Bronzer is a makeup bag essential, loved for its ability to bring warmth and dimension to the face. Whether you’re aiming for the radiant look of latte makeup or the dewy finish of glazed donut skin, bronzer is key to achieving a sculpted, sun-kissed complexion without heavy pigment. The final look, from a subtle warmth to a deep tan, depends on both the bronzer you choose and your application technique. For anyone dreaming of a year-round “just off the beach” glow, mastering bronzer is a must.
While there’s no single rulebook for how to apply bronzer, understanding the best placement is crucial for a natural, bronzy tan. If you’re ready to unlock the secret to a believable sun-kissed glow every day of the year, keep reading to discover exactly Where To Put Bronzer for the most flattering results, along with some top drugstore bronzer recommendations.
Understanding Bronzer
Bronzer is a makeup product designed to impart a warm, tanned appearance to specific areas of the face and body. When applied correctly to the face, it mimics a natural sun-kissed effect, offering warmth without the sun damage. While often confused with contouring, bronzing and contouring serve different purposes, though bronzer can be used to lightly contour for added definition. Bronzer is versatile and can enhance all skin tones, adding warmth for both natural and full glam makeup styles. The key is understanding where to apply bronzer to achieve your desired look.
The Best Places to Apply Bronzer
Strategic bronzer application is essential for achieving a radiant complexion without actual sun exposure. Whether you’re going for a subtle, healthy glow or a more defined, contoured effect, these five key areas are where to put bronzer to elevate your makeup game.
1. Cheekbones
The cheekbones are the most common and effective area for bronzer application. Applying bronzer here adds instant definition and warmth. For a sculpted and defined look, use a bronzer like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer and sweep it onto the lower cheekbones. This matte formula is designed for long wear, resisting transfer, sweat, and water, ensuring your glow lasts through long days and varying weather conditions without creasing or fading. Its soft matte finish provides a natural shadow effect, perfect for sculpting.
Remember the general makeup rule for sculpting and contouring with makeup: lighter shades and highlighters accentuate the high points of the face, while darker shades like bronzer create shadows in the naturally recessed areas. Applying bronzer just beneath your cheekbones enhances the natural shadows, creating a more sculpted appearance.
2. Jawline
Bronzer application along the jawline is a fantastic technique to create the illusion of a more defined, chiseled facial structure. To try this, use a fluffy face brush and your chosen bronzer. Gently sweep the bronzer along both sides of your jawline, starting from under your chin and extending towards your ears, stopping about an inch away. The key is to use a light hand; avoid heavily loading the brush with bronzer to prevent harsh, unnatural lines. Instead, lightly dust the brush with bronzer and gradually build the color for a soft, blended effect.
For a more pronounced contoured look, opt for a dedicated contour bronzer or even a concealer that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone. A product like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage in a deeper shade can be used. Apply a few small dots of this non-caking concealer along your jawline and gently blend it into your skin for an airbrushed, bronzed contour. Remember, blending is crucial. The aim is not to create stark, dark lines, but rather to add subtle shadow that enhances the natural definition of your jawline.
3. Temples and Hairline
The temples and hairline are excellent areas to apply bronzer, particularly if you wish to make your forehead appear smaller. Applying a darker shade along these edges creates a shadow effect, effectively minimizing the perceived size of the forehead. This technique is especially useful for balancing facial proportions and creating a more harmonious look.
For optimal bronzer application in these areas, use the “three-shape” technique. Visualize the number three on each side of your face. The top curve of the three sweeps across your forehead and temples along the hairline, the middle curve sits on your cheekbones, and the bottom curve follows your jawline. Apply your bronzer in this figure-three pattern, ensuring a seamless transition from temples to hairline for an even and blended makeup look. This method ensures all key areas are warmed and sculpted in a cohesive way.
4. Collarbone
Bronzer isn’t just for the face; it’s also a fantastic tool for adding definition and glow to the décolletage, specifically the collarbone and cleavage area. Bronzing the collarbone is a popular makeup trick, especially for special occasions like weddings and proms, or anytime you want to draw attention to your chest area. It’s essential to remember that when bronzing the body, a little product goes a long way. Over-application can easily look unnatural, so start subtly and build as needed.
For the body, especially the chest area, consider using a highlighter or liquid bronzer instead of powder for a more radiant effect. Begin by applying a thin layer of L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer in your skin tone across your entire chest. This creates a dewy base that mimics a natural, healthy glow. Then, take a darker bronzer and apply it to the hollows or “divots” on either side of your collarbone to accentuate their shape.
If you’re unsure where these natural hollows are, a simple trick is to place your fingers on your collarbone and roll your shoulders slightly. The lines that appear are where you should focus your bronzer application. For added shimmer and definition, apply the Lumi Glotion in a slightly darker shade to the tops of your collarbones and even your shoulders. This layering technique enhances the three-dimensional effect and catches the light beautifully.
5. Eyelids
While primarily used for the face and body, face bronzer can also be used to add a touch of warmth to the eyes. It’s a quick and easy way to create a sultry, subtly defined eye look and can even help to counteract the appearance of tired eyes by adding some warmth to the eye area. For this purpose, choose a matte, dark brown eyeshadow that can double as an eye-safe bronzer, such as L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte-Ison Avenue or Cafe Au Lait. These shades offer the perfect warm tone for a bronzed eye effect.
To apply, use a small liner or crease brush and lightly dip it into the eyeshadow. Tap off any excess product to avoid fallout. Gently glide the brush along your lower lash line to create the illusion of wider, more open eyes. Then, using the same shade and brush, apply the eyeshadow in your eye crease and blend it towards the outer corner. This subtle eye contouring adds dimension and warmth, subtly widening your gaze without the need for extensive eye makeup. Bronzer, in this context, becomes a versatile tool for creating subtle definition and enhancing your natural features.
Achieving an All-Over Bronzed Glow
For those seeking a complete glowing, bronzed skin effect, self-tanner is the ideal solution. At-home self-tanning products have come a long way, offering various formulas to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a self-tanning facial mist, a tanning mousse, or self-tanning drops, there’s a product for you. And with advancements in formulations, you no longer need to worry about L’Oréal Paris self-tanners resulting in an artificial orange or streaky finish. Here are some top picks for achieving a flawless, all-over bronze:
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist, Vitamin E
For a quick and easy, streak-free tan, this facial mist is perfect for both face and neck application. It provides a natural-looking tan that gradually develops into a radiant glow as it sets on your skin. Simply spritz a light layer across your face, holding the bottle about ten inches away, for a subtle, sun-kissed complexion.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse
This mousse formula applies as a clear foam and gradually develops into a natural-looking tan within four to eight hours. The hydrating and lightweight texture is enriched with coconut water and vitamin E, leaving your skin feeling soft and moisturized while imparting color.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops, Fragrance-Free
Specifically designed for facial application, these self-tanning drops allow you to customize your glow. This serum can be mixed into your nighttime moisturizer, so you can wake up to a gradual, golden tan. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it also helps to keep your skin hydrated with each use. Adjust the depth of your tan by adding five to seven drops for a light bronze or eight to ten drops for a deeper tan.
Next: The Best Makeup Products for Glazed Donut Skin
Photographer: Ted Cavanaugh, Producer: Becca Solovay, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Prop Stylist: Katrina Rozeville, Prop Assistant: Emily Ramirez, Photo Assistant: Ben Berkes, Digi Tech: Aaron Barton
