Lancome's Maharani Jewels Fall Collection 2008: Maharani Elephant Bronzer Review

I feel like Lancome has come a long way recently. All the really interesting collections they have released as of late have been very unique! I don't believe anyone can say no to really great packaging, unique design, and awesome product all combined in one.

All of these elements are combined into a great Fall Collection that Lancome has entitled Maharani Jewels. A Mahārāja is a great king in Indian culture where as Maharani is it's equivalent female version which is the title given to the wife of the king or in certain cases a female ruler. Maharani Jewels is a wonderful name to behold on such a royal and elegant collection of cosmetics.



Obviously from first site you will notice that many of the colors in the collection are truly Fall inspired. Shimmering golds and browns compliment the warmth we associate with Fall colors. I headed to my local counter to have a peek at the collection but sadly it's not yet available for sale and the SA I spoke to was a tad bit clueless about the set which was rather disappointing! Dontcha just hate when SA's are not very knowledgeable about what they are selling! Perfect example is when I called the MAC store last week and asked if they had gotten in the three new collections...I had to wait on the line for 5-6 minutes while the MA on the other end ummmmm'ed her way into mind boggling confusion and finally responded with, "umm no I don't think we got any of those!"....oh boy.



I was able to get a chance to test drive the new Elephant Bronzer powder and this was the item I was really lemming badly so it's all good! I will however probably be bringing you the eyeshadow palette as well once I can get my greedy paws on it at my local counter!







The Elephant Bronzing Powder is one of those items you want to tuck securely away in your beauty vault because you'll never want to use it and only take it out to pet it and tell it how beautiful it is. It's one of those unique purchases that just triggers your protective instinct! I've had this feeling with several beauty compacts I own. Either I'm a sad, diseased cosmetic junkie or this is a common thing that all women experience with awesome makeup!





The palette consists of three separate colors which all blend together to create a rather beautiful peach, gold, bronze shimmer on cheeks and face. The main color is a typical bronze shimmering tan shade while the other colors in the palette are a pale pink and a bright orange that make up parts of the elephant. You honestly can't tell the difference in the shades once you sweep your brush over it. All three shades just combine and create a unique glowing look on your face. If you desire you can take the compact a step further and use the pink and orange as an eyeshadow.





I was relieved and happy to notice that the gorgeous elephant print is deeply embedded into the powder so it won't wear off too quickly as you use the power! The detail on the print is really lovely and unique.

I've done a 180 on my view of bronze powders lately and instead of running from them screaming bloody murder I actually find myself seeking them out. Shocking right? Although you too may hate bronzing powders I do urge you to try out this one out as you'll be quite delighted with the soft glow of shimmering color it gives to cheeks. The color just works well and I really like the natural, healthy, unique look it gives to my face.







I think it's safe to say the color should work for most any skin tone even lighter shades which will sometimes appear muddy or dirty when using a bronzing powder. I'm a medium fair and I felt like it worked great for me and I'd recommend trying it out for a shade or two lighter than my own tone. And of course darker skin tones it goes without saying how beautifully brilliant it'll look on!

Sporting Lancome's Elephant Bronzer Powder:










I think it deserves to be mentioned that the idea of releasing a bronzing powder for a Fall Collection seems a tad bit absurd. We are after all heading into a cooler season and bronzing is the last thing we are thinking about. However, it's a total win for Lancome in my humblest opinion as the color just rather suits the warmer tones we associate with Fall such as golds, browns, etc.....so really bronzing powder in the Fall works well especially when paired up with the Maharani eye shadow quad. The quad contains really beautiful, sultry shades of browns, golds, and peach all in shimmering finish. Or of course pair the bronzer up with your own stash of dark shades that you may already have in your collection!

Aside from the eye quad and the bronzing powder a few other items were released with this collection. Complimenting lip glosses and eyeliner pencils are all available to make up the perfect sultry, smoky look for the Fall!

And of course one item many people are excited about is the new La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer. I've heard many an excited whisper about this new primer from Lancome and it's made me curious enough to want it. Since the collection is currently up and available online I think I'll be placing an order for both the primer and the eye quad shortly so expect reviews soon!

All in all a very promising collection from Lancome for the Fall! Definitely head in to your local counter towards the middle or end of this month to score some of these great items for yourself!

The Muse Approves it for purchase! Loves it!



Or buy it now at Lancome.com (Shipping is free this week)! See more of the Maharani Jewels Collection by clicking here!

Want any of this collection?

Love the bronzing powder?

Want the quad?

Dying for the primer?

What Fall Collections for 2008 have caught your eye?

Tell the Muse!



Check out my review of the Lancome's Mystery Game Collection released last Fall!