How to Apply Bronzer: The Beauty Expert Guide

A makeup trend that has become classic and truly standing the test of time: bronzer. Adding a golden radiant glow makes the skin appear more healthy and sun-kissed, whether you’ve been in the sun or not. Bronzer can look fantastic on all skin tones, helping to sculpt and re-contour the face to your desired shape. Whether you’re looking to create a natural bronze look or a more editorial look, we’ll help you learn the best way to apply bronzer.

The first steps are to decide the shade and type of bronzer to apply. It’s best to select a colour that’s one or two shades deeper than your natural skin tone, to ensure the best results. As for the type of bronzer, the options are: powder, cream or liquid. You can also find many bronzer highlighter duos that allow you to bronze and glow in two simple steps.

What is the Best Type of Bronzer?

Powder Bronzers

Powder bronzer looks good on all skin types because the pigment works well with other base makeup products. Powder bronzers are universally flattering and mimic where the sun would naturally tan the face. One of our favourite options is the Kevyn Aucoin Neo Bronzer as it offers a gradient of bronze and highlighting shades to create your perfect look. With light-diffusing pigments that create an airbrushed glow, there’s everything you need to sculpt and define your complexion.

How to apply Powder Bronzer

We recommend using a powder brush or a bronzer brush for the perfect application. We love the Kevyn Aucoin Neo Powder Brush as it is expertly curved, allowing you to also use it for blush and highlight. To apply, dust the powder bronzer lightly all over the face, or apply on the outer areas of the face in a ‘3’ shape to reshape and contour the face.

Cream Bronzer

Cream bronzers are great for warmer weather and events, as the formulas are more long-wearing and humidity-resistant. The Lord and Berry Sculpt and Glow Cream Bronzer is available in three shades and blends in effortlessly for a naturally sculpted makeup look.

How to apply Cream Bronzer

For a natural sun-kissed look, apply a small amount with your fingers and use a beauty sponge or a kabuki brush to blend out. The Daniel Sandler Kabeauti Brush is a compact and densely packed kabuki brush, designed to help you create a natural look without any harsh lines.

Liquid Bronzer

Liquid bronzer is a great beauty multitasker as it can be used in a variety of ways. The lightweight liquid adds a natural warmth to the face that blends seamlessly in with your foundation.

How to Apply Liquid Bronzer

Depending on the look you prefer, apply a bronzing primer, such as the Vita Liberata Beauty Blur, or apply a small amount of liquid bronzer to the back of your hand. These bronzers are highly pigmented, which means it’s best to apply sparingly. Use an angled brush, such as the Sigma Tapered Kabuki Brush and apply to the the outer area of the face, blending into the hairline.