Bronzer is one of the most misunderstood and poorly used products, and also one of the most overlooked. When done correctly, adding warmth to the face can create a healthy glow and dimension to our faces when achieving a great makeup look. I often get asked "how do you look so naturally tanned and get that defined look?" Well, its bronzer. To be honest, I've also committed so many of the same mistakes in learning the proper way to apply bronzer and to contour that I've been guilty of the "dirty face"- what happens when you wear too much bronzer and you look like you've been pulled through a pile of dirt! This post will offer some tips on the proper way to apply bronzer in order to achieved a contoured look that will raise your makeup application skills to the next level. For reference, I've included the picture seen on the left to help in each step and links to recommended products.
I 'm starting a series of posts of the most common application questions I have received through the years called Back to Basics 101. I think what gets lost in the world of beauty websites and video tutorials is the simple step by step guide to everyday makeup application- foundation, blush, lipstick, etc. In this post, I will be focusing on bronzer. Bronzer is one of the most misunderstood and poorly used products, and also one of the most overlooked. When done correctly, adding warmth to the face can create a healthy glow and dimension to our faces when achieving a great makeup look. I often get asked "how do you look so naturally tanned and get that defined look?" Well, its bronzer. To be honest, I've also committed so many of the same mistakes in learning the proper way to apply bronzer and to contour that I've been guilty of the "dirty face"- what happens when you wear too much bronzer and you look like you've been pulled through a pile of dirt! This post will offer some tips on the proper way to apply bronzer in order to achieved a contoured look that will raise your makeup application skills to the next level. For reference, I've included the picture seen on the left to help in each step and links to recommended products. 1. Matte is where it's at: When choosing a bronzer for contouring, always look for a matte bronzer without any glitter or shimmer in it. The purpose of the bronzer is to define and "pull back" those features on the face you want to slim down or make smaller (the cheekbones, frame of face, nose, etc). Any shimmer will only bring attention to the face and will have the opposite effect that a bronzer is supposed to do. 2. Brown is the new orange: For the longest time, bronzing powders and creams have been made with an orange tone, leaving your skin with an unnatural color, making you look like a stand in role as an oompa loompa in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory! When the sun warms up our skin, it creates a reddish undertone. What you want to find is a bronzer that has this same undertone to get the most natural look possible. Check out to find the bronzer I use and love. my essentials page 3. Avoid a heavy hand: To ensure a natural, flawless application, take your time to build up the product. Work one area at a time to avoid getting bronzer all over your face, which will defeat the purpose of contouring. Adding product in small amounts allows you to have more control over product placement and allows you to have a cushion for mistakes- its always easier to add more product than to remove it. 4. Blend, blend, blend- then blend some more: You want the bronzer to melt into your existing foundation or powder thats already on your face to create a seamless look. Blending will create an even, airbrushed look, creating the illusion of that great tan you would get after a vacation on a tropical island (which I'm still waiting for, but that's a different story). 5. Get the right tools for the job: For contouring , an angled or a small densely packed brush works great. I love using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for this area (see additional recommendations on page) A larger brush can be used if you're looking to just warm up your skin instead of defining through contouring, such as kabuki brush , which is a short bristle, tightly dense brush. my essentials I hope you find these tips useful in helping you achieve a beautiful bronzed, sun kissed look. Please leave your thoughts, questions, or comments on what products you'd like to see featured in this Back to Basic Series. Videos covering these topics will be coming soon, so look out for links to my youtube channel in future posts.
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I had to replace my face powder last week and as I browsed through the endless aisles of beauty galore at my local Ulta, I stumbled upon the NYX display and picked up a long time favorite that I hadn't used in a while since I've been trying out new products. Once I applied it, I instantly remembered why I fell in love with it in the first place! It's the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation. I picked up two shades, 02 Nude, a color 2 shades lighter for a highlight to set my under eye concealer, and 07 Medium Beige for my regular face powder. It can be worn alone on top of moisturizer or face primer, or as an extra coverage setting powder on top of foundation, which is what I do. The coverage is very comparable to MAC's Studio Fix Powder, but without the hefty price tag (MAC- $27, NYX-$9.99) The MAC powder gives a very matte finish (which can be very drying on dry skin) but the NYX leaves the skin with a natural sheen, even skin tone, and is not drying, which I love since I have very dry skin! I definitely give it a 5 star rating and recommend it to all my beauty inquirers. |
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When I'm not spending way too much time getting ready or drooling over the newest beauty product, I'm a stay at home mom of a rambunctious 4 year old boy, a sweet baby girl we lovingly call "sissy", and a wife to my high school sweetheart. Archives
August 2014
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