How to Apply Bronzer

How to Apply Bronzer Year-Round

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bronzing Powder
• A soft powder/bronzer brush
• Liquid or Powder Foundation

1. First, you want apply a thin layer of foundation. Powder is best as any moisture can cause the bronzer to appear blotchy once applied. If you use liquid as your base layer, allow ample time for it to dry before applying any bronzer.

2. Hold your bronzing brush with your dominant hand, and hold the bronzing powder in your other hand. Swirl the brush in the bronzing powder so as to apply it on all surfaces of the brush.

3. Next, dust of any excess bronzer from the brush by extending your index finger, and tapping the brush firmly against your finger. Any excess bronzing powder will flake off. *Note: do not blow on the brush to remove excess powder. Again, any moisture can cause the bronzer to be applied unevenly and appear blotchy.

4. Now we are going to apply the bronzer. You want to apply bronzer on the areas of your face that naturally bronze or receive the most sunlight during summer months. These areas of the face are the forehead, nose, and cheek bones. Use the brush to apply the bronzer starting with the forehead, and working your way down the nose. Apply the bronzer to each cheek bone in a diagonal fashion. If you need more bronzing powder, repeat the previous two steps.

5. Finally, check your work in a sun-lit room. Take care to notice any harsh make-up lines from the bronzer, or even your base-layer powder/foundation. If you're looking at a naturally sun-kissed bronzed beauty, you're done!

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a bronzer, keep in mind that pink-tinted shades tend to look better on blondes, and orange-tinted shades tend to look better on brunettes/red-heads. My absolute favorite bronzer is Laura Mercier's Sun Dust Loose Shimmer Powder. It looks amazing, giving you a natural sun glow.
• Use sable/real-hair make-up brushes. They last longer, and are the perfect match to a quality bronzer. Also, be sure to wash your brushes regularly. Make-up artists use a small amount of a soap-based solution, and combine it with conditioner, to keep their brushes intact.
• Don't over do it. Bronzer is meant to help you look sun-kissed, not sun-soaked. If you apply too much, take a cotton make-up pad and coat it with some of your base-layer foundation. Apply it lightly to the areas that are over-bronzed.