Review: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Bronzer

Bronzer seems to be very big at the moment, and although previously I've never really bothered with it (i've always thought of myself as far too 'pale and interesting' for it!), the release of new shades/formulations recently has made me think that maybe there is a bronzer for me!

When it comes to bronzer, matte is definitely the way forward, and for a while the Bourjois Chocolate bronzer appeared to be a strong contender for my initial foray into bronzing/contouring.

However one day whilst browsing/fighting (it can be a bit of a jumble sale) through TKMaxx, I came across this, the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Bronzer.

(Excuse the battered outer packaging - i've actually had this for some time!)

TKMaxx (or TJMaxx if you live across the Atlantic) is actually an excellent place to pick up random American etc beauty brands not normally (or readily) available in the UK, such as Physician's Formula, which is primarily distributed/stocked in the USA, Canda, South Africa and Australia.

Formed in 1937, Physician's Formula make products (makeup and skincare) especially for sensitive skins, with the main product lines including: Mineral Wear, Happy Booster, Bronzers, Shimmer Strips, Eye Booster, pH Matchmaker, Youthful Wear and Organic Wear.

Organic Wear is the most relevant to this post, as it is the range that this particular bronzer is from.

The Organic Wear range (which also includes other items such as mascara, blusher, makeup remover pads and tinted moisturiser) is:

• 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals
• 100% Free of Synthetic Preservatives
• 100% Free of Parabens
• 100% Free of Synthetic Fragrances & Colours
• 100% Cruelty Free
• 100% Free of GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)

This particular bronzer is also formulated with 'Ecoblend' to condition, fortify and protect skin from environmental impurities.

Ingredients are:

MICA, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL*, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH*, KAOLIN, CALCIUM CARBONATE, ZINC STEARATE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL*, GLYCERIN, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL*, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, CINNAMIC ACID, SODIUM LEVULINATE, TOCOPHEROL, WATER

(*Produced from Organic Farming).

The 'Eco-conscious' packaging (containing 9g of bronzing powder) is also very appealing, using 93% less plastic than a traditional compact (compared to comparable sized powder compacts on the market), and comes with a mirror and little goat's hair brush.

Out of 6 shades available on the website, I have shade 2241 'Healthy Glow Bronze Organics', which is a warm terracota bronze with a kind of purple-pink contrast shade that can be blended together to give the final effect colour.

I have been applying mine with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush, as it is the perfect size to sculpt under the cheekbones with.

As I noted above, matte bronzers are perfect for 'contouring', and this one is no exception. It allows me to 'pronounce' my cheekbones without being obvious or 'muddy' on my complexion, and has great staying power.

(Please ignor what looks like a moustache on me. Very unfortunate picture!)

I've had this bronzer for quite some time now, and despite using it every day it isn't showing signs of hittng pan any time soon, which is just as well given how hard it is to get a hold of in the UK!

I got mine for around £5 from TKMaxx (and am keeping my eyes open for it should it appear in my local store again - RRP $13.95 - but you can buy it online from the likes of Ebay for around the £10 mark.

Have you tried any Phsyician's Formula products?