SS11: Gosh Bronzing Self Tan Collection + Swatches

A small edit of bronzing and tanning bits from Gosh'll be landing in pharmacies and Awear stores from this week, meaning yup, spring's definitely on the way. Above is one of two Bronzing Shimmer Powders in 001 Bronze, and it's €11.99.

Like a stripey hybrid of a Smashbox Fusion Softlights and a Bobbi Brown Shimmer brick, what's this actually like in the flesh? I got a couple of bits from this launch to try, and 002 Pink, above, was one of 'em.

There's a worrying amount of strong golden sparkle on the surface of this at first glance, but does it go the whole way through? No, and for once I'm not unhappy at the use of the overspray gun. This would be a really OTT product to use if that chunky glitter permeated, but once it's gone - which it will be with the first brush swipe - this is a very subtle product.

Nowhere near as glowy on the skin as a Shimmer Brick, you could use this particular shade to set makeup. There's little differentiation between the stripes of colour and when swirled together they result is a very pale, slightly shimmering pink finish. Perhaps the bronze version has more colour, but while this won't work for me as a bronzer or a contour powder per se, it'll get some use as a setting powder.

These are the four pink stripes on four of my fingers - not a lot of shade variation here, eh?

So, what else is on offer?

This is the Bronzing Shimmer Brush and it's basically a large natural hair kabuki which'll come in handy for body applications.  A good price at €11.99 too, this is well worth a punt if you're into powdering collarbones, chest and arms. Maybe not the softest I've ever tried, but hey, for the price I'm not complaining.

Lancome and St Tropez have their own versions of this Bronzing Shimmer Brush but definitely not for this price: it's €11.99.

The rest of the range is dedicated to some instant and developing tan products.

Left is self tan lotion, €14.99, a faker that develops, and on the right is something a little more interesting: instant tan gel comes in two shades, light and medium, costs €9.99, and is a wash off tint that'll do you for one application. This is pretty much the only sort of tan product I ever use, not being able to bear the mess and stink of DHA developers.

Here's a shot of the gel on my hand:

It's got enough colour to show up when blended out, feels nice and smooths onto skin well. If you're over the whole faking it thing but want some sort of a skin finisher for special occasions, then this is worth a look.