Bronzer Application Tips and Placements
Hoping to get that sun-kissed glow year-round? Bronzer is the perfect way to do it — it helps add warmth to your complexion and define your facial structure even in the cold, overcast winter months.
Applying bronzer correctly can work wonders to enhance your natural appearance. However, it can also be an intimidating product to work with, and it’s easy to be too heavy-handed.
To help you get the golden look of your dreams, we’ve put together a complete guide to bronzer application. We’ll cover picking out the right products, how to choose bronzer placement, and how to apply it like a pro.
1. Focus On Formula
Finding the right bronzer is the first step to perfecting your look. Bronzers come in several different forms, including liquid, cream, and powder formulas. The one you choose is largely based on preference and the look you have in mind — liquid or cream formulas tend to have a dewier finish, while powder formulas can either be matte or shimmery.
Just make sure you pick a high-quality product! Look for makeup products that are vegan, paraben-free, alcohol-free, talc-free, and cruelty-free — like our bronzers at SHEGLAM.
Not sure where to start? Our Sun Beam Shimmer Liquid Bronzer is a great choice. This shimmering, highly pigmented, long-wearing formula is available in six shades.
2. Know Your Skin Type
You can also base your bronzer on your skin type — whether dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal. Your skin type is typically determined by hormones and genetics, but it can also be influenced by your lifestyle.
Powder products tend to deliver a matte finish, which can work well if you’re hoping to reduce the look of excess shine or oiliness. On the other hand, if your skin is on the drier, duller side of things, a liquid or cream formula can help you achieve more glow.
3. Find Your Shade
No shade, but choosing the wrong shade of bronzer can keep your makeup from looking how you pictured it. The general rule of thumb is to select a product that’s one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone — this will give you a subtle, natural-looking wash of color.
It’s important to make sure the shade you choose complements your natural complexion. One of the best ways to be sure is to test the shade along your jawline, then check how it looks in natural light.
If you’re going for a more dramatic, editorial makeup look, pick a bronzer that’s two or three shades darker than your natural skin tone. This method is commonly used by stage performers and celebrities on red carpets to make sure their features don’t look washed out under the bright lights. If you’re heading to a special event, a darker bronzer may come in handy for all those photo opps!
4. Choose Your Applicator
Once you’ve settled on a bronzer, the next step is to pick out the best application tool, depending on what product you’re using.
For powder bronzers, a brush works perfectly. Ideally, opt for use a fluffy, angled brush — like the one found in our Pro Core Brush Kit — to ensure precise application and a soft, blended finish.
If you’re using a liquid or cream bronzer, a dense beauty sponge tends to work well instead. Wet the sponge a bit first to help the product melt into your skin and allow for more buildable coverage!
5. Pick Your Placement
Deciding where to place your bronzer is the key to a seamless look. The goal is to enhance your natural face shape and add warmth without overpowering your entire glam.
If you want your makeup to appear more angular and snatched, use your bronzer where you would typically place contour. Apply your bronzer along your jawline and emphasize the hollows of your cheeks. Add a bit of bronzer along the sides of your nose to make it look straight and defined.
If you’re going for a more subtle, clean look, you can also use your bronzer to appear beachy and sun-kissed. Create the illusion of being lightly tanned by applying your bronzer everywhere sunlight typically lands on your skin — like along your forehead, the tip of your nose, and across your cheeks.
If you want your bronzer to make you glow, try opting for a shimmer bronzer instead of a matte bronzer. Though you can absolutely use a powder cosmetic and dust it lightly over your skin, a seamless way to achieve a dewy bronzer aesthetic is to add our Glo Hero Bronzing Drops or Sunburst Glow Mixer to your foundation for an all-over glow.
6. Build It Up
A common problem with bronzer is accidentally going overboard and applying too much — which is an easy mistake to make with such a fun product! You want your bronzer to be visible without looking too dark or muddy. The product should enhance, not distract… and this can take just a little bit of practice.
An easy way to make sure your bronzer comes out just the way you want, is to apply the product gradually. Dab a little bronzer onto your brush and build it up little by little. If it still looks too light, simply add a little bit more!
Not sure when enough is enough? Think about your plans for the day and decide whether your bronzer matches the vibe. For example, if you know you’re going to be outdoors, take a look at yourself in natural light. If you’re going out with friends and know that pics will be taken, snap a quick selfie and see how your makeup appears on camera.
7. Blend It In
After applying the bronzer to your face, there may be a few harsh lines left behind. Use your makeup brush or sponge to blend the edges in for a soft finish. A blending brush helps buff together the different colors you use in your makeup and can give your bronzer a more natural look.
8. Set Your Look
Once you’re happy with your makeup look, lock it in with some translucent setting powder or your favorite setting spray. Translucent powder is colorless and made to set your products into place. If you have oily skin, setting powder can also help to absorb excess sebum and minimize unwanted shine.
Setting powder is also helpful if your bronzer needs to be toned down a tad. Even after blending, your bronzer might look a bit heavy if you got a bit carried away (which we totally understand). Translucent powder dusted over your bronzer can soften the intensity and make it look more seamless.
If you have dry skin, powder products can sometimes accentuate the look of fine lines or create a cakey appearance. If this is something you’re noticing, aim to only use translucent powder on the areas of your face where you applied bronzer — or try a setting spray instead.
Bronze and Beautiful
Now that you’re a pro at all things bronzer, it’s time to get to work! Invest in some trustworthy, premium cosmetics and try your hand at these new tips and tricks. Don't forget to be precise with your placement. With a little practice, we’re certain you’ll be looking bronze and beautiful before you know it.
Don’t forget to tag us on Insta @sheglam_official. We can’t wait to see your next glowy makeup masterpiece!