If you want a sun-kissed glow, it’s all about learning where to apply bronzer. The best bronzers will give you that “just-came-back-from-vacation” look without any of the sun damage. Plus, there are plenty of options for every formula preference—including cream bronzer, powder bronzer, and liquid bronzer—all designed to bring warmth and dimension to the face.
Where to apply bronzer
It all depends on your face shape, but a general rule of thumb is applying bronzer to places the sun would naturally hit, such as the temples and forehead. If your forehead is wider, celebrity makeup artist Chelsea Roach suggests the sides of the temples, right above the bottom of the cheekbone, and underneath the jaw. For a broad forehead, apply in a half-moon shape along the top of the forehead and work the product into your hairline. “This will shorten the look of the forehead,” she says.
“One of my favorite jawline tricks is to apply the contour behind the ear and follow through under the jaw. This creates the most seamless chiseled jawline,” the expert adds.
How to choose a bronzer shade
So, how do you choose a bronzer shade? According to makeup artist Natalie Dresher, a good rule of thumb is to select a shade three to four shades darker than your skin tone “so it looks like you’re sun-kissed.”
How to apply bronzer
When it comes to application, there are a few techniques you can use. “My preferred method is to take my brush and dab it directly into the product and then onto my skin with a brush, and blend it out with a damp beauty sponge,” says Dresher.
You can also use your fingers to apply cream bronzer, since the formula easily blends into skin. “I like applying cream bronzer prior to concealer and blush. Cream bronzer is definitely more pigmented and creamier than a powder bronzer, which is definitely matte unless it has some kind of shimmer built into it,” she adds. “Cream bronzer in my opinion is easier to blend out and melts into the skin and foundation seamlessly.”
For liquid bronzer, you can use your fingertips, a sponge, or a makeup brush. Roach recommends using a dense synthetic angled brush, to reach areas like the forehead and jaw. “I always use pressing motions to blend the product into the skin,” she says. “I never swipe the product.”