Applying bronzer is by far one of my favorite steps of makeup. Even the palest skin toned person needs a good bronzer for adding definition to the face. As I’m writing this I’m scrolling through the “bronzer” category on Ulta, drooling over all of them. It’s probably my favorite product to buy.
So technically I like to have 3-4 bronzers around to do makeup. I’ll list some of my favorites and what I use them for.
1. cool toned contour (Mac Sculpt or Too Faced Chocolate Soleil)
2. tan (Mac Dark Deep Next to Nothing powder)
3. Warm bronzer (Rimmel bronzer or Mac Give Me Sun)
4. shimmery one to make me glow (Milani Baked bronzer)
If I had to pick ONLY one, though, I need a tan. This is so hard but I think I’d pick Urban Decay Too Faced Chocolate Soleil. But if I could pick 4… jk I’ll stop! My collection consists of quite a few options. The ones I listed above are amazing, but here are more honorable mentions that I own off the top of my head: Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer- I have the original one, but now there are a few shades), Nars Casino, Urban Decay Beached Bronzer, Neutrogena Sunkissed, Morphe Glamabronze, Tarte Park Avenue Princess Chisel palette (they don’t sell the one I have and use anymore sadly), Makeup Forever ProFusion, Guerlain #7.
If you can find a super red-toned or burnt orange bronzer, try it as a blush- it’s one of the most flattering ways I’ve found to wear blush because it looks like you’ve been out in the sun and have started to toast just a little. Some of my favorites to use for this purpose are Mac Sun Power & Becca Sunlit Maui Nights.
As far as cream bronzers go, I’m a big fan. I regularly use Wet n’ Wild Call Me Maple, and Ulta’s Cream Color stick. I’ve always wanted the Chanel Soleil de Tan bronzer pot, but have never pulled the trigger on it. One day! To apply a cream contour I basically make stripes on my cheeks, jawline, forehead, nose, and under my lip, then blend out with the ELF Precise Airbrush stipple. It’s a must have brush! I’ve seen some people use it for foundation as well. It’s the perfect size brush for precise contouring or fitting in smaller areas. It would be great for setting the under eye area as well.
Application
After setting my foundation with a loose powder, I’m ready to bronze. For contour I use a small brush like the ELF one I mentioned above, or a flat paddle brush like the one that comes in the Benefit blush and bronzers. For warming up my whole face and getting a tan, I use the Morphe M406. It’s a large duo fiber brush that blends out bronzer like a dream. I have two in my brush stash- one for loose & translucent powders, one for bronzer. Morphe brushes used to be hit or miss for me, but they have definitely upped the quality. I’ve washed the M406 brush countless times and it’s still in great shape.
After I’ve bronzed I apply blush. Then I take a loose powder and go over everything to blend it. I also carve out under the contour with a baking technique to sharpen it up. As a final step I like to apply just a little shimmery bronzer all over. One of my all time favorites is the Milani baked bronzer. It pretty much gives your face a filter.
Eyeing
If anyone is reading this that has me on their Christmas list, here are the ones I’m wanting:
ABH Saddle / So many people say this is holy grail status.
Bare Minerals Warmth / I don’t own a loose powder bronzer, and I’m a huge fan of the Bare Minerals formula.
ELF Primer Infused bronzer / At $6, I’ll probably pick this up on my next trip to Ulta.
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, and Chocolate Gold / I have a sample size mini of Chocolate Soleil that has been going strong for quite awhile. It has become one of my favorites. It works ridiculously well on pale skin, and my overly self-tanned self. As far as Chocolate Gold, this would make you look like Jim Halpert as Goldenface in Threat Level Midnight if you apply a lot, but as a light dusting I imagine this giving that vacation goddess glow.
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess / If you know, you know. If you don’t though, the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess collection has been iconic since the golden days of Beauty Youtube. The tort packaging is everything.
Hoola Caramel / Benefit Hoola has been a staple product for so many people. While I like it, I think it’s very dupeable and works better as a contour on my skin. The newer Caramel version though, is STUNNING as an all over shade to warm up the face. I’m a caramel addict so I love the name as well.
Lorac Hustle & Glow Bronzer palette / Lorac is such an underrated brand! I have a couple things from them and they never let me down. This palette looks stunning and so great for travel.
Smashbox Cali Contour / I’ve been eyeing this palette for years. This is the face palette I’ll treat myself to one of these days.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer / I used to have the It Cosmetics face disc palette that had thee most beautiful bronzer I’ve ever seen in it. I ended up giving it away because I never used the blush and highlight. They were gorgeous though and I definitely recommend that if you’re wanting it! This bronzer looks like the same shade as that perfect one, but with added pore blurring. Need.
Catrice Sun Lover / This reminds me of the Milani baked shimmery bronzer that I love, but less orange.
Kylie Cosmetics Toasty / I’ve drooled over this one ever since she posted swatch videos.
I hope this inspires you to get into bronzer! Tell me your all time favorite. Give it a whirl if you haven’t.
-Kim