Bronzer

I've been "blessed" with fair skin, so bronzer is a necessity for me year round. Translation: I'm really really pale.  For years I've used Lorac's Bronzer TANtalizer, it's awesome and gives me a natural glow.  Unfortunately, as part of my recent transition to using more natural, safer products, I looked up all of my current makeup and Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer scored a 4 on a 1-10 scale.  (1-being the safest to use, 10-the worst)

FYI: To look up products I've been using, check out a large cosmetic database called Skin Deep,  which is compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  This organization is dedicated to reviewing cosmetics, cleaning products, food, being awesome, etc.  They have scientists on staff and use an extensive collection of research to rate product's safety.

Anyway, my go to bronzer didn't get the best score for many reasons, a major one being it contains multiple parabens.  Time to find a new, safer bronzer!

And another FYI: There are mixed reviews on parabens, the FDA says they're okay (based on a study from 1984).  However, Europe has banned the use of parabens in cosmetics.  Why are they considered safe in the US?  Im confused.  After doing further research (aka google searching) I noted multiple organizations that are not fans of parabens.  You should look for yourself, but here is just one I found: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  I plan to look into this further.

Now, on to my quest for a new Bronzer.  First I did a search on EWG for "bronzer"  Physicians Formula seemed to be a brand that scored well.  Sooooo I went to CVS and perused the Physicians Formula section (PS they have about 50 types of bronzers, so overwhelming).  I decided on their Organic Wear Bronzer($15).  Fail.  I am not a huge fan of the scent and it doesn't have a noticeable glow on my skin.  On the bright side, it did receive a EWG score of 2.  I considered trying other PF Bronzers, but internet shopping is way more appealing today.

Today, after receiving an email for $10 at Birchbox I am going to buy W3ll People Hedonist Mineral Bronzer.  I am a sucker for coupons.   It's $23 and received good reviews from consumers and has a EWG Score of one!!!

If I don't like the W3ll People Bronzer, I will send it back (boo yah 90 day return policy) and try:
Cargo's Waterproof Bronzer.  It's $29 at Birchbox, with an EWG Score of 2.  Though, can someone tell me why one would need a waterproof bronzer and post it in the comments?  I just can't seem to think of a reason.  I thought it was interesting that Cargo's non-waterproof Bronzer received a higher (worser haha) EWG Score of 3.

I decided not to try Alima Pure Bronzer.  Some users said it was too dark for them and that could be very dangerous for me! If you have a darker skin tone, you should try it and let me know what you think, it's $20 at Birchbox, and has a EWG Score of 2.

Here are a few of the other bronzers I looked up on Birchbox that did not make the cut:

Jouer Mattifying EWG Score of 5

Laura Geller's Beauty Bronze & Highlighter with an EWG Score of 6.

Stila's Set & Bronze and One Step Bronzers had EWG Scores of 6 as well.

Reviews and pictures to come! Or maybe just reviews..