Sunkissed & Snatched: Where to Apply Bronzer for Every Face Shape
Updated September 5, 2023.
What is bronzer used for, you ask? It's the product that serves to add warmth, dimension, and a radiant glow to your face. From personal experience, I can attest that the right bronzer can make all the difference, even on days when you're not wearing foundation.
However, the key to unlocking its full potential lies in selecting the appropriate shade for your skin tone and mastering the art of application. So, whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, understanding these nuances can be a game-changer in your beauty routine.
Understanding Bronzer and Its Purpose
Bronzer replicates the sun-kissed glow of your skin after a day of sunbathing. Beyond just adding warmth, the right bronzer can also enhance the dimensions of your face, creating contours and shadows for a more sculpted look.
Depending on the shade and undertone of your bronzer, it can also be used to:
- Add a sharper dimension to your face
- Contours
- Adds shadow.
Tip: It's good to remember that bronzer should enhance, not transform, your natural skin tone. Using an ill-suited shade or applying it incorrectly can lead to a muddy, unnatural appearance.
Identifying Your Face Shape
Understanding your face shape is crucial when it comes to enhancing your natural beauty with bronzer. But there's another related uncertainty: Is bronzer the same as contour? Contour and bronzer both add dimension to your face but aren't exactly the same.
Bronzer is primarily used to:
- Add warmth
- Add a sun-kissed glow
While contour is designed to:
- Create shadows
- Define angles.
Some can be used interchangeably, but avoid contour with shimmer for bronzing.
Whether you're asking, "What is bronzer used for?" or "Do you need bronzer?" knowing your face shape and the distinctions between bronzer and contour can make all the difference in your makeup routine.
Bronzer Application for Different Face Shapes
The wrong bronzer application for specific face shapes can drastically change your face. It's okay if you intend to look tanned, but not if you want a natural sun-kissed look.
Here is a guide on how to apply it for every face shape.
Round Face Shapes
If you have a round face, characterized by fuller cheeks and a wide forehead, bronzer can be your best friend for adding dimension and definition. Without bronzer or contour, a round face can appear flat post-foundation, lacking the natural contours.
Tip: Use a big angled brush to apply bronzer for perfect blending. For round face shapes, a matte bronzer is better for sculpting than a shimmery one.
Step-by-Step Bronzer Application for a Round Face:
- Begin your bronzer application by focusing on your cheekbones.
- Position your brush at the hairline near your ear and gently blend the bronzer towards the front of your face. This creates the illusion of more sculpted cheekbones.
- Lightly apply bronzer around your temples for warmth and further facial definition.
- Sweep the bronzer along the outer perimeter of your jawline.
Oval Face Shapes
Oval faces offer a balanced canvas that's relatively easy to bronze. In fact, I have an oval face shape myself and find that bronzing techniques can be quite flexible and tailored to individual preferences.
With balanced proportions, you have the freedom to experiment and tailor your bronzing technique to suit your personal preferences, whether that's adding warmth, creating definition, or even altering the perceived length of your face.
Square Face Shapes
Square face shapes have an equally wide forehead and jawline.
With this face shape, it is important to note that when it comes to applying bronzer, less is more. This is because this face shape already has angular features, so not a lot of dimension is needed.
Heart-shaped faces
Heart-shaped faces, which resemble inverted triangles with wide foreheads and angular chins, offer more flexibility in bronzer application.
You can use either a large angled brush or a large bronzing brush to apply bronzer mainly to the temples and cheekbones. This technique helps to minimize the forehead's width and accentuate the cheekbones.
Choosing the Right Bronzer Shade
Now that you're well-versed in the purpose of bronzer and its application techniques tailored to your face shape, you might be wondering, "What color should my bronzer be?" The key is to opt for a shade that mimics your natural sun-kissed glow.
Here is a brief guide:
- If your skin takes on a honey-toned hue when tanned, consider a bronzer that matches this shade for the most natural look.
- For those with deeper skin tones with a reddish tint when tanned, opt for a bronzer with red undertones to complement your complexion.
The Order of Application: Bronzer vs. Blush
Contrary to popular belief, bronzer and blush can coexist in the same makeup look; it's not a matter of "bronzer vs. blush." Both products serve different purposes—bronzer for warmth and dimension and blush for a pop of color on the cheeks.
Tip: Much like bronzer, the placement of blush can vary depending on your face shape. It's a good idea to apply both in a way that flatters your specific features.
Do you put blush or bronzer on first? While there's no hard and fast rule, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference.
Some people prefer applying bronzer first to lay down the base warmth and then add blush for color, while others do the opposite.
Bronze & Beyond: Unveiling Your Unique Glow
Bronzer is undoubtedly one of the most versatile tools in your makeup arsenal. Not only does it give you that coveted sun-kissed glow, but when applied with your face shape in mind, it can also define and enhance your facial features.
If you're new to makeup, the world of bronzer can seem intimidating. However, experimentation is the cornerstone of self-care and beauty. Subscription services like the Klever Beauty Box offer a fantastic way to explore and refine your makeup skills. With full-size products delivered to your door monthly for only $29, you can embrace the versatility of bronzer, explore new techniques, and let your inner radiance shine through.
