A sun-kissed glow can make a huge difference to your overall look. Adding warmth to certain areas of your face adds dimension and a subtle contouring effect. Previous bronzers were one-size-fits-all, but modern formulas are suitable for all skin types and tones. Choose from powders, creams, and drops and mix them into your favorite skincare routine to create a customized faux glow. Here, makeup artists share their favorite tips for applying bronzer for a natural look, and the best products to help you achieve it.
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Try the “3” arrangement
Makeup artist Victoria Lin recommends always using a “3” arrangement when applying bronzer. “This works for any face shape and is very beginner-friendly,” she says. “For this technique, use a large fluffy brush to apply powder bronzer to each side of your face in a ‘3’ shape. Start at your forehead and blend the bronzer along your hairline, moving under your cheekbones and finishing along your jawline. This method adds dimension, warmth, and natural contours to the face and enhances the facial structure. If you haven’t tried it yet, please give it a try! ”
Celebrity makeup artists Ash K. Holm and Kelly-Anne Sewell agree that one of the best powder bronzers is MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Face Powder in Give Me Sun. “I also love the Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer. These mineralized powders are more diffused and clarifying, leaving your skin looking translucent and glowing.”
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use a good brush
Celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin says the secret to applying natural bronzer is all about the brush. “I want to receive what I call a ‘product whisper’ rather than a shout,” she explains. “You need a brush with very soft, flexible bristles, like our award-winning powder/bronzer brush, which can be bent and bent to float the product on your skin rather than dragging it. And don’t remove too much flour from the pot.
“I find that using a larger, angled, fluffier face brush allows me to apply creams and powder bronzers more diffusely,” says Holm. “Available along the hairline above the forehead, above the cheekbones, and a little along the sides and bridge of the nose for a very natural tanned look.”
If you have dry skin, choose a cream bronzer.
“People with dry skin types should always use cream bronzers rather than powders and apply with a damp sponge,” says makeup artist Tommy Rivero. “One of my favorites is makeup with Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer.” Patinkin is also a fan of this method. “If you like a creamy texture, this is a great product,” she added. “It’s pigmented enough to get a sun-kissed effect, but it’s sheer and blendable so the finish is very natural and beautiful. I use this in conjunction with my sheer blush brush and it’s very It’s a beautiful combination.” Another option, Holm recommends Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Contour and Sculpt Cream Bronzer in Golden Tan.
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Add some shine to your look with bronze drops
Makeup artist Tommy Rivero recommends mixing liquid bronzing drops into your foundation. “I mix these in my hands and apply them to my skin with a foundation brush. I love the TULA Bronze Boost Glow Drops.”I also love the D-Bronzi Drops in Drunk Elephant. This is the OG in this category and also protects against the effects of pollution.
