How To Apply Bronzer & Blush
What is the difference between bronzer and contour?
Contour is to shadows as Bronzer is to sunkissed.
(For a review of Contouring, see this tutorial.)
Bronzing is to mimic the love that the sun would give you, without the danger of skin cancer and advanced aging.
It gives you a touch of sun-kissed color and warms up your face.
But, let's begin with blush placement, as blush and bronzing go hand in hand.

Behind the scenes - the setup
Blush Placement
As contouring has changed, so has blush placement.
You know longer need to know the shape of your face to use blush advantageously.
It's this simple.
Find the apples of your cheeks.
Begin applying your cheekcolor on the apples, but just a tad further back towards your ears. This way, your blush doesn't end up too close to your nose.
Now for Bronzing
Bronzer can be shimmer, sheen or matte.
You get to choose.
I adore Glimmer Goddess for bronzing!
Choose your favorite brush.
It can be loose and fluffy, or small and compact. You have endless options.
So experiment and play to find what works best for you.
Lightly swipe where the sun would kiss you.
The temples.
Atop your cheekbones.
The bridge of your nose.

The palette

The close-up
Part 2 in a 3 Part Series.
Part 1 in our Series: Contouring For Beginners
Watch on YouTube
Key Takeaways
- Bronzer adds warmth and a healthy-looking glow to the skin.
- Bronzer and contour serve different purposes.
- Apply bronzer where sunlight naturally hits the face.
- Use a light hand and build color gradually.
- Soft bronzer placement is especially flattering on mature skin.
- Bronzer helps restore warmth and dimension without looking heavy.
- Blending thoroughly creates the most natural finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is bronzer used for?
Bronzer adds warmth and dimension to the skin, helping create a healthy, radiant appearance. -
Where should I apply bronzer?
Apply bronzer to areas where the sun naturally hits your face, such as the forehead, temples, and cheeks. -
What's the difference between bronzer and contour?
Bronzer adds warmth and glow. Contour creates shadows and definition. -
Can mature skin wear bronzer?
Absolutely. Softly applied bronzer can be very flattering and help restore warmth and dimension to mature skin. -
How do I keep bronzer from looking orange?
Choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone and apply it lightly, blending thoroughly. -
Should bronzer go before or after blush?
Typically, bronzer is applied first, followed by blush and any radiance or highlighter products. -
What brush works best for bronzer?
A fluffy powder brush or angled face brush usually provides the most natural-looking application.
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