Big Beauty Tuesday: Fake It ’Til You Bake It With Prime Beauty’s ‘Brownzers’

I’m sick of waiting for warm weather to arrive. I don’t know what the temps are in your part of the U.S. (or abroad), but a current look at Chicago’s local forecast is a smooth 51 degrees—that’s right, an actual degree cooler than when I checked in with you guys last week!

Nevertheless, we are quickly approaching the unofficial start of summer—otherwise known as Memorial Day weekend—and I’ll be damned if I’m going to be looking as frigid as I feel; mama needs some warmth, baby!

Thankfully, as if reading my mind, our friends at Prime Beauty sent me their collection of “Brownzers” to play with; a trio of deeply pigmented matte shades especially crafted with brown skin in mind. The city-themed colors, “Bronzeville,” “Chocolate Litty” and “Glow Coast” ($21 each), come beautifully packaged in black and bronze compacts with not only mirrors, but powder puffs included in convenient flip-down compartments.

Admittedly, it took me a minute to master this product—and I’m not entirely sure I’m there yet. If you were a kid whose mom had a pot of the questionably named Indian Earth multipurpose loose powder, this is comparable, just in pressed form. The pigments are deep and a little goes a very long way.

Also, unlike most bronzers you’re accustomed to, these possess no shimmer whatsoever; the completely matte finish is excellent for contouring but can quickly get muddy if you’re attempting an all-over glow. I had best results first using it on the perimeter on my face to contour, warm and chisel my features, and then using it on my eyes and wherever else I wanted a little warmth. Just remember: a light hand and patient layering are recommended to get the desired result.

If you’re worried about looking too flat, never fear: Prime Beauty has also created the well-named Glo Up loose powder highlighter ($17 or $22 for a sampler trio), which will be my next indulgence to make my sun-soaked faux bronze complete. (To finish off this look, I used Killawatt shades from Fenty Beauty and shadows from Juvia’s Place—and yes, my untamed edges are entirely deliberate; I was feeling beachy.)

Are Brownzers a replacement for the usual warmth of May? Maybe not, but they’re safer than the sun—and at least I can look the part until the weather meets me halfway.