So in summer times, the skin can be beautifully sun-kissed if the weather permits. And this is what most of us want to emphasize even more. That’s why we thought we would go through how to apply bronzer in the best way.
What is the difference between contouring vs bronzing?
For starters, we want to work out the difference between contouring and bronzing. Contouring means highlighting one’s facial features, simply enhancing the natural shadows on the face. A contouring shade comes in a cool shade to best imitate the natural shade of the face and is usually applied under the cheekbone from the hairline and a little bit towards the face, along with the hairline both at the temples and on the forehead and along the jaw. This is best done with a cone-shaped brush, but it is, of course, a matter of taste.
It is also popular to apply contouring shadow along the sides of the nostril to give the illusion of a narrower nose, as well as in the middle just below the lower lip to give a “more plump” impression. This is best done with a narrow, thin brush. The trick with contouring is to apply a little at a time and to mix.
Bronzer, on the other hand, goes in the warmer direction and is used to accentuate your tan which means it should preferably be applied where the sun naturally reaches the parts of the face. But more about where you should apply and how far down.
How do I apply bronzer?
As we already mentioned, a bronzer / tan powder is in the warmer end of the spectrum and is used to accentuate your tan. It should therefore not be applied as a regular powder over the entire face. Here it is important to think; where does the sun hit the face naturally?
If you use a powder bronzer, we recommend using a larger, fluffier brush. Wrap it in your bronzer, and dust off the excess product by gently hitting the brush against the wrist, for example. Then wrap your bronzer on the cheeks, blend in with your contouring and continue up the temples and up the forehead – into your contouring, not toward the middle of the forehead. Then wrap your bronzer along the sides of the neck, avoiding the center as you would like to emphasize it, as well as a little down on the shoulders and clavicles. It can also be nice to apply a little bronzer on the nose and chin.
Remember to take a little product at a time and to mix properly, it is the trick to get a good application of your bronzer. It is important that you find a bronzer that suits your skin tone – one bronzer does not fit all.
Highlight the tan further with the highlighter
A highlighter is also a good tool for highlighting the “glow” of the burn. Here we recommend a smaller brush.
Wrap the brush lightly in your highlighter and remove excess product. Then lightly swipe at the highest points of the face, such as at the highest point of the cheekbones, on the nostrils and nose tips, below the brow arch, on the amorphous arch and slightly above the brow arch.
Do you have any tips on how best to apply bronzer? Feel free to comment below!
