Summer and Winter are two of my favorite times of the year for bronzer and adding a little extra color to the face.
A friend of mine recently asked me: “How do I wear bronzer?” and from there a bronzing lesson was born. So for all of you who are wanting to know how to get a beautiful but natural summer glow, this is for you.
Bronzers come in cream, powder or gel finishes and can be matte or shimmery depending on your preference. For normal, oily or combination skin, powder bronzers are a safe bet. If you are very oily or have breakout-prone skin, then powders or gels are ideal, but stay away from the creamy options and overly sparkly options because a shiny finish just looks more oily. For those of you with normal to dry skin, you may want to consider cream or fluid bronzers.
I’ve had plenty of people ask me “What’s the point of bronzer?” or “Is bronzer really necessary”? My answer: It’s not at all necessary in my opinion but using the right shade of bronzer can help you achieve a healthier-looking complexion. It can also enhance your natural face structure and give you that sun-kissed glow you get after spending a day at the beach. The right shade of bronzer is the one that looks like your skin tone when you have a soft tan. No matter your skin tone, the general rule is to choose a bronzer one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Keep in mind some parts of your body are more exposed to the sun than others so you may have a slightly different face skin tone compared to your body skin tone and your neck is most likely lighter than both your face and body. The right intensity of bronzer is the one that suits and blends well with your entire body, giving an overall balanced look. Bronzer should give skin a sun-kissed flush and look as natural as possible so apply it to areas of the face such as where your forehead meets your hairline, the bridge of your nose, the tip of your chin and the apples of your cheeks. Tip: If your skin tone is fair, to avoid looking like you got a bad fake tan, choose a bronzer with a mosaic palette of lighter tan shades and pink-ish colors so it won’t look harsh on your pale skin. Also, fair-toned types should avoid red and/or orange-toned bronzers.
Applying Bronzer:
I like to use the rule of “3” shape while applying bronzer. On both sides of the face make the “3” shape, starting at the forehead along the hairline and use your brush to follow along just below your cheekbone and just under the jawline. Keep it sheer and build as needed. For powder bronzers, use a medium-size fluffy but firm brush for the most control. Sweep the brush over the powder and tap off any excess before applying. Some people also find an angled brush works best for applying bronzer, especially to smaller faces.
For cream bronzers, I recommend a makeup sponge or synthetic-hair foundation brush. Just apply a small amount of product to the sponge and use a light stippling effect, which is a light dabbing to bronze one area at a time. For bronzing gels or liquids, use your fingertips to dot and blend but do it quickly because these products tend to dry fast.
Remember, when choosing a bronzer color, any makeup testing should be done in natural light. So if you’re in a department store or a drugstore, you may have to step outside quickly with a mirror to see how the color truly looks on you. Avoid shimmery bronzers or limit their use to evening makeup looks and don’t forget sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF already in it to protect your skin daily, especially during the summer months.
Stay beautiful my bronzed goddesses!
