Physicians Formula • Solar Powder SPF 20 Bronzer • Bronzers

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lolicious on 4/16/2013 10:49:00 PM more reviews by lolicious

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've bought this twice and the lid broke both times (within the first month) so yeah, fail. Furthermore, the packaging is bulky. It's a decent bronzer but for the price I'm sure I can find a better one as I don't find this one to be very pigmented or anything special. It was about $12 and not worth it. Physician's Formula products are so hit or miss and at the more expensive end of the drugstore price scale.

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*TOP REVIEWER* RachelisGreen on 3/4/2013 1:24:00 AM more reviews by RachelisGreen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Meh, this stuff is alright. Nothing special. I used this for years when I was an NC15-NC20 but now that I am an NC 35 it doesn't do anything for my skin. I now use Benefit's Hoola or Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. Those are a THOUSAND times better than this. Don't get me wrong, this stuff is decent but that's all it is. It's very generic, nothing special, and sometimes it can pull a little orange or a little yellow. It's kind of hard to describe. It's much better then half of the other drug store bronzers out there and it isn't packed with glitter so that's a definite plus but this stuff falls short in almost every other aspect. It retails from anywhere to 14$-17$ depending n where you purchase it from. It's not a horrible bronzer, but there are definitely better ones out there even in drug stores. I usually like Physician's Formula bronzers but this one sort of fell short. It's sort of too pigmented but not enough? it's weird, and it's really powdery and accentuates the texture of my skin and hairs on my face in an unflattering way. If you pay 15$ more you can purchase Hoola from Benefit which would be an amazing alternative if you have lighter skin.

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selenajade on 7/21/2012 11:03:00 AM more reviews by selenajade

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I got this at walmart for 11 dollars a few weeks ago, and since i have pinkish undertones (i burn but that turns into a tan the next day or so) I always have SPF on my face from my moisturizer to my BB cream and now my bronzer!:) I think the packaging is really cute and i dont mind paying 11 dollars for this because theres alot of product in there! as for the color it doesnt make me look orange but i do have to put a bit more on for it too show up which is fine. I dont wear bronzer on just normal days but when i go to the beach or movies this is my go-to!! If you are looking for a bronzer that isnt so harsh maybe for school this would definetly work for you!:)

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*TOP REVIEWER* bailokaye on 6/27/2012 8:13:00 PM more reviews by bailokaye

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

Nice bronzer but shows up a bit yellow-brown on me (NW15). It isn't super pigmented, which I think is good in this case, since its hard to go overboard with it being a lighter bronzer. Works well for contouring as it is (almost) completely matte. The bulky compact sucks and the brush is useless. I like that it has spf. A bit expensive (around $12) but not too bad compared to some highend bronzers.

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*TOP REVIEWER* SHeust on 5/14/2012 10:58:00 PM more reviews by SHeust

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I am a big fan of Physician's Formula bronzers, and haven't come across one yet I didn't like. Their light shades always look natural, they have excellent lasting ability and they never clog my pores.

Solar Powder, though not my favorite, is no exception. I tried it because I was running out of my regular bronzer and thought this would be a great one for summer, since I wear bronzer all over my face and neck every day. Having SPF built into my normal makeup routine is a great bonus. This formula is a fine powder which gives fairly natural looking color, but it is a wee bit more orange than any others I have tried from PF (most of which are not orange at all). No sparkle or shimmer to this one, which is another reason I rated it just a 3, because I like a little bit of shimmer to blur the blending. This one is slightly too matte for my taste, so it doesn't blend quite as well and can look somewhat muddy/makeup-y.
On the plus side though, this one isn't just available at Ulta, it is at drug stores as well, unlike some of the other bronzers from PF which can be hard to find. Try this one perhaps if you can't remember to put your sunblock on every day, aren't too fair (I think the oranginess would be less of a problem on those who aren't as pale as I am), and prefer a matte look.

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EncantadaX2 on 4/27/2012 6:30:00 PM more reviews by EncantadaX2

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this bronzer, It goes on smooth, not that noticeable, matte, and it gives you a natural tan color. I used to use NARS Laguna bronzer and IMHO this is very similar, except the price of course. For reference I am NARS Santa Fe (maybe NW 25-30) and use this bronzer in Light.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

fairlady01 on 1/8/2012 1:40:00 PM more reviews by fairlady01

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Cool   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

HG for my pale, cool skin (NW10). It's matte, it's pigmented, and best of all I don't look the least bit orange with it! Fortunately the lighter side takes up the majority of the pan - this color is the easiest to use. I use a bit of the dark side for contouring. Most days I just sweep my brush over everything and apply lightly all over my face, emphasizing the nose, cheekbone hollows, and hairline. The lid to mine broke so I can't take it anywhere now, but I've still got a TON left after 2 years and so I just keep it at home and use it. Get this if you can still find it!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

silentxtearz on 10/14/2011 3:46:00 AM more reviews by silentxtearz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This bronzer is a bit expensive for me so I wouldn't buy it again. I've had it for a while though. I like it, it doesn't make me look orange which a shocker!

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myblackdog on 7/28/2011 11:00:00 AM more reviews by myblackdog

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

Bought this on sale - otherwise would never have tried it. Have light skin with yellow undertones. This is a really useful summer tint for me - after applying sunscreen, i can brush it over my face, using a little more of the darker shade near jawline, and the lighter color on eye area, or to camouflage any redness around the nose. Then use a bit of powder blush to to liven up the cheeks, as this has no red or pink at all, so you could look a bit sallow. It does not change color, and looks pretty natural in the sun.

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BakeCupcakesNotWar on 7/2/2011 12:53:00 AM more reviews by BakeCupcakesNotWar

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this bronzer! I have a difficult time finding bronzers that don't oxidize on my face. I was in search of a bronzer powder I could essentially wear as foundation for the summer...one that was not shimmery or sparkly, as I have enough of those. This bronzer was the answer. I use a large powder brush from ecotools that works well. Even though this is a pressed bronzer, the brush picks up the product quite nicely without feeling like you have to scrap away at the palette. The only thing that bothers me about the packaging is that it's slightly bulky. It comes with a built in mirror and brush (which is fairly useless). I would absolutely by this product again!

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lavendergirl22 on 5/2/2011 9:02:00 PM more reviews by lavendergirl22

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This bronzer has a great tan color that isn't orangey and doesn't dry out my skin which is great! It comes with a cute little mirror and a brush thats underneath the bronzer. The price is decent, especially considering theres a good amount of product that should last a while. Gives you a healthy looking glow and i like that its not very sparkly or shimmery; its natural. I would recommend it to anyone except perhaps a slightly lighter shade for very light skinned people.

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*TOP REVIEWER* jarona on 4/28/2011 10:54:00 AM more reviews by jarona

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

Any "bronzer" or bronzing product that I've used on my face has just been a not-so-great experience for me. First there was "You Rebel" by Benefit. Ugh. I equate THAT experience with digging up some orange clay, wetting it down and spreading it on my face. Then there was yet another Benefit tanning product (I cannot remember the name of it) that fared equally badly with me. Next up was a product by Laura Geller---Balance and Brighten again, I ended up looking like Jackie-O'Lantern. *One caveat with the Laura Geller though--I am a fan of the baked body frosting for my body and when I do get sun color on my face, I will put it on my face but..... I'll stick to the faux tanning products for my legs and arms.
That said, I ended up using some of this Physicians Formula Solar Powder Bronzer in Light. My daughter left it behind when she went off to college so I decided to try it. I'm glad I did. Now...I cannot say this left my face totally bronzed, but it did NOT leave my face orange. I applied this with a very big fluffy brush and applied after all my makeup was applied. While it is light and I'm on the pale side, it gave me a nice glow. Not the illumination sort of glow, but a nice glow--the kind you get after being in the sun for about 45 minutes. I will make a purchase for myself because I know when daughter comes home--she will be looking for this. Overall---while not holy grail status, good enough to keep on hand!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

husveges on 2/10/2011 3:20:00 PM more reviews by husveges

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Orange, like every other Physician's Formula bronzer that I've tried.

I've switched to using L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow in Roaring as a contour powder bc I cannot find a non-orange "bronzer" in the drugstore.

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Calicokatie on 1/1/2011 6:28:00 PM more reviews by Calicokatie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Have had this so long that you can no longer read SPF 20 on the powder, and I'm starting to lose the yellowish circle (sun?), as well. I don't EVER tan my face. I have light olive skin and it does tan up nicely, but melanoma is prevalent in my family, so I don't really feel like playing hereditary Russian Roulette. I use this over my foundation all over in varying degrees depending on how dark the tan on the rest of my body is to match. I find it works well with my skin tone, and even though I was attracted to the darker version at first, that one made me look dirty.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* thecharm on 12/16/2010 1:49:00 AM more reviews by thecharm

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

Not the worst bronzer I've ever tried (that's probably ELF's...) but I had to return Solar Powder SPF 20 Bronzer. Although I liked that it provided SPF (even though I know it's purely a psychological benefit; even Snooki couldn't cake on enough bronzer for the SPF to be effective) and the finish (mostly matte; there's a golden overspray) it was too warm on my NW10. I am extremely cool toned, so it doesn't surprise me that many others here had success with this and didn't find it at all orange. All I can say is that for me, it was orange and it made my pale skin look dirty. I think I would have liked it if my skin was more neutral and beige and if I was light instead of paper-white.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

DRIA135 on 8/18/2010 3:11:00 PM more reviews by DRIA135

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I LOVE this bronzer especially if you have lighter toned skin - I try no to tan my face so I am pale year around and this give my a healthy glow plus it has SPF 20, it is not sparkly, and does not break me out.

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CroGirl89 on 8/18/2010 8:16:00 AM more reviews by CroGirl89

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

this is for the light bronzer. Personally, I love this. It has been in my m/u bag for a while, and I dont know why I never gave it much of a chance before now. If you are pretty pale (I am a very light olivy tone with no pink) and need a little healthy oomph to your skin, this is for you. No silly flecks of shimmer, the 3 colors blend beautifully. I use a big brush (the brush it comes with is a bit useless....maybe use for your eyelids), swirl, tap and then apply to cheeks, nose, jaw and eyes....then a couple of sweeps up and down my neck and chest to blend.....

It is a nice bonus that there is an SPF and a mirror.

This has replaced my blush, at least for now. I look healthy and glowing........for the price, it is worth a try

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Kathy123 on 6/15/2010 3:55:00 PM more reviews by Kathy123

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I did not care for this at all. The shade is bluh! I am NC30 and this created an odd shade on me. If there is a choice between this and the SPF 50, I would go with the light bronzer in SPF50. It is hard to describe the shade but it was something between beige and mud. The coverage is not bad but nothing to write home about.

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auhele on 3/3/2010 5:41:00 PM more reviews by auhele

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love this bronzer! I'm pale-ish (NW20) and don't like my bronzers to be really dark. I can't tan naturally so I look ridiculous with most bronzers. This is is fantastic! It's light enough that I don't look like I rolled in dirt, but still substantial enough to show up. It gives a great glow. I really recommend this for pale girls who are having trouble finding a bronzer that's light enough.

It's matte, so no worries about shimmer only showing up on some random parts of your face.

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*TOP REVIEWER* sunshinelaur on 2/24/2010 8:35:00 AM more reviews by sunshinelaur

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I had been happy using Cargo Medium Matte when I got this from a friend as an ROAK. Was shocked to find that this bronzer doesn't read orange at all on my super fair skin. It's the perfect fake tan in a cute, sturdy compact for a porcelain-skinned like me (nicknamed "casper", haha!). Swept on with an ecotools powder brush, it looks like I got some healthy sun. It looks less peach than my Cargo matte medium bronzer.


I probably wouldn't wear this alone as a blush on my cheeks, but the on forehead + hollows of cheeks, it gives me a healthy-looking touch of color. Most products turn orange on me (NW10 PPP), so I have to stay away from peach and coral tones in makeup. And yet, this bronzer has enough beige to not read orange on extremely cool-toned complexions. Try it if you have been frustrated by bronzer in the past. Was pleasantly surprised at this drugstore find!

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No