Welcome to bronzer bootcamp. You're here to learn how to apply bronzer, so let's kick off by addressing the various schools of thought on what this product is even for.
You've got your hardcore 'wake and bake' types who wear bronzer all over the face, all day, all year round. You've got the summer fling crew who dip into their best bronzer from May to September only. If you'd asked 19-year-old me I'd have told you it was for painting thick sparkly stripes from chin to ear – what better easy makeup look could there be for blurry Monday nights in sticky-floored nightclubs?
While there are many ways to wear bronzer, the desired outcome is fairly universal. "The purpose of a bronzer is to bring warmth and structure to the face," says Bobbi Brown Pro Makeup Artist, Zara Findlay. And, according to No7 Makeup Ambassador, Joy Adenuga, half the battle is what lies underneath. "For a flawless bronzer finish, your base is essential," she advises. Start with the best foundation, learn how to apply concealer and you won't have to fret about applying your bronzer too precisely. The right formula will melt into your skin, blend away easily and get you well on your way to bronze goddess status.
A makeup-artist masterclass in how to apply bronzer
Step 1: Find the perfect color
First things first. It's no good knowing how to apply bronzer if you've chosen entirely the wrong product. "Choosing the right shade makes all the difference and will look more authentic and real rather than overly bronzed and made up," says Pro Makeup Artist Cher Webb. Here's how:
- Know your undertone: "The best way to check your undertone is to look at the veins around your wrists," advises Webb. "If they appear blue you will have a cooler undertone, if they look green you are more likely to have a warm undertone. If you have a mix of both you're neutral."
- Now pick a shade: "For cool undertones, avoid overly warm bronzers and use more peachy tones. Warm undertones look gorgeous in golden browns, while deeper tones will love bronzers with a hint of red. Neutral undertones can be trickier so avoid overly peach or overly warm bronzers," says Adenuga.
- Test it properly: As with finding a perfect foundation match, Webb advises against simply checking your bronzer on the face, or back of the hand. "Always bring your bronzer down your neck and through to the décolletage, this is a good part of the body to test if the bronzer is the correct fit for you."
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Step 2: Pick a texture
Knowing how to apply bronzer depends on the texture you are working with. Adenuga suggests choosing your formula as you do skincare. "For a beautiful and natural finish, pick bronzers best suited for your skin type. Oily skin types would benefit from powder bronzers and dry skin will love cream or liquid formulas."
- Powder bronzer: When learning how to apply bronzer, Adenuga recommends opting for dry formulas, saying, "for beginners, powder bronzers are the easiest to work with." We hear about products like the best setting powders and bronzers being finely milled, which essentially means the pigment particles are smaller. This is great for smooth application as it will 'melt' into the skin and blend easily. Powders are also suited to oily or combination skin as they are more resilient.
- Cream bronzer: The best cream bronzers have grown in popularity in recent years and tend to be more hydrating and therefore more flattering on dehydrated skin, lines, or less-smooth skin texture. This makes them a good choice for anyone with crow's feet or who is wondering how to get rid of acne scars. "I find cream formulas give the most natural and dewy finish but I personally believe with the right base anyone can use any of the formulations," says Adenuga.
- Liquid bronzer: Liquids suit bronzing larger areas, so if your plan is to use bronzer for an all-over glow rather than to strategically highlight, this texture can suit. If you are looking for the best bronzer for fair skin, you will need a transparent, matte liquid product to keep it looking natural. Liquid bronzers are pleasingly versatile and can double up as highlighters, which can be very flattering as part of a soft glam makeup look.
Step 3. Apply like a professional
"The most effective way how to apply bronzer is to be strategic with your placement, lightly sculpt the face and define the cheekbones and jawline," advises Webb. "Use a large brush, and start at the top of the forehead, this is where the sun would naturally hit the skin first, and make sure you keep the brush close to the hairline."
Adenuga recommends a light touch with the brush, "The light swirl method works the best. Start with the cheekbones, then the hairline, and temple to the jawline. A quick swirl across the nose is also flattering." Using the right brush will stop you from accidentally applying too much, "Avoid stiff brushes and go with a large fluffy brush or angled brushes that are fluffy and build your bronzer in layers. Doing this reduces over-application," advises Adenuga.
If you're applying liquid bronzer, make the most of the product's buildable texture, suggests make-up artist Emma Kotch, "For a super highlighted look, build liquid bronzer up on collarbones, shoulders, and shins – this is my favorite trick for my celebrity clients as it picks up beautifully under flash photography."
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