What is it about my skin that brings out the orange in every product?

Nearly every nude lipstick I've tried? Orange. All self-tanners, with the exception of St. Tropez? Orange. Any eye shadow or blush with the slightest hint of peach in it? Orange!

So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I tested the long-awaited Smashbox Bronzing Primer on my hand. Like the original, which I adore, it's a silicone-based mattifying and line smoothing gel that goes on under foundation or can be worn alone for a smooth look. (I wear mine alone. I do not own foundation.)

The difference in this one is that it's tinted bronze to give your face that healthy, beachy look. Being of the perpetually pale set, I was encouraged. But as soon as the product got near my finicky skin, it started to resemble something like dirt. Orange dirt. The face of an Oompa Loompa quickly conjured itself in my mind. The orange effect wasn't as bad as it could have been, and the primer was indeed quite sheer, as promised, but oh, it was there.

I quickly ran over to get a tissue and wiped off the Smashbox. Such high hopes, dashed!

* Someone posted a comment here the other day raving about the Bronzing Primer. I am so glad it worked for you, I just wish my skin would have liked it!