If you want a sun-kissed glow, it's all about learning where to apply bronzer. The best bronzers deliver that coveted "just came back from vacation" warmth without any of the sun damage. Whether you prefer a cream bronzer, powder bronzer or liquid bronzer, today's formulas make it easier than ever to bring definition, dimension and a healthy-looking glow to the complexion.
The key to believable bronzer is placing it where the sun would naturally hit the complexion. Focusing on the high points of the face creates warmth and subtle definition without looking overdone. "This is typically the top of the forehead, cheeks, a touch across the nose and a little on the chin," says pro makeup artist and Vieve founder Jamie Genevieve. "I always start with the cheekbones, working inwards with small circular brush motions. This ensures you're bronzing to suit your face shape and will give a beautiful, natural warmth to the skin."
If you have a wider forehead, celebrity makeup artist Chelsea Roach recommends tailoring your placement slightly. Apply bronzer to the sides of the temples, just above the cheekbones and underneath the jaw. "For a broad forehead, apply in a half-moon shape along the top of the forehead and work the product into your hairline," she says.
Roach also has a clever trick for sculpting the jawline. “One of my favourite jawline tricks is to apply the contour behind the ear and follow through under the jaw,” she says.
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Just as important as knowing where to apply bronzer is understanding where to avoid it. "I would avoid the centre of the face and under the cheekbone," says London-based makeup artist Keeley Wilson. “Bronzer placed here can actually drag your features down and can look quite heavy. If you want lift, keep placement high up along your cheekbones. If you want structure, use a cooler tone bronzer as this mimics a natural shadow, whereas a warmer tone provides a more golden, sun-baked glow.”
When choosing the right bronzer shade for you, it all comes down to your skin undertones. "Bronzer that complements your natural colouring will give beautiful results," says Genevieve. "If you have pink undertones, choose a bronzer to match, or if you have more golden undertones, your ideal bronzer should do so as well."
As a general rule, Jamie recommends opting for a bronzer that's around two shades deeper than your natural skin tone for the most believable finish. Going too dark can make the skin look muddy, while the right shade will add warmth and definition without looking obvious.
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The right tools can make just as much difference as the formula itself. Whether you're using a cream, powder or liquid bronzer, the key is to build colour gradually and blend well for the most natural-looking finish. "My preferred method is to take my brush and dab it directly into the product and then onto my skin, before blending it out with a damp beauty sponge," says makeup artist Natalie Dresher.
When it comes to cream bronzer, Dresher recommends applying it before concealer and blusher. "Compared with powder bronzer, cream formulas are often more pigmented and blend seamlessly into the skin and foundation. They're also typically matte unless they contain added shimmer." Wilson agrees, adding that she likes to “use a cream bronzer to give a base colour and then set with a powder for more intensity.”
For Genevieve, the best tool depends on the finish you're trying to achieve. “A dense brush is great for control and easy sculpting. Or, if you're more of an all-over-bronze type, go for a large, fluffy brush that has a lot of movement to give a diffused wash of colour.”
If you're applying a liquid bronzer, you can use your fingertips, a sponge or a makeup brush. Roach recommends a dense synthetic angled brush for more precise application. "I always use pressing motions to blend liquid product into the skin," she says. "I never swipe the product on."
Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
VIEVE Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer
Nudestix Nudies Matte Bronze Stick Bronzer
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
This article was originally published on GLAMOUR US.