Learn where to apply bronzer for natural-looking definition and a sun-kissed glow. Makeup artists share their best tips, plus common mistakes to avoid.
Learning where to apply bronzer is the best way to get a sunlit glow—without muddying up the rest of your makeup. The best bronzers will give you that “just came back from vacation” look sans sun damage.
Plus, there are plenty of options for every formula preference—including cream bronzer, powder bronzer, and liquid bronzer—all designed to bring warmth and dimension to the face. To help you make the most of your bronzer selection, we asked pro makeup artists for their best application tips . Where to apply bronzer For a sun-kissed sculpt It all depends on your face shape, but a general rule of thumb is to apply bronzer on places the sun would naturally hit, such as the temples and forehead. If your forehead is wider, celebrity makeup artist Chelsea Roach suggests the sides of the temples, right above the bottom of the cheekbone, and underneath the jaw. For a broad forehead, apply in a half-moon shape along the top of the forehead and work the product into your hairline. 'This will shorten the look of the forehead,” she says. “One of my favorite jawline tricks is to apply the contour behind the ear and follow through under the jaw. This creates the most seamless chiseled jawline,” Roach says. For an all-over glow If you want a evenly bronzed base color, proper skin prep is key. “Start with clean and moisturized skin and apply any serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup. From there, you can mix liquid bronzer with your daily moisturizer, SPF, or even foundation for a sheer, seamless tint. Pro tip: “Take a medium-size duo fiber bronzer brush, and mix the products on the back of the hand first,” makeup artist Tiesha Williams says. This method will help prevent streakiness when you apply the tinted product to your face. How to choose a bronzer shade How do you choose a bronzer shade? According to makeup artist Natalie Dresher, a good rule of thumb is to select a shade three to four shades darker than your skin tone “so it looks like you’re sun-kissed.” How to apply bronzer When it comes to application, there are a few techniques you can use. “My preferred method is to take my brush and dab it directly into the product and then onto my skin with a brush, and blend it out with a damp beauty sponge,” says Dresher. You can also use your fingers to apply cream bronzer, since the formula easily blends into skin. “I like applying cream bronzer prior to concealer and blush. Cream bronzer is definitely more pigmented and creamier than a powder bronzer, which is definitely matte unless it has some kind of shimmer built into it,” she says. “Cream bronzer in my opinion is easier to blend out and melts into the skin and foundation seamlessly.” For liquid bronzer, you can use your fingertips, a sponge, or a makeup brush. Roach recommends using a dense synthetic angled brush to reach areas like the forehead and jaw. “I always use pressing motions to blend the product into the skin,” she says. “I never swipe the product.” Common bronzer mistakes to avoid Skipping skin prep Even if you're going for a Y2K matte bronzed look, make sure you're moisturizing your face properly before you start applying makeup. Bronzer can cling to dry patches of skin, drawing more attention to them and preventing even coverage. Using bronzer for heavy contour Well-placed bronzer can definitely define your cheekbones and add dimension to your face, but if you're going for a pro-level sculpt, reach for a product designed for contour instead. “Remember that contour shades should run more cool than warm,” says celebrity makeup artist and Mary Kay ambassador Jaleesa Jaikaran. You can always add a toasty bronzer on top to soften your final look. Layering incompatible products When selecting a bronzer, consider how it fits in with your other go-to products. Layering a heavy setting powder over a liquid bronzer base, for example, “can cause the makeup underneath to separate or break down,” Williams says. If you're opting for a powder bronzer, try layering your liquid and cream products on first and using it as a finishing touch.
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