palettes come with a plastic lid that goes over the cream shades to prevent the powder shades from getting into them.
Ingredients
Bronze
PPermanent. $55.00.
Bronze
Bronze is a pale, golden beige base with a very fine, gold and pink iridescent sheen. It had opaque coverage when applied with a fingertip but had sheer coverage when applied with a heavy-hand using a synthetic brush (one I’d typically use for a cream-based highlight or blush). I wouldn’t advise using a brush with it unless using a denser, fluffier eye brush and then using that to spot highlight; it’s just too firm and dry of a formula.
The texture was smooth to the touch but wasn’t emollient enough to work well with brushes. When I applied the product to my cheekbones using a fingertip, it delivered good coverage and blended out decently, but it had a barely-there sheen and lacked the interest in practice that it had swatched (or in the pan). I also felt like the lack of slip, combined with the thinness of the consistency, made it more prone to lifting up base products and turning a little patchy (even over bare skin).
It wore well for nine hours before fading visibly on me, which was probably the highlight (ha, ha) of the product.
Top Dupes
- Tarte Believe (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Moonlit Violet Highlight (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Rare Beauty Enlighten (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel White Opal (40) (P, $58.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop You Idiots! You Fools! You Imbeciles! (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- ColourPop Touche (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Makin' Memories (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- OFRA Cloud 9 (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- Anastasia Magic (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Candy Floss (LE, $10.00) is cooler (85% similar).
Ingredients
OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, MICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, TALC, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ZINC STEARATE, C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SILICA, POLYETHYLENE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TIN OXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL +/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (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.
Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Bronze
Bronze is a muted, light-medium brown with moderate, warm undertones and an almost rosy sheen. It had semi-opaque to opaque color payoff applied with a fingertip and sheer coverage when applied with a synthetic brush (even with a heavier hand). The formula just didn’t pair well with brushes as it was so thin, not emollient enough, and unlike a powder, couldn’t really be jabbed at to dislodge product.
The texture felt smooth to the touch, velvety in a way, as it pushed and indented where I had my fingertip against it, but it lacked real glide and slip, which are often what makes cream blush effortless to apply or “melt” on skin. It applied fairly evenly to bare skin, but it was more prone to lifting up base products due to the drier, thinner texture, though it wasn’t as prone to doing so compared to the highlighter. The color stayed on well for nine hours before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Tarte Carat (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Makeup by Mario Medium (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Bronze Dynasty (LE, $4.99) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Becca Sunrise Waves (P, $38.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Hourglass Filtered Bronze Light (LE, $52.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Lynx (P, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Sweet Peach Bronzer (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze (Original) (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Essence Bespoke (P, $2.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Baby Girl (LE, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Ingredients
OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, MICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, HYDROGENATED POLYCYCLOPENTADIENE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, TALC, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ZINC STEARATE, C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SILICA, POLYETHYLENE, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TIN OXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL +/- MAY CONTAIN: CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (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.
Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette.
Bronze
Bronze is a bright, rich copper with warm, orange undertones and even warmer, gold shimmer that gave it an intense, metallic finish. It had opaque pigmentation in a single layer, which applied evenly and smoothly to bare skin.
The texture was firmer, slightly denser in the pan, so it worked best with moderately-dense brushes and a moderate hand–but there was no powderiness, which made it easy to control coverage. I didn’t have any issues with the finish emphasizing my skin’s natural texture. The color lasted well for nine hours before showing signs of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC In on the Secret (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace Sequoia (LE, $9.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Miel de Azhar (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Golden Bronze (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ILIA Fame (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Helios (P, $55.00) is more shimmery, lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- Clionadh Credne (P, $12.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever 12 Copper (P, $21.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- The Estee Edit Ray (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Salt New York Gold (P, $16.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.35 oz. - $108.57 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "super-soft powder" that "mimics skin's natural texture for a slick, seamless finish that won't settle in fine lines" while creating a "multidimensional glow" and "glass-like sheen." The powder has a denser consistency with slight slip and creaminess, but it definitely feels like a powder.
The three shades available had semi-opaque to opaque coverage in a single layer with a strong, metallic sheen and a lot of shine--more reflective and shiny than shimmer in texture, but it was a mega-watt kind of glow. It worked well with standard, tapered highlighting brushes without having to use a light or heavy hand with it. The highlighters applied evenly, blended out easily, and lasted for eight to nine hours on me.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Super Glow Highlighter swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, MICA, POLYSORBATE 20, ZINC STEARATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TIN OXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL / RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE [+/-] MAY CONTAIN CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5 LAKE)
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.
Bronze
PiPPermanent in Palette. $38.00.
Nude
Nude is a light-medium, peachy gold with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It seemed to have slightly larger shimmer/pearl particles compared to most of the Super Glow shades I’ve tried. The texture was slightly firmer and seemed to yield more semi-opaque, buildable coverage as a result. It had a moderate sheen but wasn’t quite as intense applied as I anticipated; this meant that it wasn’t prone to emphasizing my skin’s natural texture. It wore well for eight and a half hours before fading a bit.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Ancient History (LE, $9.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Gamma (P, $18.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Strobe Globe (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC House of Petunia (LE, $34.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Radiant Glow (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Physicians Formula Champagne (P, $10.99) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Light of the Party (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Laura Geller Gilded Honey (P, $26.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Earth (LE, $6.99) is lighter (90% similar).
- Illamasqua Rush (P, ) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$38.00/0.35 oz. - $108.57 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be a "super-soft powder" that "mimics skin's natural texture for a slick, seamless finish that won't settle in fine lines" while creating a "multidimensional glow" and "glass-like sheen." The powder has a denser consistency with slight slip and creaminess, but it definitely feels like a powder.
The three shades available had semi-opaque to opaque coverage in a single layer with a strong, metallic sheen and a lot of shine--more reflective and shiny than shimmer in texture, but it was a mega-watt kind of glow. It worked well with standard, tapered highlighting brushes without having to use a light or heavy hand with it. The highlighters applied evenly, blended out easily, and lasted for eight to nine hours on me.
Browse all of our Natasha Denona Super Glow Highlighter swatches.
Ingredients
DIMETHICONE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, MICA, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, POLYSORBATE 20, ZINC STEARATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, TIN OXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL / RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL [+/-] MAY CONTAIN CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (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.
Nude
PiPPermanent in Palette. $38.00.
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Face Glow Palette
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Glow
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Glow
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Glow
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Glow
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Glow
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Blush
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Blush
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Blush
Natasha Denona Bronze Bounce Cream Blush
Natasha Denona Bronze Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Bronze Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Bronze Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Bronze Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Bronze Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Nude Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Nude Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Nude Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Nude Super Glow Highlighter
Natasha Denona Nude Super Glow Highlighter
I really thought it was just me with the two cream products. They are hard to pick up with my stippling brush. I know Kinkysweat said to use a sponge so I have to try that next.
Hmm, I’m not sure what I’m feeling towards this cheek palette yet. This is one I’d have to see and play with in person. Something that currently cannot be done.
I caught a couple of reviews on this and certainly the difficulty with the cream blushes is well noted. I ridiculously want this one and I have Tan Bronze & Glow. Something about how I have seen the products layered with the bronzer powder from TB&G has me all in a dither. I saw one reviewer actually grab a brush and smoosh it together to gouge cream product out of the pan. I’m certifiably insane for wanting this.
Well, hey, as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into…….
How does the bounce cream compare to Stila’s putty highlighters?
I am really interested to read your take on the face palette as last night I decided to watch a review of the eyeshadow palette and face glow from a youtuber that I had never heard of before, Jena. She called her purchase of the face glow a ‘regret’ because the first two shades were definitely underperforming and the cream formula was not easy to apply, thin and overall disappointing. The swatches looked pretty poor to me too.
And I thought to myself, I wonder what Christine will think about this? And sure enough – you find this cream formula disappointing as well. I think this ‘new’ formula has made this face palette a no-go.
At least now I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.
I do personally like the subtle, low-impact effect of the creams, and applying with my fingertips, but it’s not an aesthetic I typically associate with Natasha Denona…
ND had such a nice cream formula. I hope this new one isn’t going to replace that.
Did the bounce formula remind you of that awful NARS orgasm blush palette? When you said it how it was thin, and didn’t do well with a brush, it reminded me of that awful cream palette.
Drier, less sticky 🙂
Certainly a disappointing review. I’ll continue to love ND’s Tan Bronze and Glow instead.
How sad and also how strange that this palette seems to perform badly, since Mme Denona always is so meticulous about her formulas to the point where she even chooses to make changes even to released palettes that are pretty much perfection to begin with!
This seemed like such a great complement to the Tan one where a bit more warmth was needed… well, well, I ordered the bundle of the whole collection so we’ll just have to make this little palette work too!
I’m surprised by this review but Christine has a method that I’ve learned not to question.
Here is my experience – it’s subjective and I don’t measure anything, so it’s unscientific in every way. I have all the ND 4- and 6- pan face palettes (7, I think), as well as a myriad bronzers and other face palettes. I have been on the eternal quest for a terrific face palette. I tried this on and immediately texted Alicia @kinkysweat that I thought it’s genius.
These creams are unusual. You have to apply the white bounce cream with your fingers. A little fix+ makes it gleam a little, natural but gorgeous. It also pairs well with the eye palette, which does not have an inner corner or brow bone highlight light enough for my skin. The bounce cream is absolutely perfect for those functions (I’m NC10-20, depending on season). The bronze cream is subtle and pickS up with a flat goat hair foundation brush (I use the chikuhodo LE Fuji Makie brush). I stipple it on for absolutely *gorgeous* effect. You could use your fingers: with ND, if it’s not a matte, you can use your fingers to great effect. It’s it’s a ND matte, you can still use fingers for max effect, just gotta know how to do that without hard-panning the shadow (not for beginners). The bronze cream is buildable, too. It’s shockingly beautiful. I’ve tried SO MANY bronzers and they’re too yellow/orange or garish or dark or whatever. This one is just absolutely perfect. It gives a sun-kissed look. No description does it justice.
Then the powders amp up the effect even more. I use the lighter shade on my forehead for a sun-kissed look and on my cheeks as bronzer-blush. I use the dark one for contour (yes yes, too warm for contour, but who follows all the rules). I use the fluffy brush from the same Makie collection to build up the intensity slowly. As Christine said, it “melts” into the skin, atop the cream.
It’s the only bronzer and only palette I’ve ever found that I can’t screw up the look. The colors are just that perfect on my skin tone. Plus, it lasts all day.
A note on that: I set everything with setting spray (I use a glycerin mixture from either Omorovicza or Tatcha) and then apply the barest hint of powder (glow powder from Suqqu, htf). This lasts 14 hours.
If I don’t do this, the whole situation melts and oxidizes over a few hours. I am very oily in the t-zone and need eye and face primers at minimum for everything to last.
In short: brilliant bronzer palette for my skin tone. I couldn’t possibly be any happier. In fact, I haven’t been able to stop using it since I got it and will get a backup at some point.
Sold
? I really hope you love it, Wednesday!
Yes, I picked it up after reading your detailed post. I very much appreciate the insight, Valerie. We have similar skintone and my sense is this is going to work out very well for me. Thank you!