Cream Bronzers: Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel v. Bourjois Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil

For a more soft and natural day-time look, I would favour the sheen of a cream bronzer instead of the powder versions. Cream and liquid bronzers tend to be more translucent than powders, meaning that you can achieve a sheer, pretty look without looking muddy. They are also easier to blend in comparison to powder bronzers and can be applied using duo-fibre or synthetic hair brushes or even with fingers for an even finish. 

So which is the best one to go for? The luxurious, yet ridiculously expensive Chanel 'Soleil Tan de Chanel,' (often referred to as 'Bronze Universel') or the cheaper alternative, Bourjois 'Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil?'

Left: Chanel 'Soleil Tan de Chanel.'
Right: Bourjois 'Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil.'

Chanel is owned by Bourjois, so in theory, these products should be quite similar, right? Well not exactly. Chanel's consistency is a fairly solid cream whereas Bourjois offers a lighter, whipped mousse texture. With the Bourjois mousse it easy to go overboard on application, so a little goes a long way. However, with Chanel's cream, you have to work your brush extra hard into the product in order to pick up enough. 

Left: Chanel 'Soleil Tan de Chanel.'
Right: Bourjois 'Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil.'

Both are designed to be used under foundation but I prefer to apply them after, just before blush and highlight. Both give an alluring, bronzed glow to the skin.

Left: Chanel 'Soleil Tan de Chanel.'
Right: Bourjois 'Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil.'

Chanel is a few shades lighter than Bourjois and appears to have very fine micro-shimmer particles which are virtually non-detectable on the skin. It has a velvety smooth texture and is more orange-based than Bourjois, making it perfect for sallow skin tones. Bourjois is more golden than Chanel and is a shimmer-free, matte product, allowing you the option of adding shimmer for extra dimension.

Chanel 'Soleil Tan de Chanel' retails at £31 for 30ml from available from Debenhams, House of Fraser, Selfridges and Boots. For US customers, this retails for $48 and is available from Macy's and Chanel

Bourjois 'Bronzing Primer Base Lissante Soleil' retails at £9.99 for 18ml. Available from Boots, Asos and Superdrug. For US customers, this can be purchased through the same websites. 

Bourjois is not a dupe for Chanel but it is great alternative. You get less product, which is handy for travel purposes as the Chanel one is so huge, it takes up a good chunk of space in your make-up bag. I find that Bourjois ticks all the boxes in order to make a healthy bronzing choice: Price ✓ Availability ✓ Colour ✓ Consistency ✓ Longevity ✓ so Bourjois, you win this one.