Bronzer FAQs
I spoke to Chanel make-up artist Marco Antonio – who’s worked with the likes of Vogue, renowned photographer Rankin and celebrities including Kate Moss and Lily Aldridge – to glean his best advice on all things bronzer shades and application.
What does a bronzer do?
For Antonio, the benefits of bronzer differ between cream and powder formulas.
A powder “can be used to add warmth and definition to the face [and] is a great option for those with oily skin, as it helps control oil and shine”, explains Antonio. Texture-wise, “it provides a natural, matte finish and is long-wearing.”
Cream bronzer, by contrast “provides a natural, dewy finish and blends seamlessly into the skin”. It’s a “great option for those with dry skin, as it doesn’t emphasize dry patches” – a must for the colder months.
How do you apply bronzer?
Breaking the process down step by step, Antonio said to “think about where the sun naturally hits your face, these are the areas you’ll want to bronze”, noting that “common areas include the forehead, temples, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and jawline”.
For him, successful and precise application begins with a good angled brush. “This type of brush helps with distributing the product evenly.”
Now for Antonio’s five-step process:
- Step one: “Lightly tap your brush on the bronzer to remove any excess product, this prevents you from applying too much bronzer at once, which can result in a heavy or patchy application.
- Step two: “Starting with a small amount of product, sweep the bronzer onto the areas you want to bronze using light, feathery strokes.
- Step three: “Focus on the outer perimeter of your face, blending the bronzer into your hairline for a seamless finish.
- Step four: “Blend the bronzer thoroughly to avoid harsh lines or uneven patches. Use circular motions or back-and-forth motions to blend the product into your skin seamlessly.
- Step five: “After applying bronzer to your face, lightly dust any excess product over your neck and décolletage to ensure a seamless transition between your face and body.”
Bronzer vs contour: What’s the difference?
Contour, Antonio explains, “sculpt[s] the face for a more defined look,” whereas bronzer “create[s] a natural-looking tan.” It’s as simple as that.
The verdict: Best bronzers
Overall, I found the Nars laguna bronzer the easiest to apply, leaving the most natural yet buildable finish. Thanks to the tiniest hint of shimmer, it lends itself to both young and mature skin types (adding a lifting depth-type effect to the latter) and is available in an inclusive shade range. For budget shoppers, Revolution’s ultra cream bronzer was my favourite, leaving my skin with the same flattering glow as products costing more than £40. Likewise, Saie’s dew bronze was reasonably priced and impressively pigmented, not to mention being thoughtfully packaged in a lip gloss-style tube, perfect for on-the-go use.
Looking for more beauty recommendations? Read our review of the best lip oils for a plumper, hydrated pout
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English (US) ·