What Is Bronzer Used For?

Exactly what is bronzer used for…and how can you incorporate it into your beauty routine? At Patrick Ta, we’re huge proponents of bronzer, and we’re here to help you learn how to use it like a pro. Consider this your ultimate bronzer guide. 

What is Bronzer?

Do you want a sun-kissed glow without the damaging sun rays or tanning beds?Bronzer is here to help you achieve your most luminous skin yet. 

A bronzer is a pick-me-up for the skin. It gives the complexion a warm, healthy radiance that elevates any makeup look. Whether you’re going for a fresh-faced and natural look or a full glam moment, a bronzer will fit into your routine. 

You’ll most often see bronzers in the form of a powder, but there are also cream and liquid bronzers. Typically, you’ll apply a bronzer to the high points of the face, where the sun would naturally hit. Think of the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and along the jaw. 

Bronzer vs Contour 

Let’s clear up a common misconception in the bronzer vs contour debate: while they may seem similar, these two makeup products are not the same thing. You shouldn’t use bronzer to contour (or contour to bronze), as they are two distinct formulas that serve different purposes.

While bronzer adds a warm wash of color to the skin, contours are specifically designed to create the illusion of shadows on the face. By doing this, they help chisel your natural features for a snatched and sculpted look. 

Where to Apply

Since it is made to create shadows, a contour should also be applied to different areas of the face. Blending it underneath the cheekbones, underneath the jawline, along the hairline, and along the sides of the nose helps create definition. 

Difference in the Finish

While they may look similar, bronzers and contours also have distinct colors. Contours have a cooler tone, as this creates the most natural-looking shadow effect. On the other hand, a bronzer typically has a warmer hue to give the complexion that sun-kissed look. Contours will also always have a matte finish for the most realistic shadow, while some bronzers have a slight shimmer. 

The good news? You can use both bronzer and contour at the same time. Apply contour for definition, and then add bronzer for that envious, just-got-back-from-vacation radiance. 

How to Apply Bronzer

Bronzer should be applied after your foundation, concealer, and contour (if using). Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply a powder bronzer like a pro: 

1. Take a fluffy brush and swirl it in your bronzer to pick up pigment, and then tap off the excess. Use a pressing motion to lightly apply the bronzer to the cheeks, working the product up towards the temples. By pressing the bronzer into the skin, you’ll add pigment without disrupting the makeup underneath. Continue diffusing the bronzer until you’ve reached your desired color. 

2. Pick up more product with your fluffy brush, and press the bronzer into the skin along your forehead, up to your hairline. Continue to blend until you have an even wash of color on the skin. 

3. Again, use your brush to pick up more bronzer, and then apply it along your jaw. Be sure to blend down the neck for the most seamless and natural look. Finish by adding a touch of bronzer to your nose. 

4. For an extra special finishing touch, we recommend diffusing bronzer along your collarbones, as well. This takes your glow to the next level. 

Finish your base makeup with blush for a beautiful pop of color on the cheeks. It will tie everything together for a gorgeous and natural look. 

Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skintone

Bronzer works on any skin tone, but it’s essential that you use a shade that works with your complexion. A bronzer that is too dark can appear unnatural on your skin, while a bronzer that is too light may look chalky. 

In order to find your best bronzer match, choose a formula that is around two to four shades darker than your skin tone. This will help bring out your radiance while maintaining a natural look.