Feeling clueless when it comes to applying bronzer?
Wondering if it’s right for you? Not sure how to apply?
All excellent questions deserving of helpful, easy-to-understand answers and advice.
Read on for bronzer myths debunked, secrets revealed, and get ready to reveal your best sun-kissed glow any time of the year!
Myth 1: Bronzer is used to add color and make you look tanner.
Truth: Bronzer is designed to add warmth, making your skin appear healthier, not simply changing your skin to the color of a deep tan.
When used correctly, it can also add dimension to your face.
Myth 2: Any shade of bronzer will work with your skin tone as long as you use the right amount.
Truth: Choosing the right shade is much like choosing your foundation.
You need to take into consideration your skin’s undertones.
A bronzer with orange undertones works well on olive or darker skin.
Choose one with cool undertones for lighter skin.
Look for a neutral, universal shade in a cooler base matte or semi-matte finish if you are in the middle – not super light or dark skinned.
Remember: A little glimmer goes a long way. Use glimmer bronzer sparingly to provide a little extra sheen.
Skip the glimmer altogether if you have oily skin or the result will be anything but natural-looking.
Myth 3: A kabuki brush is the best way to apply bronzer.
Truth: Wrong!
With their dense bristles, kabuki brushes certainly have their place in your makeup bag.
But, bronzer looks most natural when applied with a fluffy powder brush with loosely-packed bristles.
Opt for a tapered brush or an angled bronzer brush. Instead of dipping the top of the brush straight into the bronzer, try to roll the sides of the brush in the product.
Then, when you apply it, you avoid dumping a concentrated amount on one spot of your face.
Swirl, tap off excess, then apply with a light hand. Less is more when it comes to bronzer.
Build up gradually until you achieve the sun-kissed glow you desire.
Myth 4: Apply it all over your face for an even, consistent glow.
Truth: Bronzer is not foundation.
When you use foundation, you are trying to conceal, color correct, and evenly cover every square inch of your face.
Bronzer is different; it is used to add warmth and definition.
Thus, your application is going to be more targeted and specific.
Start with your forehead and using a fluffy brush, apply in concentric circles across the hairline.
Next comes the cheeks. Add a little more bronzer, tap, and then gently apply from the apple of your cheek to your ear.
Blend out by sweeping in circles. Now, let’s frame the face by adding a little bronzer to the jawline, specifically from the base of the jaw to the chin.
And this part is crucial: Straddling the edge of the jawbone, blend under the chin and continue downward along the neck.
If your complexion is lighter than your neck and chest, this step will help match the two flawlessly.
Lastly, the nose gets a little sweep down each side.
One last piece of advice:
When deciding whether to go for a cream or powder bronzer, consider all the above steps and how many times you will need to blend.
A sheer, powder formula is going to be the easiest to apply and provide you with a natural glow.