Contour Hack: Carmen Claire Shine Patrol Powder in Tan

I don't think I talk about how much I love contouring, which has been most surprising. In just two years I have completely changed my whole makeup routine with the inclusion of more cheek and eye makeup. Well a baby can be born in 9 months, so I'm thinking it's actually long time to change my routine.

Price P290 from P410

Description:

Cheekbones for days! This summer, brush up on your contouring and bronzing skills with Shine Patrol in Tan. It's the perfect shimmerless shade to pull off that golden goddess look.

Keep oil at bay and shine in check.

The ultra-smooth formula absorbs excess oil without looking cakey or flat, while adding just a touch of sheer color. It's talc and paraben free too, so chances of a breakout are minimal. Phew!

Available in 4 shades, from lightest to darkest:

• Porcelain
• Medium-Light
• Medium
• Tan

Availability: http://www.carmenclaire.com/

I think I have been flooding your newsfeeds with Carmen Claire Products. Sorry for that, I did have a small haul from them a few weeks ago, if you follow me on instagram (@Cosmetricia) I did post about them coming in pretty little pouches.

I came across a comment form another blog stating that she had given up on contouring powders and started using darker shades of face powder since it looked like skin. So I decided to try the Carmen Claire Shine Patrol powder in Tan because it was on sale, I trust the brand and I was really itching to get one of their lipsticks.

It's stated in their website that Tan is the equivalent to MAC NC 40-42 and that the powder did not guarantee heavy coverage since it was really a pressed oil control powder after all. However true to its' description, it promises sheer color. But I assure you the pigment is strong to be used as a bronzer/contour powder.

It's not so finely milled like butter but it is a cut above other powder foundation textures. But it's amazing that it does not cake at all no matter how heavy I layer on my skin. I am overjoyed that is truly matte on skin and hypoallergenic as it is talc and paraben free too!

It was easily picked up by my Carmen Claire blush brush which I apply on my cheekbones, sides of my forehead and sides of my nose for a sculpted look.

Keep in mind I am around NC 20-25 so the pigment might appear very strong on me.

Cheekbones for days indeed! It's a lovely warm toned. so slightly reddish shade that compliments more yellowy toned skin tones. It could be a bronzer or a contour powder depending on your skin tone. Just remember that proper blending is a necessity most especially since this is a oil control powder which means it adheres to skin steadfastly. Only a light touch is needed for fairer skins but could be buildable if your skin tone is a step or two darker. I think this would be marvelous for darker skin tones as a bronzer to add a healthy sun kissed glow as it would not be too harsh.

I think this photographs so beautifully too, might be worth checking out if you're not into looking like a ghost in your holiday photos! But has this replaced my other bronzers and contour powders? Hmm... I really like this and reach for it a lot but I also enjoy the great definition more grey and cool toned contour powders I have offer, but I must say this is great for fair skins as it mimics more of a summer loving bronze rather than a Kardashian sculpt.

Overall I am quite happy with this purchase as it is a great bronzer/contour powder that did not disappoint at such a steal at the moment. Might even be giving this as a gift for a friend!

Thanks for reading and the countdown starts to Christmas!