How to Apply Bronzer

Co-authored by Devorah Kuperland

Last Updated: March 28, 2024 Fact Checked

Applying bronzer is a great way to add an attractive, natural-looking glow to your face, especially on those days when your skin appears a little dull. Applying bronzer incorrectly, however, can make your face look dirty or orange. Start by creating an even base using foundation and concealer. Then apply, blend, and set your bronzer to make your face glow with a warm radiance. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.}

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating an Even Base

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1
Wash your face using lukewarm water and a cleanser. Get a cleanser that works best for your skin type, create a lather with warm water, and massage it into your face by using your fingertips in a circular motion. ^{[2]
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Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} Rinse your face off and then pat it dry with a clean washcloth.
- Use a cream-based cleanser if you have dry skin.
- Use an oil-based pH-balanced gentle cleanser if you have normal skin.
- Use a foaming cleanser if you have oily skin. ^{[3]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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2
Apply a good moisturizer with sunscreen. After you’ve washed your face, it’s time to hydrate and protect your skin. Massage in a quality moisturizer with an SPF and apply eye cream. ^{[4]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- To make sure your face is being protected by the sun, get a moisturizer that protects against UVA rays. ^{[5]
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  Research source}
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Apply concealer . It’s crucial that you create an even base before applying your bronzer, and that starts with concealer. Choose a concealer that blends in well with your complexion. Apply it above foundation to the areas that need extra coverage. ^{[6]
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Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.}
4
Create an even canvas with liquid foundation. Once you’ve put on concealer, apply an even coat of liquid foundation over the entirety of your face. This will smooth out your complexion and create a blank canvas for your contouring. ^{[7]
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Research source} You can put your foundation on with a makeup sponge, a makeup brush, or by using your fingertips.
- Be sure to blend the foundation down your neck slightly for a more natural look.
- If you want a more subtle, natural, or softer look, consider a tinted moisturizer. Apply it the same way as a liquid foundation.
- If you decide to use blush, don’t apply it until after you apply your bronzer.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Putting on Your Bronzer

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1
Select a bronzer 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Since the purpose of a bronzer is to darken the complexion subtly, the one you choose will depend on the color of your skin. Generally, it should only be 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Test a little on your wrist to make sure it "warms" your skin tone without making it look fake.
- If you have fair skin, look for a honey-colored bronzer.
- For a medium complexion, choose a rose-bronze or gold flecked bronzer.
- Dark skin is best enhanced with a tawny or amber bronzer.
2
Use a wide, fluffy powder brush with a rounded top. If your brush is too small or stiff, it may cause blotches and streaks to form when you apply the bronzer. There are specialized bronzer brushes available on the market, although any large blush or foundation brush will work equally as well.
- For a softer, more natural look, use a fan brush instead.
It is best to apply your bronzer in light, even coats to build up color rather than adding a single dark layer at once. Therefore, just lightly coat the end of your brush in the powder and tap off the excess onto the lid of the container. ^{[8]
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Your bronzer should be applied in the shape of a “3” from the top to the bottom of your face on both sides, starting with your forehead. Lightly sweep the brush along the outer sides of your upper forehead and along your hairline. ^{[9]
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Next, make a fish face and apply your bronzer to your cheekbones. You can also do this by smiling, starting at the apples of your cheeks, and sweeping slightly up toward your hairline. ^{[10]
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Finally, complete the “3” shape by sweeping your bronzer along your jawline. This will add definition to your face. ^{[11]
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7
Brush lightly over your chin, nose and neck. As you’re applying bronzer, you’ll want to focus on covering the areas of your face that sunlight tends to hit. Do a final dusting of your bronzer on the higher points of your face, such as the bridge of your nose and the tip of your chin. Complete the natural glow by applying bronzer to your neck so that it matches the coloring of your face. ^{[12]
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- Don't add too much bronzer, however, as this may create a heavy look.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Look

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Take out another fluffy, clean brush and softly blend everything in so there aren’t any unnatural lines or blotches. It’s especially important that you blend the neck area. ^{[13]
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Research source} To blend most effectively, start in the center and work the brush outward in small, circular motions.
If you’ve blended and your complexion still doesn’t look smooth and subtle in color transition, swirl your blending brush in a translucent powder, tap off the excess, and blend again. ^{[14]
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Research source}
Add blush if desired for a brighter glow. ^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Devorah Kuperland
Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Interview. 16 April 2020.} You can use a blush stick, liquid blush, or a powder. Apply the blush in the center of the apples of your cheeks. Blend it out towards the edges of your face with a rounded brush. ^{[16]
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Research source
hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzBDCXLX8RY}
After you’re done, make sure to spray your entire face with a makeup setting spray to keep your face looking radiant all day. ^{[17]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What shade of bronzer should I use?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should select a bronzer shade that is slightly warmer and 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone. The closer it is to your skin color the easier it is to blend.

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Question

What is bronzer used for?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Bronzer gives the skin a subtle sun-kissed glow. It can also be used for contouring.

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Question

Can you put bronzer all over your face?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should not apply bronzer all over your face. It can make you look brassy or like you have a bad fake tan.

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Tips

Don't get too much product on your brush at a time; it’s easier to add a little more than take some off.

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When using bronzer and/or blush, use a brush with a rounded surface such as a kabuki brush or a powder brush.

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Make sure you make a 3 shape when using bronzer. Start from your forehead and then to your cheekbones, and lastly under your jawline.

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Warnings

The most common mistake made with bronzers is choosing one that looks too orange on the skin, which results in an artificial-looking glow.

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Don't blow on the brush to remove excess bronzer; if a little moisture reaches the brush, it can cause streaks.

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How to Apply Bronzer

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Creating an Even Base

Putting on Your Bronzer

Finishing the Look

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Tips

Warnings

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