Powder Bronzer Basics
When applied correctly, bronzer gives your skin a beautiful glow that looks like you just spent the afternoon basking in the sun. When applied incorrectly, however, bronzer can make your face look orange, streaky or dirty. Following a few simple tips can help ensure a flawless bronzer application that will have you looking your best every day.
Choosing the Right Bronzer
Selecting the right color of bronzer is just as, if not more, important than proper application. Choosing the wrong color can transform a makeup do into a major makeup don’t. Opt for a bronzer that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone, resembling your natural tan color. Peach- and pink-colored bronzers tend to flatter light skin and light eyes, whereas copper- and brown-colored bronzers look better with darker skin tones and dark eyes.
Some bronzers are matte, while others contain shimmer or have a frosty finish. Choosing your finish is really a personal preference, although matte bronzers tend to give a more natural look. Shimmery bronzers can create a sparkle rather than a summery glow.
Choosing Your Brush
Applying makeup properly is an art, and an artist is only as good as her tools. Use a large fluffy brush with a rounded tip to apply your bronzer. A small, dense brush tends to create a splotchy, streaky look, whereas a large, soft brush gives a more even, blended application.
Prepare your brush by lightly rolling it in the powdered bronzer and tapping it gently against your finger to remove any excess powder from the bristles. Refrain from blowing on the brush to remove excess powder. If even a little moisture lands on your brush bristles, it can create an uneven finish.
Applying Bronzer
The key to faking a believable sun-kissed glow is to apply bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face, like your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Apply the bronzer by using light strokes across the top of your forehead and then bringing your brush down the length of your nose. Dust the bronzer over your cheek bones, moving outward toward your hair line. Use light strokes on your chin to place the bronzer correctly.
Start with a small amount of bronzer and layer the powder until you’ve reached the desired color. Be careful not to go to dark, as too much bronzer can make you look dirty rather than sun-kissed.
Finishing Touches
When you think that you have successfully applied your bronzer, take a look at yourself in as much natural light as possible. Get close to an open window or step outside with a mirror if you’re daring. Synthetic lights, like fluorescent bulbs, make your makeup look significantly different from natural light. Because you are likely to be venturing outside after you apply your bronzer, it is best to make sure it looks good in the natural sunlight.
If you are satisfied with what you see, you’re done! If not, use a cotton pad or cotton ball to blend out any dark or uneven areas.
Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
