Aaaahhh…bronzers! That glowing warmth smoothing over the skin, especially if there’s a hint of shimmer in there which glistens in the sun. Today’s Product Series is all about bronzers which happen to be one of my can’t do without products…no matter the season.
So much so, I actually did a whole series talking about nothing but bronzers. Although I will double up on some of the information and all time favorite bronzing products today, I highly recommend you have a look at the following links for all your bronzer needs:
Cream Bronzers, Powder Bronzers, Instant (wash-off) Bronzers
Guerlain Bronzers
With highlighting and contouring becoming so popular in mainstream makeup, there’s also been a lot of confusion as to what bronzing products are used for. There are misconceptions about bronzers being used for contouring but this couldn’t be further from their actual purpose. Check out my previous post on Contour and Highlight which explains the difference.
How and Where To Use Bronzers
Bronzers are used to warm up the skin, add a healthy glow and also compliment the color change of the skin during summer months if you’ve been tanning.
Bronzers are typically used where the sun would naturally tan the face. This is usually across the forehead and across the bridge of the nose and cheeks.
The exception to the rule is that we can also use bronzers all over or around the frame of the face – to match the rest of the body (if we’re darker) and/or bring more warmth and dimension to the face.
Bronzers come in powder, cream and liquid/gel formulas. There are also two different finishes: matte or shimmer.
I’ve included some of my tried and tested favorites below and you can type in bronzer in the search bar to access all my review and swatch posts on some of these products.
Powder Bronzers
I personally prefer powder bronzers as they’re easier to work with, especially during summer months where they tend to set better on the skin and prevent melting off in the heat like some of their cream counterparts. They’re also more practical in terms of building up color intensity without collecting or dragging against whatever other face products you may have on underneath.
My two go-to bronzers NARS Laguna and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, both happen to be matte finish as I like to have control over how much shimmer I want and do this with a separate highlighter instead. But I’m adding some shimmery favorites too if you prefer a one-step application. *Guerlain are pioneers in high end bronzers and Physician’s Formula make stunning alternatives for drugstore
Click the pictures to be taken to the sites
NARS Laguna / TooFaced Chocolate Soleil / Guerlain Terracotta / MAC Bronzing Powder / Cargo Dark Bronze / Physicians Formula Bronzer Booster
Cream Bronzers
The tricky part about cream bronzers is blending and staying power. As I mentioned before, if you use bronzers more during summer months, the heat can move or melt the cream products resulting in a patchy uneven finish. I usually feel the need to set cream bronzers by dusting over them with a similar color powder bronzer so it’s an additional step that I’d rather not do.
That said, on those days where you can’t be bothered with foundation and concealer and just want a hint of color to give you that dewy glow, you can most certainly make the most of cream (and liquid) bronzers and spray some setting spray over it to extend its wear. Not having other products underneath such as foundation/concealer will prevent the little mishaps such as the products moving, melting or looking patchy.
Click the pictures to be taken to the sites
Soleil Tan De Chanel / NARS Laguna Multiple / Sonia Kashuk Cream Bronzer / Perricone MD Bronzer / Urban Decay Bronzing Balm / Sephora Bronzing Mist
There are so many gorgeous bronzers to choose from including drugstore as well as high end. My only advise would be to steer clear of bronzers that have a visibly orange undertone. Whilst it’s beautiful to have a veil of warmth across the skin, too much warmth can take your look from glowing tan to glowing in the dark.
Check out the stunning buffet of bronzers from all kinds of brands HERE – and let me know if you’re interested in any others and need help choosing a favorite ;)
What’s your go-to bronzer for the face?
2 comments
Such a helpful and informative post. I’ve been going through all of your product series and it’s become my little help guide when shopping. My favorite bronzer is Benefit Hula. I like that it’s not too orange or sparkly and I can contour with it too :)
Thank you Emily! Glad to hear the product series is helping you with your choices :)