Bronzer and I have a love/hate relationship.
It’s 50/50 whether we can make it out together.
Sometimes a dab or two of ‘sun kissed magic’ can do wonders and at other times, I can look as if I have had a mud bath. It’s a tough product to apply but when worn well, it is genius.
I don’t want the sun on my face, but I do if you see what I mean. It’s still meant to be summer so the idea of looking healthy and tanned is appealing but on the other hand I don’t want my face in the sun.
Bronzer is the solution so the trick is to learn how to use it.
I have been practising and this weekend I am going to try and work the tricks of my new found talent. xv
How to Bronze
The right shade is the crucial factor.
A bronzer should only be 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone. Don’t go for anything too dark or too strong, as it won’t look natural and avoid any orange-based bronzer.
Use a matte bronzer.
If you have skin imperfections as any shimmer will highlight the problems.
Apply a translucent setting powder first.
Ensure any moisturiser or foundation has had time to dry and settle into the skin before applying. If the skin feels damp or is oily, the bronzer will look patchy and streaky.
Apply with a big brush; a small brush will leave streaks.
Apply the bronzer in the places the sun would naturally hit your face. Work in the shape of a 3 on each side of your face, starting at the temples, sweeping under the cheekbone and then down along the jawline. Start with a little and build up gradually, aim for a ‘sun kissed glow’.
Remember, with bronzer less is always more.
The Best Of The Bronze
nars bronzing powder || guerlain terracotta sun tonic bronzing powder || nars bronzing brush
image jean shrimpton by irving penn
