Bronzer 101, An Introductory Course

Lets talk about one of my favorite products. My instant pick me upper, my happiness in a compact, the secret to my skin's radiance....BRONZER! Matte, shimmery, powder or liquid, nothing makes me happier than a little color on my face!

Why it's amazing?

Other than it's actual function which is essentially to give the appearance of a tan, bronzer is the step beetween foundation and blush. It "warms" you up and provides an overall glow that will leave people thinking you just got back from vacation. PLUS! it's a great way to buff out blush mishaps when we get a little too excited brush in hand.

Can i use bronzer?

YES! EVERYONE CAN It's not secret that i love to lay out in the sun. ( yes I am trying to quit) BUT i am very careful about protecting my face . While the rest of me becomes toasty and golden, my face never has enough color, so i BRONZE. The trick is to look natural, think JLo

not Snooki. The other great benefit of bronzer is that while some women are lucky enough to find one foundation that matches their skin perfectly, olive and darker complexions can have a little bit of a harder time.My forehead has always been darker, since it gets the most sun exposure. As a MUA, I have no problem blending here, adding there, sometimes 2, even 3 foundations at a time, but that's not always practical for everyone. When a foundation is too light, you will notice a grey ashy cast across the face, THIS is when you use bronzer, keep reading and i'll explain how.

What kind is good for me?

This depends on your preferance. Matte ( non shiny) bronzers, add color, create contour and are usually the most pigmented. Frosty, shimmery or sparkley bronzers are typically used to reflect light and create a "glow" or dewy look. These types of bronzers don't usually have a great color payoff so i prefer to use them on top of an existing bronzer or blush . Last, you have your liquid bronzers or the kind that come in stick form. These are probably the most natural looking because they are absorbed into the skin like your foundation. Please note, if you are using a liquid or cream, make sure the foundation underneath is also a liquid or cream. This is kind of a standard in makeup, cream to cream, or powder over cream, never cream over powder. It can get a little messy or blotchy if you're not careful.

*Im obsessed with Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder...and yes it smells like chocolate!

Where do I apply it?

After you have moisturized and applied foundation , evaluate your face. Where does the sun naturally hit you? Forehead ( nearest to the hairline) bridge of the nose, and cheeks.

If you are using bronzer to warm up a foundation, create a "halo" effect around the

hairline, down to the temples, and into the chin and neck area. When a foundation is too light, this is where it's most noticeable.

Anything else I should know?

Yes! Remember that anything frosty or shimmery will highlight textured skin, so use carefully or avoid all together and opt for a matte.

Translucent powders ( compact or loose) make great bronzers too. Pick a shade 1 or 2 shades darker than your skin tone. These are usually more dense and easier to build with.

*Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder

can be used alone or as a bronzer.

Last but not least...try it! The next time you know you're heading to the mall , pack a powder brush in your purse and make your way to Sephora. Ask the salesgirls what bronzers they like and play around. Look at yourself in different lights while you do your shopping and then decide.

Other Faves:

* Smashbox Sunkissed Matte is perfect for light to medium skin tones

*NARS Illuminator (Laguna) isn't quite a "bronzer" but a little of this brown with golden shimmer liquid in with your foundation or tinted moisturizer, will leave everyone asking "what's on your skin? "

*Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick-Bronze is a MUST have. Sweep across the high plains of your face and you will instantly feel fancy.