A foundation and concealer might help even your skin tone, possibly even lighten the blemishes, but there’s only one makeup product that can make your skin look naturally warm and radiant—a bronzer! If you’re not exactly sure about what exactly a bronzer is, let us help you out.
To put it simply, a bronzer is a makeup product that adds a warm glow to your face. If your skin is looking a little dull, two-dimensional, or pale, a bronzer could help fix that! By adding a natural glow to your face, a bronzer makes your skin look healthy and radiant.
How To Pick The Right Bronzer Color?
To be honest, bronzers can also be a makeup nightmare. The wrong bronzer color could totally make things go south. The general rule is that the color of your bronzer should be 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone. More importantly, you must keep in mind that the shade of your bronzer should also be in sync with your undertone.
Here’s how you can identify the undertone of your skin to pick the right bronzer shade.
1. Cool Undertones
If the veins in your wrist look greenish, then you have a cool undertone. People with cool undertones should go for warm, peachy, or soft brown hues while purchasing a bronzer.
2. Warm Undertones
If the veins in your wrist appear blueish, then you have a warm undertone. People with warm undertones can consider trying out golden-brown hues while purchasing a bronzer that suits them.
3. Neutral Undertones
If you can’t figure out the color of your veins, then you probably have a neutral undertone. People with a neutral undertones should stick to shades of brown while purchasing a bronzer.
Different Types Of Bronzers
Now that we’ve picked a color, let’s look at the different types of face bronzer formulations that exist:
1. Powder Bronzer
This is the most popular type of bronzer. It’s great for all skin types, but those of you with particularly oily skin have so much more to gain from it. A bronzing powder is applied using a sparser brush.
2. Cream Bronzer
If you want more coverage and have dry skin, a cream bronzer will do you good as it easily melts into the skin and has a moisturizing effect. You can blend it in with your fingers or opt for the more hygienic way of using a bronzer brush.
3. Liquid Bronzer
It’s a little hard to tell the difference between a liquid bronzer and a cream bronzer, but the most obvious telltale sign is that liquid bronzers are thinner in consistency. However, they can easily blend into your foundation and are suitable for normal, dry, and combination skin types.
Different Types Of Bronzer Finish
Bronzers can also be distinguished on the basis of the kind of finish they offer. Let’s check it out:
1. Matte Bronzer
You don’t need to worry about your skin type while picking up a matte bronzer because it suits ‘em all! Matte bronzers are great for adding depth and definition to your face.
2. Shimmer Bronzer
For a warm, shiny glow, get yourself a shimmer bronzer. Such bronzers come with an added highlighter effect. Shimmer bronzers, though awesome, can’t be used to contour or lighten scars and blemishes.
3. Sheer Bronzer
Unlike matte bronzers, sheer bronzers cannot be used for contouring. Their job is simple: They give a soft, natural glow to the face sans any depth or definition.
How To Apply Bronzer
Are you wondering how to use a bronzer? Follow these steps to get it right:
Step 1: Get Your Makeup Routine Out Of The Way
Apply a primer, concealer, and foundation to cover the blemishes on your face and even your skin tone.
Step 2: Use The Right Brush
Pick up a fluffy brush and dip it in your bronzer.
Step 3: Tap The Brush
Tap the brush onto the bronzer palette to get rid of any excess bronzer before applying. Make sure the brush is not too stiff or it might create streaks.
Step 4: Apply Bronzer
Sweep the brush across your cheekbones, forehead, nose, and jaw. Remember: The idea is to apply the bronzer to areas on your face that would likely get hit by the light.
Step 5: Blend It
Continue using the brush to blend the bronzer in gentle, circular motions. Voila, your bronzer makeup is done!
1. M.A.C Bronzing Powder
The M.A.C Bronzing Powder is a lovely sheer finish bronzer. Use this bronzer to enhance your skin tone, give it a natural, sun-kissed glow, and accentuate your tan. Perfect for all skin types, this product provides a smooth, even application and is great for a subtle look!
2. theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer Travel Size
Carrying makeup products while traveling can be such a challenge because there are just so many. With theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer Travel Size you don’t have to worry about that. This travel-friendly, compact bronzer is perfect for a natural, sun-kissed look sans any orange undertones. And guess what? This matte finish bronzer doubles up as a brow-filler and contour powder as well!
3. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer Mini
Just dip your brush into the Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer Mini and sweep it across your cheekbones, nose, and jawline to achieve the perfect contour! This bronzer comes with a soft bristle brush that’ll make the blending bit super easy.
4. BECCA Sunlit Bronzer
This super buttery bronzer formula is a must-have makeup essential. The BECCA Sunlit Bronzer will add immense warmth and dimension to your face, without any lingering orange tones. Perfect for people with neutral undertones, this bronzer will smoothly melt into your skin to give it a subtle yet rich glow.
5. Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
For a long-lasting, gel-infused formula, go for the Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer. Whether it’s contouring like a pro or a simple luminous glow, this ultra-pigmented bronzer can do it all. Its smooth, creamy formula isn’t just for your face. Use this product to apply bronzer makeup to your neck and collar bones as well and transform into a sun-kissed goddess immediately!
6. SUGAR Contour De Force Mini Bronzer
From blurring imperfections to giving your face a warm flow, SUGAR Contour De Force Mini Bronzer will transform you into the diva you are! This SUGAR bronzer is a lightweight formula that easily blends in with the rest of your makeup. Dermatologically tested and super safe for your skin, using this bronzer will definitely take your makeup game a notch higher.
FAQs On Bronzers
1. What is a bronzer stick?
A bronzer stick is a regular bronzer that comes in the form of a stick. It is more compact and easier to carry around.
2. What is the difference between a bronzer and a contour product?
Bronzer is a makeup product used to add a natural-looking warmth and sun-kissed glow to your face. It adds a natural tan to your appearance. On the other hand, a contour is used to add shadows to your face. Contouring adds more depth and definition to your look and can make your face appear slimmer than it is.
3. Is bronzer and highlighter the same thing?
No, a bronzer and a highlighter have different uses in makeup. A bronzer is used to add a natural warmth and glow to your skin, while a highlighter is used to highlight certain parts of your face. Highlighter is always applied after the bronzer.
4. Do you apply the bronzer before or after the foundation?
Bronzer is always applied after you have applied the concealer and foundation. Blush and highlighter are applied after the bronzer.
5. Suggest some bronzers.
- Swiss Beauty Ultra Glow Highlight And Bronzer Palette
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
- Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
6. What is the difference between a blush and a bronzer?
When applying makeup, a blush is used to add a natural flush to your cheeks, whereas a bronzer serves a different purpose. Bronzers are used to give your face a sun-kissed or tanned look.
7. Can I use a bronzer to contour?
Yes, you can use a bronzer to contour your face. However, it would depend on your skin tone and the shade of your bronzer. If you use a cool-toned bronzer, it can easily double up as a contour as well. However, if your bronzer is warm-toned, then you might have to apply it with a lighter hand while contouring.
