CREAM BRONZER BATTLE | Chanel Soleil Tan vs Bourjois Bronzing Primer • Girl Loves Gloss

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel vs Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Ever since the first time I saw the lovely Nic from Pixiwoo use the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base (phew, that’s a mouthful!) in one of her YouTube videos, I knew it was something I “needed” in my life.

The very idea of it suited me perfectly – one less powder product to pile onto my dry skin. However, something that really didn’t suit me was the hefty price tag {$52 CAD}

After some serious lemming, and a Boxing Day Promo on at the Chanel counter last year, I finally caved and bought this bad boy. You see, at the time there really wasn’t anything comparable on the market in the way of a bronzing product that wasn’t powder, offered a nice glow, but wasn’t a super shimmery glitter bomb.

Am I glad I bought it? Yes. Is it Holy Grail bronzing material? No.

Why you ask?

1. The cost. Let’s face it I grimaced a little when the Chanel counter lady asked for my money. It’s a heck of a lot in my books.

2. The packaging. Yes it has the lovely Chanel logo on it that would make it a pretty addition to any vanity if you are the type to keep such things out on your vanity. BUT, this is a whopping pot of bronzer {1oz of product} and non to travel/makeup up bag friendly.

3. The texture. This is a cream, but a thicker and drier textured cream and not something I would necessarily say blends on well with fingers. Which means you need a proper brush for best application.

4. The colour. This product runs golden, which means it may not work on all skin tones. In the winter time, this simply doesn’t look right on my NW15-20 skin tone. And it only comes in one shade, which means anyone with a darker complexion than light-medium is out of luck.

Chanel vs Bourjois : 1oz vs 0.6oz of product

So, factoring in all these things, Chanel’s Soleil Tan really truly is still a lovely product. It sits on my skin beautifully, has a light non-offensive scent and comes with an excellent amount of product for your pennies.

It didn’t however have me off the market for another new an exciting product that could possibly take its place.

Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Enter in the newest offering from Bourjois – the Bronzing Primer.

When I saw this in my local Bourjois display I needed to try it. At 0.6oz of product, the packaging it MUCH more compact; Perfect for a makeup bag, to travel with (though I would be concerned about taking this into high heat climates due to its creamy nature).

Immediately upon opening, I noticed the texture of this is very different that the Chanel. While the Chanel is more of a solid balm-like consistency, this Bourjois is a creamy whipped like texture ( as you can see from the photo).

The benefit of this being a little goes a long way, as it is pigmented and very emollient. Oily skinned girls need not have fears – it sets to a matte finish! It does have a slight “silicony” feel to it as well as a distinct fragrance ( thinking chocolate and fruit – bitter orange is one of the ingredients), so if that type of thing puts you off, definitely try it out in-store first.

Bourjois boasts that it has a “Luxurious velvet texture” and I would say that is spot on.

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel vs Bourjois Bronzing Primer Swatches

So, let’s talk colour – you can take a look at the picture comparison I have done up above. The Chanel on the bottom is more of a golden tone, and the Bourjois a bit more chocolaty. Like any bronzing product they could both go horribly wrong if used in excess.

While both blended lovely with my favourite Real Techniques buffing brush, the Bourjois easily could be blended in with fingers in a pinch.

Personally, while I wouldn’t call this a “dupe” per-se, I would say this makes an excellent alternative to those who don’t want to invest in Chanel!

What is your favourite bronzer? Have you tried either of these products? What was the last “high end” beauty item you had to have because someone else raved about it?