I love using powder bronzer to contour. It's quick and easy and looks very natural when done properly. This is how I incorporate bronzer into my every day routine.
Step One: Bronzer goes on after face makeup (foundation, concealer, and powder) but before blush. You can use any type of brush you like. My personal preference is a brush with soft, short bristles so I can control my placement.
Step Two: Using a sweeping motion, you're going to imagine that you're drawing a number 3 on your face. Bronzer should go along the hairline/upper forehead, just below the cheekbone and just below the jawline.
Step Three: Blending is super important, especially down the neck. Make sure everything is smoothly blended. If you feel like there's a harsh line that you can't get rid of, try using a little bit of translucent powder to smooth it out.
This is a great trick for when you know you're going to be photographed! Just like the contouring with concealers, sometimes it takes a bit if practice to get the placement right. Emma has killer cheekbones, so she's a great example of where to put the product! xo. –AnnaRose
Credits // Author: AnnaRose Kern. Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
31 Comments
As a very pale women, I’ve always been afraid bronzer would make me look like an Oompa loompa! I guess that’s a bit silly, because I probably need it more than most people. I think you have a great point about it being a good trick for when you’re being photographed, AnnaRose. Loving all these beauty tips!
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
Very good explanation on how to apply a bronzer 🙂
http://www.madelinefedmont.com
I found this technique on youtube many years ago and I’m so happy to see that it works for a lot of people, too! I love using Hoola bronzer -it’s the one I’m wearing today 🙂 Emma has phenomenal cheekbones!
M.
cute! bronzer can really make a difference in our faces haha we look so much better with it!
Xo, Belen
A Hint of Life
I’m a big fan of a subtle contour and absolutely love Hoola bronzer. Emma you look stunning! Great post!
-Emily | http://disposable-days.blogspot.com
This is really helpful!
xoxo
http://www.randomindistilling.blogspot.com
Bronzer has been such a struggle for me but this makes me want to try it again! Thanks for putting this up– I’m really enjoying all the beauty posts recently.
Amazing thank you for tips!
http://bluecoastofdreams.blogspot.com/
i love this!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Do you apply different amounts along that ‘3’? I see a ton of bronzer on her cheek but none on her forehead/temple. It would be helpful to know what kind of “weight” you apply to each section of the ‘3’. Thanks!
I just got a bronzer in my brichbox and was wondering how to go with them, as i haven’t used on before..its like you guys read my mind…this is great..
xo
http://bit.ly/1qRKdmB
Love the drawing a three tip! Will be using that one.
Cat from Outside Beauty Inside Health
It looks great! The idea of drawing a 3 makes the process super tangible & easy to recreate. 🙂
Emily | http://faitboum.com
I still have my bronzer from the early 80’s called Rubiglo. It came in a small clay bottle with a cork top……I still use it. It’s probably toxic!
That ‘3’ trick is so helpful! Thanks for sharing, especially at this time of year when the glow of summer is starting to wear off, and bronzer becomes essential!
xo. Jilli
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4894969
http://www.justjilli.com
I actually have those brushes! I am going to try tis out, thank you for the tips xx
http://www.lam-style.blogspot.com
I kid you not, this morning I was thinking, “hmmm. I bet ABM is going to have a tutorial on bronzer soon. I wanna try it out, but I’m gonna wait for AnnaRose’s tips.” MIND READER! I can’t wait to try this and I am seriously loving AnnaRose as a contributor here. so great!
xoxo
Taylor
Thank-you for posting this! Being so pale I am afraid of using bronzer but you are right it makes photographs have more to sculpt your face.
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– RSH Xx
Thank you for the explanation of where to put the bronzer. I am so fair that I tend to shy away from it. When I have used bronzer in the past I feel like my face just looks dirty.
Tamara
http://www.trulytamara.com
Please tell me Anna rose will explain how to cover dark under eye circles!!! I’m a mom, hence limited sleep.
I have quite a lot of freckles and tend to stay away from bronzer, I feel like it makes my freckles stand out more. Maybe I wasn’t applying it correctly or I need a different shade. Thanks for the tutorial.
I use the same ‘3’ method and it has made applying bronzer so much easier! x
http://thegirlwhocriedmoda.blogspot.com.au/
LOVE this! Any recommendations for your favorite bronzers? I see the Benefit one! 🙂
Any tips on really dark circles?
StephanieLists.com
Where is this gorgeous dress from?!
The tip with the “3” is great !!! Thanks for the idea 😉
I’m a believer in bronzer.. especially in those drab winter months. Good trick about the number 3. I’ll give it a try!
names of brushes used?
Where is that sage colored flower top from? It’s so pretty!
Hi Sarah! They are by Real Techniques. You can find them here: http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection?gclid=CNGIo5T39MACFU9k7AodpUEAcg 🙂 -Jacki
Very useful and lovely! Thanks!
Thank you for this tutorial! I’m very pale and never wear bronzer but maybe i will after this 🙂