Goop's New Gel Bronzer Gives Me a Back-From-the-Hamptons Glow

Bronzer is one of those products that sound amazing in theory but is rarely great in practice. Who doesn't love the idea of a just-got-back-from-vacation glow in the fluff of a brush? But it's a tricky product to nail, especially if you're on the fairer end of the spectrum. On my skin tone, bronzer can quickly go patchy, orange, or—worst of all—make my face look dirty (no matter how much I blend).

Even when I do find one I love, bronzer is more like a special occasion practice than an everyday staple, as it just feels like just one more thing to do. I like a really blushy look, and bronzer always feels like it's fighting my blush for real estate. However, as summer officially kicks off, I set out to find a bronzer that I actually love to help me channel my Euro Summer fantasies (I will be staying Stateside). Enter: Goop's Summertone Bronzing Gel, which makes me look like I spent ample time in Cannes, Capri, Malibu, or East Hampton. Ahead, everything you need to know, plus my honest review.

The Product

"Glow" is a word I highly associate with both Gwyneth Paltrow and her brand Goop (say what you want about the brand, the products are really good), so when I heard she was launching a bronzer, I knew I had to try it. I grew even more intrigued when I found out it was a gel bronzer, which are great for a natural look but are a little harder to find.

The Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel is the brand's second foray into makeup after launching the Glow Balms earlier this year. It has a lightweight, hydrating gel formula, and can be used in targeted areas or all over your face for a sheer wash of color with no shimmer or sparkle. It comes in one shade, which the brand calls a "sun-burnished" tan.

Because this is Goop we're talking about, the Bronzing Gel is also full of skincare ingredients. Squalene hydrates and calms skin, while vitamin E adds even more hydrating benefits. Antioxidants from red algae, green coffee bean, and Yerba Mate help fight free radical damage and pollution. The Yerba Mate also helps to encourage collagen production.

My Review

I was a little scared when I first squeezed this bronzer out of the tube—it looked way too dark for my skin tone and appeared to have a greenish tint right out the gate. However, as I dabbed the gel over my cheekbones and nose, my doubts started to evaporate.

This is hands-down the most natural-looking bronzer I've ever tried. Because of the gel formula, it truly disappears into my skin, leaving no trace of makeup behind. Because it's so sheer, it has a similar effect as a self tanner, only more forgiving. The color is also extremely natural. There are no orange tones, but its a perfect rusty brown that looks just like my skin does after a day in the sun. I truly don't know how Goop figured out how to bottle this shade, but I'm so glad they did—though I do wish they had a few options for deeper skin.

I also love that it plays well with other makeup—I often find that my blush and bronzer are fighting for attention, but since this blends seamlessly into my skin it makes the perfect base for any other face makeup. It doesn't feel heavy or sticky, and I can wear it as my sole base layer on a really sweaty day. I may be staying in the city this summer, but with this gel in my makeup bag, you would never know.,

Goop Beauty Summertone Bronzing Gel