A sun-kissed glow can make a big difference in your overall look. Adding warmth to certain parts of the face adds dimension and a subtle contouring effect. Bronzer previously was one-size-fits-all, but modern formulas cater to all skin types and tones. Choose between powders, creams or drops that mix into your favorite skin care for a customized faux glow. Here, makeup artists share their favorite tips for applying bronzer for a natural look, and the best products to achieve it.
Featured Experts
- Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist.
- Jenny Patinkin is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin.
- Kelli Anne Sewell is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Makeup by Kelli Anne.
- Victoria Lyn is a makeup artist and content creator.
- Tomy Rivero is a makeup artist and founder of Tomy Rivero Beauty Lab.
Try the “3” Placement
Makeup artist Victoria Lyn always recommends using the “3” shape placement when applying bronzer. “This is one that works on every face shape and it’s so beginner-friendly,” she says. “This technique involves applying powder bronzer in the shape of a ‘3’ on each side of your face with a big, fluffy brush. Starting at your forehead, sweep the bronzer along your hairline, then move below your cheekbones and finish along your jawline. This method adds dimension, warmth and a natural contour to the face, enhancing its structure. If you haven’t tried this yet, you need too!”
Celebrity makeup artists Ash K. Holm and Kelli Anne Sewell agree that one of the best powder bronzers is MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder in Give Me Sun. “I also love Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer. These mineralized powders are more diffused and sheer, which lets your skin shine through!”
Use a Good Brush
Celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin says the secret to a natural-looking bronzer application is all in the brush. “You want to get what I call a ‘whisper of product,’ not a yell,” she explains. “You want one like our award-winning Powder/Bronzer Brush that has very soft, flexible bristles. They bend and flex to float the product onto your skin instead of dragging it. And, they won’t over-grab powder from the pan.”
“I find that using a larger angled fluffy face brush applies cream or powder bronzer in a more diffused manner,” says Holm. “Hit the top of your forehead around the hairline, the tops of your cheekbones and even a little along the sides or bridge of your nose for a very natural sun-kissed look.”
Opt for Cream Bronzer if You Have Dry Skin
“Drier skin types should always use cream bronzer versus powder, and apply it with a damp sponge,” says makeup artist Tomy Rivero. “One of my favorites is Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer.” Patinkin is also a fan of this formula. “This is a genius product if you prefer a creamy texture,” she adds. “It’s pigmented enough that you get a sun-kissed effect, but it’s also sheer and blendable, so the finish is very natural and pretty. I use this with my Sheer Cheek Brush, and it’s a beautiful combination.” For another option, Holm recommends the Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Contour and Sculpt Cream Bronzer in Golden Tan.
Embrace Bronzing Drops for an Allover Glow
Makeup artist Tomy Rivero recommends mixing liquid bronzing drops into your foundation. “Mix them together in your hand and then apply them to your skin with a foundation brush. I like the TULA Bronze Boost Glow Drops.” We also like Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Drops, which are the OG in this category and protect against the effects of pollution, too.
