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Laguna Bronzing Powder

Laguna Bronzing Powder

Product Description

The iconic, award-winning bronzing powder that delivers a natural sun-kissed glow. This talc-free, finely milled formula creates instant warmth with long-lasting wear and silky-smooth blendability for a lit-from-within radiance on all skin tones.

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท French Beauty ยท Made in Canada
โœ” Talc-Free Formula โœ” Paraben-Free โœ” Phthalate-Free โœ” Fragrance-Free โœ” Dermatologist Tested โœ” 9 Shades Available โœ” Buildable Coverage โœ” Long-Wearing
Pregnancy Safe
Yes โœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
Caution โš ๏ธ
Comedogenic Rating
2/5
๐Ÿ“ฆ
Size
11g / 0.38 oz
๐Ÿ’ฐ
Price
$44.00
โœจ
Finish
Radiant
๐ŸŽจ
Shades
9 Options
โฐ
Wear Time
8+ Hours

โœจ Texture & Feel

๐Ÿ’ง
Consistency
Silky Pressed Powder
๐Ÿ‘ƒ
Scent
Fragrance-Free
โฑ๏ธ
Absorption
Instant
๐ŸŽฏ
Finish
Luminous Glow
โ˜€๏ธ

Natural Sun-Kissed Glow

Creates believable warmth that mimics a natural tan without looking orange or muddy on any skin tone.

๐Ÿชถ

Finely Milled Formula

Ultra-fine powder particles blend seamlessly into skin without settling into pores or fine lines.

โฑ๏ธ

Long-Lasting Wear

Stays put for 8+ hours without fading, oxidizing, or transferring throughout the day.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

Translucent Microspheres

Light-reflecting technology smooths skin texture and creates a soft-focus, perfected complexion.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility

โœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, and other ingredients of concern during pregnancy. Safe for use throughout pregnancy and nursing.

โš ๏ธ
Fungal Acne - Use with Caution

Contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, an ester that may feed Malassezia yeast. Those with fungal acne should patch test or consider alternatives.

โœ…
Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 2/5 for pore-clogging potential. The finely milled, lightweight formula is unlikely to cause breakouts for most skin types.

โœ…
Clean Ingredient Profile

Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, coal tar, and hydroquinone. Dermatologist tested.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Ingredient Breakdown

โœจ Synthetic Fluorphlogopite Key Base

A synthetic mica alternative that provides a smooth, silky texture and subtle shimmer. More refined than natural mica with consistent particle size for better blendability.

  • Function: Creates the powder base and provides light-reflecting properties
  • Benefit: Smoother application than talc-based formulas
โœ…
Talc-free alternative that's gentler on skin and provides a more refined finish.

๐Ÿ’Ž Mica Natural Mineral

Natural mineral pigment that provides luminosity and light-reflecting properties. Creates the signature subtle golden shimmer that makes Laguna famous.

  • Function: Light reflection and color dispersion
  • Benefit: Creates dimensional, not flat, color on skin

๐Ÿงด Dimethicone Silicone Skin-Conditioning

A silicone-based emollient that helps the powder glide smoothly across skin and improves adherence. Creates a protective barrier without clogging pores.

  • Comedogenic Rating: 0-1 (very low)
  • Benefit: Enhances blendability and longevity

๐ŸŒฟ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant

Natural antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage while providing conditioning benefits. Helps extend product shelf life.

  • Source: Naturally derived antioxidant
  • Benefit: Protects skin while wearing makeup

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Zinc Oxide Skin-Soothing

Mineral ingredient known for its soothing and protective properties. Helps create a smooth, even application and provides mild coverage.

  • Function: Texture enhancer and skin protector
  • Benefit: Gentle on sensitive skin

15 ingredients

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Zinc Oxide, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Chlorphenesin, [+/-(May Contain): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007)]

FREE FROM: Talc, Parabens, Formaldehydes, Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Hydroquinone, Sulfates (SLS & SLES), Triclocarban, Triclosan

๐Ÿ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Primer
2
Foundation
3
Concealer
4
Setting Powder
5
Bronzer
6
Blush

Apply after setting powder and before blush for best results. Can also be used alone on bare skin for a natural glow.

๐Ÿ“ How to Use

1

Choose Your Shade

For fair/light skin, select neutral or warm undertones (Laguna 00-02). For deeper skin, choose red or neutral undertones (Laguna 03-08) for dimension.

2

Pick Up Product

Swirl a fluffy bronzer brush into the powder, then tap off excess to prevent over-application. A little goes a long way with this pigmented formula.

3

Apply in a "3" Shape

Sweep across forehead, down the temples, along cheekbones, and under the jawline on each side of the face to create natural-looking warmth.

4

Blend & Build

Use circular motions to blend seamlessly. Build coverage gradually for a more sculpted look or light contour effect.

5

Extend to Neck

Dust remaining product onto neck and dรฉcolletรฉ to prevent harsh lines of demarcation between face and body.

๐Ÿ‘ค Who Is It For?

โœ… Perfect for you if:

  • You want a natural, buildable sun-kissed glow
  • You prefer subtle shimmer over completely matte bronzers
  • You have fair to medium skin (original shade)
  • You want a bronzer that works for both warmth and light contouring
  • You prefer talc-free, paraben-free formulas
  • You need a long-lasting bronzer that won't fade or oxidize

โŒ Consider alternatives if:

  • You strictly prefer 100% matte bronzers with zero shimmer
  • You have active fungal acne (contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate)
  • You want a completely fragrance-free product (contains <1% fragrance)
  • You need a dramatic, heavily pigmented contour product
  • You have a strict budget (premium price point)

๐ŸŽฏ Skin Type Compatibility

Oily Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Finely milled powder controls shine and lasts all day without oxidizing or sliding off. Works beautifully on oily skin.

Dry Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

The silky formula doesn't emphasize dry patches. Apply over a hydrating primer for best results.

Combination โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Performs beautifully on combination skin, blending seamlessly across different zones without patchiness.

Sensitive โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Dermatologist tested with a clean ingredient profile. Minimal fragrance (<1%). Patch test if very reactive.

Acne-Prone โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Low comedogenic rating (2/5). Non-irritating formula. Caution for fungal acne due to Ethylhexyl Palmitate.

Mature Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Translucent microspheres create soft-focus effect that minimizes fine lines. Doesn't settle into wrinkles.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results Timeline

Immediate

Instant Sun-Kissed Warmth

Visible, natural-looking bronzed glow from first application. Skin appears warmer and more radiant immediately.

100% see results
4-6 Hours

Midday Check

Color remains true without oxidizing or turning orange. Subtle shimmer stays visible without becoming chunky or separating.

95% still satisfied
8+ Hours

All-Day Wear

Full wear time with minimal fading. May need light touch-up in T-zone for very oily skin types.

85% no touch-up needed
Long-Term

Product Longevity

One compact typically lasts 12-18 months with daily use. A little goes a long way with this highly pigmented formula.

Great value over time

โญ Ratings by Platform

๐Ÿ’„ Sephora
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5
Rating
900+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main concern: Some find it too shimmery for matte bronzer lovers
๐Ÿ›’ Amazon
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main concern: Packaging prone to cracking if dropped or jostled
๐Ÿ’… Ulta Beauty
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4
Rating
200+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main concern: Premium price point compared to drugstore alternatives
๐ŸŒŸ MakeupAlley
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.3
Rating
350+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main concern: Black packaging shows fingerprints and gets grimy over time

โš–๏ธ Pros & Cons

โœ… Praised

  • Natural, believable sun-kissed glow
  • Extremely blendable and buildable
  • Long-lasting wear (8+ hours)
  • Flattering on wide range of skin tones
  • Talc-free, paraben-free clean formula
  • Doesn't oxidize or turn orange
  • Subtle shimmer, not glittery
  • Versatile for bronzing and light contouring
  • Large pan size lasts forever
  • Built-in mirror in compact

โŒ Criticized

  • Premium price point ($44)
  • Shimmer not ideal for matte-only lovers
  • Original shade may be too light for deep skin tones
  • No brush included in compact
  • Black packaging shows fingerprints
  • Can crack if dropped
  • Not fungal acne safe
  • Some find product firms up over time

๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

85% Match
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
$14.99 Budget Pick

Buttery smooth texture with similar warmth and subtle glow. Has a coconut scent that some love, others don't. Slightly more sheen than Laguna.

80% Match
e.l.f. Primer-Infused Bronzer
$6.00 Budget Pick

Similar shade range with buildable coverage. Cruelty-free alternative with primer-infused formula for smooth application. Less refined texture.

75% Match
NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep Tan
$10.00 Budget Pick

Similar color payoff at a fraction of the price. Completely matte finish (no shimmer) if that's preferred. Less silky texture.

70% Match
ColourPop Bronzer in Afternoon Delight
$9.00 Budget Pick

Warm-toned bronzer with good pigmentation. Super affordable but slightly less refined formula and smaller pan size.

๐Ÿ”„ Comparison with Competitors

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

$30.00
Finish Matte
Size 8g / 0.28 oz
Talc-Free Yes โœ“
Shade Range 4 Shades
Longevity 8+ Hours

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil

$34.00
Finish Matte
Size 8g / 0.28 oz
Talc-Free No โœ—
Shade Range 3 Shades
Longevity 6-8 Hours

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

$14.99
Finish Satin/Subtle Glow
Size 11g / 0.38 oz
Talc-Free No โœ—
Shade Range 6 Shades
Longevity 6-8 Hours

๐Ÿ“ฆ Storage & Shelf Life

๐Ÿ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

24 months after opening. Powder formulas have excellent longevity.

๐Ÿ 
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid environments like bathrooms.

๐Ÿ“ฆ
Packaging

Sleek matte black compact with built-in mirror. Magnetic closure. Handle with care to prevent cracking.

โœˆ๏ธ
Travel Friendly

Yes, TSA-approved. Mini size also available for travel. Wrap carefully to prevent breakage.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is free from retinoids, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, and other ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy. The talc-free formula contains only mineral pigments and skin-safe silicones. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

Use with caution if you have fungal acne. The formula contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, an ester that may feed Malassezia yeast and potentially trigger fungal acne breakouts. If you're prone to fungal acne, consider patch testing first or choosing a fungal-acne-safe bronzer alternative.

Yes! As a color cosmetic, Laguna Bronzing Powder doesn't interact with active skincare ingredients. Apply your skincare routine first (retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs), allow products to absorb, then apply makeup as usual. The bronzer sits on top of skin and won't affect the efficacy of your actives.

NARS Laguna works well on all skin types. It's particularly excellent for oily and combination skin due to its finely milled, long-wearing formula. Dry skin types should apply over a hydrating primer. Sensitive and mature skin benefit from the talc-free, dermatologist-tested formula with skin-smoothing microspheres.

Results are immediate! You'll see a natural sun-kissed glow as soon as you apply the product. The bronzer provides instant warmth and luminosity. The color stays true throughout the day (8+ hours) without oxidizing or fading significantly.

Apply bronzer after foundation, concealer, and setting powder, but before blush and highlighter. The typical order is: Primer โ†’ Foundation โ†’ Concealer โ†’ Setting Powder โ†’ Bronzer (Laguna) โ†’ Blush โ†’ Highlighter โ†’ Setting Spray. You can also wear it alone on bare skin for a natural glow.

NARS Laguna has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5. The finely milled, lightweight powder formula is unlikely to clog pores for most people. However, those with very acne-prone skin should always patch test new products. Remove makeup thoroughly each night with a good cleanser.

NARS Laguna has a 24-month (2 year) shelf life after opening. Powder products generally last longer than liquid or cream formulas because they have lower water content and are less susceptible to bacterial growth. With daily use, one compact typically lasts 12-18 months before you hit pan.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
4.5 out of 5

Verdict: NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder has earned its cult-favorite status. The talc-free, finely milled formula delivers a natural, sun-kissed glow that's buildable, blendable, and incredibly long-lasting. While the premium price point may deter some, the quality justifies the costโ€”one compact lasts forever. The subtle golden shimmer sets it apart from matte bronzers, creating a lit-from-within radiance rather than a flat, muddy look. Ideal for fair to medium skin tones in the original shade, with expanded options for deeper complexions. A true makeup bag essential that's earned 20+ years of devotion from beauty lovers worldwide.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
60% 6% 33%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 15 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 A
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Bulking Agent
2 Unknown
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant, Opacifying
1 B
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
0 Unknown
Silica
Absorbent, Abrasive
0 Unknown
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic Colorant
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS