Do you look a bit greasy and could use some extra color on your face? You don’t have to lie under a tanning bed or sun rays for a glow. With a bronzer you can do this within a minute. It can be quite difficult to apply bronzer if you are not a born makeup artist. No worries, with these tips you will become a real pro in bronzing.
What exactly is bronzer?
First things first: what is a bronzer? A bronzer is a powder, stick or liquid that is used to tan the face in various places. It comes in different shades of brown. From light to dark: for all types of skin tones. Even with very light or dark skin you can use a bronzer for an extra glow. Tanning powders are the easiest to use and therefore the most popular.
Choosing the right bronzer
One bronzer is not the same as the other. Therefore, invest in a good bronzer, you will really notice a difference in quality. Also make sure you have a brush with soft bristles for smooth and even application of the powder. Finally, choosing the right color is of course very important. The bronzer should be slightly darker than your foundation color. If you are unsure between two shades, choose the lighter color. You can always build up the pigment by working with multiple layers. Then you are faced with another choice: matte or glitter. A bronzer with glitter reflects the light, giving you that desired glow. However, it can quickly become too much. It can also emphasize imperfections on the skin. You are safe with a matte bronzer. It gives you bronzed skin, without a disco ball effect. With a little highlighter you can still apply a subtle shimmer.
Shop the best bronzers:
Applying bronzer: 3 ways
In general, there are 3 ways to apply bronzer. Try them all and see what suits you and the occasion best! Only pick up a little bit at a time with your brush, because less is more. Make sure you sit in a well-lit area and check your face when you step outside. Use a blush and highlighter to complete your look.
1. Sun-kissed look
Tip from the make-up artists if you are going for a natural sun-kissed look: apply the bronzer to the points where the sun would normally tan you. So along your hairline, over the bridge of your nose and your cheekbones.
2. Make a ‘three’
Other MUAs (make-up artists) are fans of the ‘3-technique’. Make a ‘three’ with the brush on the left and right sides. Put a little bronzer on your brush and start at the hairline. Move the brush in a semicircle over your cheekbone. Make another semicircle towards your jawline. Do the same on the other side of your face.
View the result and apply more bronzer where necessary. For the illusion of a thinner nose, run a blusher brush with a little bronzer along the sides of your nose.
3. Shaping with a bronzer
By subtly applying bronzer, you already slightly shape your face. You can also go a step further and shape like a Kardashian. A stick bronzer is very suitable for this. How and where you apply the dark shade depends on your face shape. In the image below you can see per face shape where you should apply the shadows (bronzer) and highlights (concealer).
Makeup routine order:
If you pull out everything from your makeup cupboard and go for a full makeup look, your routine will look like this:
- Facial care
- Primer
- Foundation and concealer
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Highlighter
- Eyebrows (can also be done next to last)
- Eyeshadow primer
- Eye shadow
- Eyeliner/eye pencil
- Mascara/fake eyelashes
- Setting spray
Of course, it is completely up to you how much makeup you use. You can omit various products from this list as desired.
Video: how to apply bronzer
In this video from makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury you can see exactly the effect of a good bronzer: from a pale face to a healthy look.
