Bronzer 101

I try to avoid tanning by the sun as much as possible and I always slap on the sunscreen if I'm going to spend long periods outside. I live by Jergens and bronzer in order not to look all yellow. A lot more women are starting to use bronzer now that everyone is preaching about the dangers os skin cancer. I decided to an entry about how to apply bronzer, since summer is coming up and we should all look our sun kissed best.

STEP ONE: SELECTING A COLOR

Test a matte bronzer that is slightly darker than your skin tone. To test the color, apply it to your jawline. it should look golden, not brown.

STEP TWO: PREPPING YOUR SKIN

Apply your foundation and/or concealer as need. For people with oily skin, dust a translucent powder, so that the bronzer doesn't collect on the shiny areas of your face.

STEP THREE: BRONZING AND BLENDING

Dip a medium-size powder brush in the bronzer; tap off the excess. Using small, circular motions, dust your jawline and hairline. Redip the brush, tap it, and then sweep it on your cheekbones, bridge of nose, forehead, and chin.

Dust what's left over on the brush all over your neck, then tap the brush to get rid of any remaining powder. Go back over the same bronzed areas, swirling the brush over any visible edges of color to blend them into the skin.

STEP FOUR: ADD BLUSH

Sweep a bright rosy powder blush on the apples of cheeks -- this keeps bronzer from looking flat. The rest of your makeup should be subtle.

TIPS:
-Most of the bronzer should be on your face and not your cheeks.. This prevents your face from looking muddy.

-When applying bronzer, a blush brush is the best type of brush to use.

-Bronzer usually comes in light, medium, and dark. Choose the color that's suited to your skin tone -- going too dark looks fake -- and make sure it's a yellow-based matte powder, not pink-based or sparkly. Check the shade in natural light on your jawline. The color should look tan on your skin, not muddy.

-Brushing a vibrant rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks will make bronzer look more believable. A matte formula is good for day; in the evening, try a shimmery pink. Keep the rest of your makeup soft: Use brown eye pencil instead of black, swipe on a gold or bronze eye shadow, and apply a sheer nude or light pink lip color.

-To ensure that you don't go overboard with bronzer, apply it while standing in natural light. An effective (though slightly obsessive) way to check your work is to take a digital picture of your face. The photo will show where you've applied too much color. (Allure.com)

-If you want deeper color, don't sweep bronzer all over your face -- the result looks unnaturally flat. Instead, use a tinted moisturizer or gel first. Smooth it on your face and neck, and blend away any obvious lines near your ears and on your jawline and hairline with a damp makeup sponge. Apply your powder bronzer as usual. If the shade of bronze looks too dark or heavy on your skin, dip a clean powder brush in loose translucent powder, tap most of it off, and lightly swirl the brush over the bronzer to soften it.

TRY THESE PRODUCTS:

For Fair Skin: A bronzer that's tan or honey colored is best.
-Jane Bronzing Powder in Sahara (janecosmetics.com)
-Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder (sephora.com)

Medium Skin: A terra-cotta bronzer is great for medium skin tones.
-Clinique True Bronze Powder in Sunblushed (clinique.com)
-Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze

Dark Skin: A coppery shade best complements dark skin
-Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze (covergirl.com)

Enjoy everybody and remember this: A fabulous faux tan can look just as good as a natural one!

xo

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