Where to Apply Bronzer

Wondering where to apply bronzer to look chic instead of orange? Read on.

For those of us pastier than we would like to be, when it comes time to not wearing parkas and knits from head to toe spring also means it’s time to break out the bronzer. One of the questions we hear a lot this time of year is where to apply bronzer? Because, trust us, bronzer is a powerful tool for good, but apply it wrong and things can turn oompa loompa orange, fast. When we think about where to apply bronzer there’s really only one good rule of thumb.

But before we actually cover where to apply bronzer, we must talk tools. Using the wrong shade or brush can make all the difference even if you apply it in the right location. We think finding a bronzer color is actually pretty easy, just look for a shade that is similar to how you tan or, how you’d like to tan. For the very fair, we do suggest avoiding orange tones, though because it doesn’t always translate well on the skin.

We like the Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Bronzer in Siena, for the warm red-toned brown bronzer. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly alternative, It Cosmetics makes a similar one called Confidence In Your Glow that’s just dandy, too. It’s just warm enough to not look like a contour shade, and the red undertones keep it a little more realistic for those who tend to burn, not tan.

To apply the bronzer we like the itCosmetics Airbrush Blurring Powder Brush. It’s a flat topped, duo-fiber brush with silky soft bristles. These are all great things for bronzer because it means you can’t pick up too much product. You only grab the powder with the longer white bristles, then you can apply and blend using both the white and the shorter cream colored bristles.

Here’s the big secret when it comes to where to apply bronzer: apply where you would naturally tan. But, you know, within reason. So instead of applying bronzer to your whole face, apply just to the high points that the sun would hit before everything else. This means the tops of your cheekbones first!

And, yes, we know that this probably doesn’t fit into a Kardashian-esque highlighting and contouring routine. Bronzer, because it is darker than your skin tone can have a similar effect to contour. One of the reasons we like the Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Bronzer so much is because it isn’t too matte. Applied with a light hand you’ll still get some shimmer to the tops of your cheekbones.

After blending across your cheekbones, it’s time to hit your nose! We suggest applying lightly here, especially if you struggle with larger pores on your nose. You definitely don’t want bronzer settling into your pores and looking like black heads. If you think this would be the case for you, avoid the tip of your nose all together and just apply to the bridge of your nose, where large pores tend to not be a big issue.

Next up is your chin and jawline. You’ll want to apply the least amount of bronzer here. A light swirl through the bronzer and dusting over your jawline and you’re almost all set! The reason we don’t like to apply as much to the jawline is because it can start to look like your foundation is too dark for your skin tone. If you accidentally go a little heavy handed, just blend down your neck for an even finish.

Last thing is your forehead! Obviously, if you don’t have bangs this is a non issue. But, for those who don’t have bangs, feel free to load ‘er up and apply. Work the bronzer from your hairline downwards so the color will be darker at the very top of your forehead. Then, as you move downwards towards your forehead there will be less product on the brush.