How to Apply Cream Bronzer

1. Choose Your Bronzer Shade

When it comes to pigment, deciding how dark you should go can be challenging. For the perfect sun-kissed look, “The rule of thumb is to go three shades darker than your natural skin tone,” says Lovello. Take a look at your skin in the sunlight or look at a photo of yourself when your skin is more tan and make that your goal. If you’re naturally medium to deep-toned or tan easily, opt for warmer to deeper bronzer shades. If you have lighter skin, choose something in a lighter shade range to avoid a ruddy look. You can always start light and build pigment as you go.

2. Start With Skin Prep

When it comes to applying cream bronzer (or any cream product like a cream blush or highlighter for that matter), starting out with hydrated skin is key. Why? Because the drier your skin, the harder it will be for your skincare products and makeup products to seamlessly blend. Prone to dry skin? “Just make sure your skin prep is extra hydrating (exfoliating your skin twice a week helps wonders) if dry skin is an issue,” says Lovello. We’re fans of TRULY BEAUTY Matcha Face Scrub because it helps gently get rid of all the rough spots (and, well, because we love matcha). Lovello also adds, “For skin prep, I like to start with a toner pad to remove any product or oils from the skin first before going in with a moisturizer and a primer.” A good hydrating primer (like BEAUTY FOR CERTAIN Make It Bang Primer) will help your cream products sit on skin seamlessly.

3. Apply Eye Makeup and Foundation First

Before reaching for your bronzer, focus on your eyeshadow and mascara first to prevent fallout from landing on your bronzed spots and ruining your makeup look. “After the eyeshadow is done, I’ll do foundation, and then it’s time for the cream bronzer,” says Lovello.

4. Choose Your Tools

Lovello recommends using a stippling brush to apply your bronzer. A stippling brush picks up makeup differently than larger fluffy brushes, allowing you to focus your bronzer where you want it and blend easily. You can also use a bronzer brush or a makeup sponge as an alternative; just make sure your sponge is slightly damp when you apply.

5. Pick Your Areas to Bronze

It can be easy to confuse bronzing with cream contour or regular contour. The difference? The point of using bronzer is to highlight areas of your face that the sunlight naturally hits, while a cream contour’s goal is to sculpt and define. Dab your bronzer on the center of your forehead, your temples, the bridge of your nose, jawline, and high points of your cheeks. This will help give you the most natural, sun-kissed look without creating harsh lines or hollows.

6. Work in Circular Motions

The best way to blend your bronzer? First apply the product where you want it using your fingers or your makeup brush, then blend outward and upward (think about reaching toward the sunlight) for the most natural-looking finish.

7. Layer Powder Bronzer for Staying Power

If you really want your look to last, don’t toss your powder bronzers to the side. “Cream products are better for drier skin and mature skin since powders can be drying, but I still find layering both will give you the longest wear out of your application,” Lovello tells us. First apply your cream bronzer and then lightly tap your powder bronzer over it with a fluffy brush to help lock in your look.

8. Build Your Pigment

Like they always say, it's easier to add than to take away. Start with a light layer of your cream bronzer (you can start by applying with your fingertips for more control), and then build gradually and blend until you reach your desired level of glow.

9. Conceal to Brighten

“As for concealer, I like to do the cream bronzer before concealer so if you were to look too dark, you still have the opportunity to bring light back into your face,” says Lovello.

10. Set Your Makeup

After applying your bronzer and blush, give your look some extra staying power with a hydrating setting spray instead of one that creates a matte finish. A hydrating spray will help level up your glow for the long haul. We’re obsessed with SOPHIA + MABELLE Set + Prep Setting Spraybecause it leaves our skin super dewy all day.

Want more tips on how to get the look of sun-kissed skin? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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