How to apply bronzer: everything you need to know for a natural effect
Do you dream of a golden complexion and glowing skin? Even though the summer holidays are over, you can still keep that sun-kissed look! With bronzing powder, you can give your face a warm glow without having to sunbathe. In this guide, we'll show you how to apply your bronzer step by step, how to choose the shade best suited to your complexion and, most importantly, where to apply it for a natural, even finish.
What is bronzer
Bronzer is a facial cosmetic that gives you a radiant, golden complexion that looks you've spent a day in the sun. As well as warming up your complexion, it helps sculpt and define, accentuating your main facial features. It's a beauty-case must-have for anyone who loves a fresh, radiant look!
Bronzing powders come in warm, natural shades, perfect for recreating that lightly tanned effect. After applying bronzer, you can round off your look with a touch of blush on your cheeks and highlighter on your nose or cheekbones for a flawless finish.
Choose a shade of bronzer based on your skin type and tone: with our tips, finding which product is best suited to you and how to best apply it are easy peasy.
Where to apply bronzer
Bronzer can be applied to different areas of the face to achieve a natural, radiant effect. It helps sculpt your features and enhance depth. Here are your key areas:
Hairline
Applying bronzer along the hairline helps make the forehead appear more proportionate, improving overall facial balance.
The sides of the nose
For an optical effect that makes your nose look slimmer, blend some bronzer on the sides using a small brush. A small amount on the tip of your nose will make it appear shorter.
Temples and cheekbones
Apply the powder to your temples and under your cheekbones to sculpt and define your face. Use a
contouring brush
and blend carefully.
Jawline
Apply bronzer along the jawline to define your facial contours. This will also help make your neck appear longer.
Important: always blend the product thoroughly to avoid harsh lines!
How to apply bronzer correctly
1. Prepare your base
First, apply foundation and concealer, then set your make-up with setting powder. Once your skin is mattified, you can move on to your bronzer.
2. Apply the bronzer
Pick up some product with a large, soft brush, remove any excess and apply in light circular movements. Remember: less is more. Focus on the areas beneath the cheekbones, on the temples, along the forehead and along the jawline, blending seamlessly towards the neck. Finally, apply a light layer of product to the sides of the nose using a small brush.
3. Blend well
To avoid colour differences, blend with a clean foundation brush. If you've applied too much, even out your complexion with some sheer fixing powder.
4. Final touches
For an even fresher and more natural effect, add some blush and highlighter.
Applying bronzer based on the shape of your face
Each face shape has its own rules for achieving a balanced effect:
Round face
Apply the bronzer under your cheekbones and on the upper part of your forehead for greater definition.
Oval face
Blend the bronzer under the cheekbones and on the temples to highlight your face's natural proportions.
Square face
Apply the bronzer to the sides of the forehead and jawline to soften the corners and achieve a more balanced effect.
Mistakes to avoid with bronzer
Mistake 1 – Not blending properly
Harsh or overly visible lines make your make-up look unnatural. Always apply your bronzer in circular motions and blend carefully.
Mistake 2 – Your neck is too light
Don't forget your neck! For an even effect, apply a light layer of bronzer to your neck and décolletage as well.
Mistake 3 – Wrong shade
A bronzer that's too dark will clash with your complexion. Choose a colour that's only one or two shades darker than your skin tone at the most.
Mistake 4 – Too much product
The finish should look natural, like after a day spent in the sun. Remember: it's better to put on a little at a time than having to remove it!
How to choose the right bronzer
To find the perfect shade, you first need to identify your skin tone and undertone:
Cool undertone:
fair skin with pink hues, tends to burn easily.
Warm undertone:
golden or olive skin, tans easily.
Neutral undertone:
skin with a mix of pink and yellow undertones.
Tips for choosing colours:
Fair skin → honey shades to neutralise redness.
Medium skin → amber shades.
Dark skin → golden or bronze shades with a slight shimmer.
Based on hair colour:
Blond → shades with pink pigments.
Brunette → golden or peach shades.
Black → terracotta or golden shades.
By following these tips, you'll have a warm, radiant complexion all year round!
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