Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – Review

Officially we are in the dead of winter here in the UK and you all know what that means… pale, ghostly skin. Despite all the Christmas joy looming I have never looked worse for wear. After my two-week self-isolation followed by a four-week lockdown, I am honestly the palest I have ever been and that is depressing, to say the least.

I crave sun, sea and cocktails but unfortunately, that is out of my reach so I will settle for a bronzer that will give me just that. The Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is a tropical paradise in a small pan. If you wish to hear more about this sunny bronzer read on to hear my experience…

There may be some affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through these links we may make a small commission at no cost to you.

You need to know…

Price: $15/£12.99

Shades: 8

Available at: Physicians Formula, Ulta, Beauty Bay, Feelunique

What it claims: “Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer is an ultra-luxurious bronzer infused with Murumuru Butter, delivering a radiant Brazilian goddess glow! Moisturizing wonder features ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish.”

Packaging

The packaging is a stunning blue/green colour which perfectly encapsulates the tropical theme of the range. Along with that, the product has a striking tropical scent which just smells likes holiday! The wave design etched in the powder is beautiful also and adds that extra detail which is welcomed. I find the pan is the ideal size for swirling my brush in and it also has a mirror underneath which can be handy.

One downside is that the packaging does feel cheap and plasticky and sometimes it can be fiddly when opening as the compartment underneath opens as well. However, for the price, I would not expect luxurious packaging anyway.

Shades

The shade range of these bronzers is simply okay. They have not been particularly adventurous but there is a variety of 8 now which is an improvement from the previous 4.

Some of the shades lean warmer and some more cool meaning there are options for those with light or medium skin tones. Unfortunately for those who have dark or deep skin, there is not much choice since there is only one (Sculpting Bronzer) that is relatively dark and it’s minimally stocked in the places I shop so I can imagine it not being very accessible.

Application

To apply I swirl my Morphe R2 bronzing brush into the product and tap off any excess. I enjoy using a lot of bronzer when I do my makeup but it is crucial to build up the product in layers otherwise you can quickly end up in a muddy mess.

Moreover, I ensure to blend it out on the forehead concentrating on my temples and on my cheeks focusing on the hallows of my cheekbones up to my temples to give a ‘lifted’ look making sure I do not go below my cheekbone at all. I also add some to my nose for a sunkissed look and on my neck which is usually paler than my face and body to simply make everything consistent.

Formula/Wear

This bronzer does go onto your skin like butter. A great blend of murumuru, cupuaçu & tucuma butter allow this bronzer formula to instantly melt into skin, sealing-in moisture to deliver instant and lasting hydration for a youthful glow.

The colour payoff is smooth and buildable meaning there is no skipping or disturbance of the base underneath. It is a forgiving product that is beginner-friendly which blends like a dream. My skin is always left looking healthy and sunkissed meaning I always feel confident.

Pros

Creamy and buildable
Smooth
Yummy smell
Affordable
Vegan

Cons

Cheap and finicky packaging

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this is one of my go-to everyday bronzers as I know it will always perform faultlessly. Without fail, this bronzer ensures I look healthy, glowy and flawless. I will always recommend this bronzer to anyone that asks and I was ecstatic when it became easily accessible in the UK (I had hit pan on the one I got in New York)! It is an affordable bronzer that I would suggest to any makeup wearer of whatever ability because it is just that damn good.