“This bronzer has replaced all others in my make-up routine”

Truth be told, bronzing is a step in my make-up routine I always struggle with. While I have heaps of colourful blushers and too many bottles of foundation to count, I’ve always been picky when it comes to bronzers. They have to be the perfect shade that’s neither too cool nor too warm, as well as easy for me to blend, thanks to my lacking make-up artistry skills. Essentially, I’m Goldilocks when it comes to bronzers.

As such, I have a very curated edit, one that barely sees any new additions, despite how many new items land on my desk. So, when I say one new launch has replaced all other bronzers in my make-up bag, it’s a big deal.

However, the Water Bronzer is the most innovative bronzer I’ve tried. For starters, it’s a cushion formula (yes, the same as those cushion foundations that have had a revival lately, thanks to the rise of K-beauty), which not only makes it extremely hydrating but also allows you to build up the intensity seamlessly, depending on how bronzed you want your cheeks to be.

While I was a big fan of Refy’s Cream Bronzer, I could never find quite the right shade that didn’t skew too orange, but the shade offering for their latest addition fixes that issue. They’ve catered to a range of undertones that really deliver a natural sunkissed glow we’re all seeking with a bronzer. The shade ‘Cove’ is the perfect hue for my pale skin.

As the name might suggest, this cushion formula means it’s not too dissimilar from a liquid bronzer, with one swipe going on pretty sheer. As someone who’s always terrified of orange stripes, this bronzer makes it impossible to go over the top, which I love.

You can layer this up with just a few swipes of your brush, and it leaves the most natural, blurred finish effect, without drying out my skin. It’s almost like a contoured spray tan effect. One that doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or that you’ve got piles of make-up on. It leaves me looking like I haven’t got any make-up on my cheeks, but just a little shadowing to enhance my cheekbones. It’s the perfect ‘no make-up make-up’ bronzer.

While you don’t get a make-up puff included, as you do with other cushion products – this formula is definitely best applied with a brush – the compact does come with a handy mirror, making it perfect for when you’re on the go.

Since it landed on my desk a couple of weeks ago, I haven’t gone anywhere without it or touched another bronzer – yes, it’s that impressive. If you’re like me and not confident in your bronzing skills but still want to achieve a natural finish, Refy’s Water Bronzer is going to be your make-up summer essential.