BRONZERS: NO-FAIL Guide!
Who knew that Bronzers would be the best beauty holy grail in our make-up kits! I remember the days when all we knew was foundation LMAO - This is before we learnt how to use concealer around our non-fleeky eyebrows, to highlight the under eye for that I-slept-12-hours look, and before we mastered how to chisel the cheek with contour. I mean, I personally had not know about bronzers for the longest time, and to be honest, initially they were very limited in their shade ranges. NOW, we have competitions between the likes of Fenty, Huda, and Revolution Beauty, all trying to make us spend our pennies for that summer-ready glow!
One of my favourite bronzers is the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk'r in Mocha Mami - call it my warm by day, glam by night everyday bronzer. Unfortunately for Fenty Beauty, my eyes have also caught the attention of several other winning bronzers (some old, some new) for women of colour e.g. Revolution, Iman, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, the list goes on...On the contrary, sometimes you just have to make do with a pressed powder or blusher TBH and it works just as well, without spending the extra pennies.
Head to my YouTube Channel to see my first impressions of the New Revolution Glow Splendour Bronzer.
The key to using bronzer is to add a little pigment to your usual foundation routine. If you were anything like me, your first experience was probably shambles; and you've gone wayyyy overboard and heavy with the shading. Let's keep those images in our lost files shall we! Also, finding out that your skin type, tone, texture, and face shape matters when using bronzer, can be a little confusing. Ultimately, bronzers give your make-up look a whole new meaning, and there's no reason why you can't add that sultry dimension to your face today.
Below is a practical, quick-application, fail-proof guide to applying your bronzer! I'd love to hear about any techniques you use that are key to achieving a great bronzed finish. List your must-do's/don'ts in the comments!
1. Choose a bronzer for your skin
Depending on your skin type, decide what bronzer format you want to use. Creams and Liquids often given you that buttery, summer shine; whereas, powders often provide a suede-like finish. Powders also tend to work better for oily or normal skin. Decide whether you will opt for a matt finish for a natural radiance or rather a shimmer bronzer for that highlighted effect.
2. FYI Bronzing is different to contouring.
Contours aim to define and chisel your face; whereas Bronzers add warmth and tone. Your bronzer shade should only be 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone to emulate that tanned vibe.
3. Bronzers are best used after you have applied your foundation & under-eye highlight for greater impact. It could also be used as a blush.
4. Use the right tools - brushes are better than fingers for even coverage. A wide, fluffy brush would do the trick - you may want to avoid stiff brushes which could cause streaks or harsh lines that you may struggle to blend out.
5. Light work - Apply moderately, a little at a time. Gently tap off any excess from your brush before applying.
6. Apply it strategically - forehead and cheekbones, sometimes the jawline- where the sun would usually hit your skin in order to achieve that warm definition.
7. Firstly, sweep your brush along your cheekbones, starting at the apple of your cheeks (If I've used contour, I usually apply the bronzer slightly above the contoured line). Apply bronzer to your other target areas, then use a circular motion to blend it out into your skin.
8. Blend! - let it reach your hairline and gently buff out the colour using your brush. Use a different brush to sweep away any excess bronzer to get that natural skin finish without it creating a heavy look.
9. Any excess on the brush could be used to add a little definition to your nose contour and neck. IF you've gone overboard *oops*, perhaps use a translucent finishing/setting powder to minimise any dark pigmented areas. Not bronzed enough? Add a little blush for that extra pop of colour!
10. If using a cream or liquid bronzer, consider using a setting spray for a longer-lasting wear and to prevent extra oil or shine.
And finally, If this does not work...it wasn't me lol! But, let's go have a chat somewhere.
I hope this simple yet practical guide has been informative and helps you get that bronzed, sun-kissed glow ready for summer! Bronzers are my holy grail as part of my everyday make-up routine, so check out my Instagram @Honestlyhazel to see how it looks all put together.
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