This Beach-Bronzed Patrick Ta Glow Balm Sent Me on My First Vacation in Months

I first tried the new Patrick Ta Major Glow All-Over Glow Balm at 10 p.m., which, to be fair, is not the time I'm feeling the sharpest or when my apartment has the best lighting. I looked in the bathroom mirror and was convinced it wasn't even visible on my skin, despite how much it looked like a dark self-tanner in its container.

Well, when I tried again the next morning, everything changed. In addition to being more bronze and sparkly in direct light, I noticed an indiscernibly sweet aroma that reminded me of holiday cookies. While I was picturing Matthew McConaughey holding this jar out to me and saying "frost yourself," a woman in the elevator commented that I smelled really nice. So from my sample size of two, it's a nice scent.

Since I essentially smeared this on my upper body with my fingers, I'm wearing a touch more (pun intended) than I would normally. But, because 2020, once I headed outside to snap a photo it began pouring and there went my plans. Instead, as you can see back in my exceptionally well-lit apartment lobby, the shimmer is 1,000 percent there, and the promised glass-like glow is as well.

One thing I liked about this product is it didn't just make my skin look dewy — its texture is closer to a balm than the more liquidy consistencies of my other body highlighters. It's packed with jojoba oil and shea butter, and actually made my skin feel softer. And, even though it may look wet, when I pressed down on my arms with a paper towel, I saw only a hint of color come off. Sure, it may not be tops for an all-white outfit, but it definitely didn't get on my darker dress.

Just to get an outdoor shot for comparison, I quickly popped under an awning and, without the bright florescent lights, it's not as shimmery as it looked indoors. This could be similar to what happened when I looked at it in my dark apartment the first night, and it's something to keep in mind if your day includes both outside and inside activities.

And, as I previously mentioned, I'm exceptionally un-self-conscious about leaving home looking like I'm off to a festival. Not only do I like this extra glow to spice up errands during an incredibly gloomy day (and year), I also look like I could have just spent two weeks in Tahiti.

The Major Glow All-Over Glow Balm comes in two shades: "She's on Vacation" in bronze ($50) and "She's Glossy" in universal transparent ($50). I personally liked the bronze, as there's not the pink or peach flashback in photos that I've seen with lighter options worn on darker skin. Still, next time I'll stick to a brush for a more subtle look. I'll also use this as a softer alternative to powder bronzer on my cheekbones, which would work on other complexions, too.

Most of all, how perfect is its name?! The only water views I'm getting these days come from weekend dog walks by the East River, but with this "She's on Vacation" balm, I've now found the closest thing to a trip we'll all likely get this summer.