Lancôme Bronzers & Highlighters Review: Shades, Formula & Swatches

This review dives deep into Lancôme's latest bronzers and highlighters, offering a comprehensive look at their shades, formulas, and application. We explore the unique qualities of each product, providing detailed descriptions and swatches to help you decide if they're the right additions to your makeup collection. From the velvety texture and buildable pigmentation of the bronzers to the subtle sheen and silicone-based feel of the highlighters, we cover it all. Particular attention is paid to the bronzers' impressive shade range, especially the lighter options which often prove elusive in the market.This in-depth analysis assesses the performance of each product, comparing them to other high-end brands and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. We examine the blendability, finish, and overall longevity, offering a balanced perspective based on real-world testing. Whether you're a fair-skinned individual seeking a natural contour or a deeper complexion looking for a rich bronze, this review will guide you through Lancôme's offerings, helping you determine which, if any, are worth adding to your beauty arsenal.

Read more: 5 Best Bronzers for Medium Skin Tones

Lancôme Bronzer Formula & Texture

The Lancôme bronzers boast a unique velvety formula, described as more than just silky and lightweight. It's finely milled for a seamless application, yet maintains a velvety, buttery feel upon blending. The formula itself is described as blurring, requiring a placement and buffing technique for optimal results.

Close-up shot of the bronzer texture
Close-up shot of the bronzer texture

Despite containing fragrance, the scent isn't overpowering, a welcome detail for sensitive noses. The blendability is excellent, achieving an effortless finish without any streaks or patchiness.

Hand swatching the bronzer showing its creaminess
Hand swatching the bronzer showing its creaminess

The creaminess of the formula is noticeable during application, lending to its luxurious feel and impressive pigmentation. This makes it buildable, allowing for customizable intensity.

Lancôme Bronzer Shades: A Detailed Look

What sets these bronzers apart is their impressive range of lighter shades, a rarity in the market. Many fair-toned bronzers can appear too bright or yellow, but Lancôme manages to create balanced, muted tones.

All bronzer shades swatched together
All bronzer shades swatched together

The seven shades range from the fairest, a yellow-beige with gray undertones ideal for contouring or a light bronze, to a deep reddish-brown. The reviewer notes the unique inclusion of gray undertones, particularly in the lighter shades, making them suitable for a variety of complexions.

Close-up of shade #1
Close-up of shade #1

The reviewer personally favored shade #1 (fairest) due to its muted gray undertones, finding it the most versatile for her skin tone. Shades #2 and #3 are described as more muted and reddish, respectively, with shades #4-7 progressing in depth and varying reddish or terracotta undertones.

Close-up of shade #2
Close-up of shade #2

Lancôme Highlighter Review

The three highlighters, while nice, aren't considered a standout feature compared to the bronzers. They possess a noticeable silicone-based texture, described as having a wet, silicone-like effect.

Swatches of all highlighter shades
Swatches of all highlighter shades

The formula's feel is likened to some Pat McGrath highlighters (specifically, the non-baked, circular pan versions). While smooth and blendable, the reviewer prefers baked or other formulas for their preferred finish.

Highlighter swatches under direct sunlight
Highlighter swatches under direct sunlight

The highlighters are described as having a subtle, grainy texture that smooths out nicely with a brush. Under direct sunlight, they reveal a beautiful, fine sheen. However, the reviewer's personal preference leans toward baked highlighters.

Overall Conclusion & Recommendation

The Lancôme bronzers are the highlight of this collection, praised for their unique shade range, particularly the lighter, muted options, and their luxurious velvety formula. They're described as blurring and buildable, offering exceptional blendability.

Final shot showing all products
Final shot showing all products

The highlighters, while possessing a smooth, silicone-like application, are less impressive. They are good quality but the reviewer personally prefers other formulas. The bronzers, however, stand out in terms of both formula and shade selection.

For those seeking versatile, high-quality bronzers with a wide shade range (including beautifully muted fair shades), the Lancôme bronzers are highly recommended. The highlighters are a decent addition but not a must-have.