Where To Apply Bronzer on Your Face

Are you a fan of bronzer? Are you TOO big of a fan of bronzer? This simple addition to your makeup arsenal can make all of the difference in how you look and feel. Not by adding a complicated step to your routine, but by adding some natural flush to your face each time you step out to face the world. 

Bronzer is a step that adds natural color. At the same time, blush is usually tinted pink with hints of red and orange. Using too much can give a literal clown appearance. But using too little can leave you pale or without the perky, happy look that you desire. (And no one -- NO ONE wants to be told they look “tired.”) 

Enter bronzer. This step will be your best friend. It’s the bridge to adding warmth and color to your face without making you look overly pinked. Seriously too much blush, and you’ll look sunburned. Don’t believe us? Take a throwback journey on Google and check out makeup looks from decades prior. 

What Is a Bronzer?

First things first -- let’s take it back and look at what bronzer is in the first place. Bronzer is a way to add color to the face. Usually, it’s a brown, tan, or even orangey tone with a natural shimmer. We’re not talking glitter like in your middle school days, but subtle shimmer that allows light to hit in a way that’s flattering for all who wear it.

Bronzer can come in many forms, powder, cream, and even liquid by contouring the face. The texture or consistency doesn’t matter so much as to how you choose to use it. 

Essentially, bronzer is a way to subtly add color to the face. This is true regardless of tone or skin type. Bronzer is a way to help your skin look brighter, more awake, younger, and attractive, no matter what look you’re trying to achieve. 

How To Apply Powder Bronzer

Powder bronzer is about as easy as it gets. Think of it as an equivalent to blush, just in a different hue and slightly different placement. Depending on the look you prefer, you can opt for bronzer on the cheeks and omit blush altogether. 

Make-up trends are changing, and the bronze look is becoming far more popular than previous trends of bright pink blushes. Experiment and find what look you most prefer for a way to put your best face forward. 

To complete your look, apply concealer and foundation, or whatever your current makeup routine may be. Grab a foundation or blush brush and add the product to the bristles. Sweep across both cheeks and the forehead. Start small and add more until you’ve reached your desired overall look. 

You can opt for different hues by the season or just add more in the summer months as you’re more tan or have darker skin. The nice thing about bronzer is that it’s completely customizable, not only from person to person but every time you wear it. Experiment and find out what you like best. 

How To Apply Cream Bronzer

In many ways, cream bronzer is extremely similar to that powder. You’ll just adjust how you apply it, likely using a sponge rather than a dry makeup brush. Apply in the same areas, or perhaps even on the bridge of the nose or the chin. Remember, you can experiment here and dry different setups. 

Dab onto your sponge after makeup is applied and blend in. However, with a cream bronzer, you can actually add it before your foundation. Or, put the foundation in the spots where the bronzer is not. This is a simple way to achieve a more simple, subtle makeup look overall. 

Start with a little and work your way up. Or even Google to find your favorite tutorial on how you can experiment with bronzer options that will compliment your level of the makeup routine. 

You can easily add color and flattering features to your face, even without lengthening your makeup routine, whether using powder or cream.

Contouring the Face To Create Depth with Bronzer

Another method to add areas of bronze-ness to the face is by contouring. Contouring is done by placing varying colors on the face (usually in stark contrast from one another) and then blending them into the skin. This is most often done with cream or liquid makeup; quicker versions can be done with sticks. However, blending is still needed to create the final look. 

Contouring can create a deeper bronze look for the face. It’s a preferred method to some. But note that it will take more time to achieve. Consider your overall preferences to decide if this is your best bet or if you prefer something more simple and quick. 

What Bronzer Method Should You Choose?

There are so many ways to use a bronzer that you may be wondering what the best one for your facial tones and preferences is. There is no right or wrong answer, however—so no need to fret. 

Try different methods, see what you do or don’t like, then move forward with what you like best. You can even opt for different looks each day, depending on how fancy you’re getting! 

Take note of your skin tone and what will best complement it, too. 

For instance, lighter skin tones may want to use bronzer and blush to help their cheeks pop. While those with dark skin tones may skip the bronzer and opt for a highlighter or simply add a lighter shade to lower cheeks for a contoured look that suits their coloring. 

How To Use Bronzer With Other Makeup

One of the most important things to consider is what other makeup you’ll be wearing at the time. Do you love a thick foundation? Are you more natural? Are you finishing off your cheekbones with a glittery pop? It’s all up to you and how you’ll be dressing up (or down) for the day.

Bronzer is versatile. You can place it on top of a liquid foundation. You can offset it with primer sticks or sections where you added powder. You can go all-natural and sweep it across your cheeks for a quick pop.

The world is your canvas; add bronzer and make it your own. 

All you have to do is work it in. Blend, brush and blend some more for a more natural, flushed look. (Flushed in a good way, that is!)

Years ago, bronzer was new to the game, and teenagers everywhere went wild with it. They would bronze entire faces, necks, shoulders. It was a temporary replacement for the tanning bed they never went to. 

And for a while, this look was in. However, nowadays, bronzer prefers to be more subtle. If you are looking for that full-body glow, consider a good lotion or simple highlighter spotting instead. 

Experiment, ask your besties what works on you, and you’ll get the hang of it, we swear! No matter your age group or skin tone, you have a group of friends who will tell you like it is. Don’t forget to take advantage of that truly honest feedback. It can make or break your whole look, not to mention your confidence level. 

Bronzer Is a Final Step

One of the things we like best about bronzer is that you can use it to finish off your look. Often, it’s the last thing you put on your face. That means no need for an additional layer, like a finishing powder, which could actually cause a dull finish or throw off your entire color. 

Of course, doing so is a huge blow to your confidence, throwing off all of your hard work. And ultimately, it just sets a bad tone for the day. Instead, skip that negativity and jump right to the good stuff. Where you’re full of confidence and your day moves forward with ease. 

Finishing off your makeup look with bronzer means your final look is on and perfected. No more final steps that could mess it all up. Just a dash of finishing spray and head out the door. 

With this method, you’ve got all the confidence in the world that things are going your way. Your face is just as you want it to be; what could be better, right?! 

Besides, you can easily adjust. Add another layer -- or two -- for your most tan days of the summer. Or, in winter, only lay on the bronzer for a way to brighten up your skin in a way that’s both natural to your skin tone and the season. 

Why Bronzer Has Grown In Popularity

In recent years, bronzer has made its way into the game. In fact, it has become one of the most important go-to makeup items in one’s entire bag. If you’re only given a few makeup items to choose from, makeup is often one of the first picks. 

The reasoning as to why is obvious: bronzer can do so much. It can make you look brighter, more natural, and give a healthy glow. It can help makeup match your desired tone. (We’re not recommending wearing a foundation that doesn’t match, per se. But if you choose to do it, bronzer will help this ploy without fail.) 

Finally, bronzer is flat-out versatile. It can be used in several ways. And a single hue can flatter many users and their subsequent preferences. 

What’s more, is that blush has also become less popular. People still use it, of course. But they don’t exactly cake it on like they used to. Look at model photos from several years ago -- during the 60s, 70s, into the 80s; blush was heavily placed on the face. From big circles on the cheeks to distinct lines on the cheekbones, pink was bold across the face. 

At the time, this looked and served as a popular way to do makeup. But in years since, the use of blush has been far less heavy-handed. Instead, makeup wearers are opting for less pink and more tan, AKA a more natural-looking glow. 

This change in trends and the ability to do more with less (thanks again for all you do, bronzer!) has led to adjusting looks and necessary products for the masses. 

Moving On to the Bronzer of the Future

If you’re ready to upgrade your look and try something new, check out Alleyoop’s stackable bronzer. It’s makeup on the go that can easily be worked into your current makeup routine. Or, simplify your life and opt for a better one instead. 

To learn more about this advancement in bronzer development or give it a try for yourself, check out Alleyoop and find the best shade for your skin tone. 

 

Sources:

How to Use Bronzer for Beginners in 2020 - Best Face Bronzers to Apply | Cosmopolitan

How to Apply Bronzer and Contour Your Nose, Cheeks, and Jaw | Marie Claire

The No-Fail Guide to Applying Bronzer | Byrdie