NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer

Already halfway through summer, I can safely say that my favourite seasons are still Spring and Autumn where the sun is bright yet accompanied by a cool breeze. This constant humidity where just a few minutes outdoors makes you feel all sticky is just not my favourite. Nevertheless, summer means bronzer galore and here I am presenting the NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer, part of the Tahiti Bronze Collection 2016.

The Tahiti Bronze Collection is composed of 6 items to compliment the best-selling NARS Laguna Bronzer including:

1. Laguna Liquid Bronzer: a sheer bronzing fluid, a versatile innovation used over the skin as is or to blend with makeup for an allover, healthy-looking glow
2. Laguna Tiare Bronzer: reviewed below
3. Monoi Body Glow: a rich bronzed luster enriched with hydrating essences of Monoi (known to leave skin smooth and glowing)
4. Monoi Body Glow II: a companion to the Monoi Body Glow without the bronze luster. Both Monoi Body Glow oils can be used daily after bath, shower, sun exposure, or as a massage oil
5. Monoi Candle: “A rich and enveloping bouquet of tiare blossom, white frangipani, ylang-ylang, and vanilla transport and transfix. Created with rich essential oils, allowing for an optimum burn time of 70 hours.”

I actually don’t own a full-size NARS Laguna Bronzer but I have a deluxe mini (0.08 oz / 2.5g). When I saw the launch of Laguna Tiare (LT) in all its gorgeous packaging glory and included mini ita kabuki brush, I opted to purchase this one rather than the original.

Retail: 59 USD / 75 CAD  (0.35oz / 10g) available at your local Sephora, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, NARScosmetics.com, and NARS counters. Limited Edition.

In terms of price, Laguna Tiare retails at 7.50 CAD/g whereas the full-size Laguna Bronzer (52 CAD/8g) retails at 6.50 CAD/g. At first glance, LT may seem more expensive; however, when you factor in the Ita Kabuki brush which retails at 70 CAD, you may reconsider.

Taking a closer look at the brush, the included Ita Mini brush head is actually full size with a smaller handle compared to its original counterpart. The bristles are very similar in material and texture to the larger brushes. It feels soft to the touch and blends well. The unique Ita Kabuki Brush head is ideal for sharp contouring; however, I usually prefer a fluffy round brush such as Tom Ford Bronzing Brush or ZOEVA 106 Powder Brush for an allover glow.

Let’s talk about packaging. It’s gorgeous. Although featuring the classic NARS black colour theme, the rectangular case is, in fact, plastic with intricate tree bark wooden details and glossy NARS lettering on top. The compact is lightweight with a snap closure and a large mirror inside.

The powder pan measures 6 x 7.5 cm in diameter which provides ample space to swirl your brush and ensure proper powder distribution.

If you are familiar with NARS Laguna or any of NARS powder formulas, you can expect the same quality to be found in Laguna Tiare. The powder feels buttery to the touch and blends seamlessly.  I found this bronzer to be difficult to pick up using my finger but effortless with a regular synthetic powder brush. Be aware that, like most bronzers, it takes time after the initial application for the colour to settle in. If you’re looking for a subtle and very natural summer glow, then wait a bit before applying more.

In the pan, Laguna Tiare is a tone or two deeper than the original Laguna; however, unless you create intense layering on the skin, the colour difference is unnoticeable. It is marketed as a diffused brown with golden shimmer and tends to veer slightly towards the warmer spectrum.

The bronzer lasted easily for 6 hours on a non-powdered face with foundation and 8 hours on top of powder and foundation (I almost always use a setting spray overtop).

What sold me, aside from the packaging, formula and included brush, is the scent. The entire Tahiti Bronze Collection is infused with Monoï de Tahiti, a blend of tiare blossom, white frangipani, ylang-ylang, and vanilla found naturally in the Polynesian islands. It is a very calming and relaxing scent that is neither overpowering or non-existent, but rather a perfect balance between the two. The scent alone is making me want to purchase the candle and hydrating beauty oil from the same collection. Correction, by the time this review is posted I already ordered Monoi Body Glow II (aha!). If you already own the Monoi Body Glow from previous releases and fell in love with the scent, the Laguna Tiare would definitely be up your alley.

In all, NARS has continued to impress with a solid bronzer / brush duo cased within a beautifully crafted compact. I am very pleased to add this to my collection.

xx Kelly