HOW TO LOOK NATURAL WHEN APPLYING BRONZING POWDER?

TOP TIPS TO LOOK NATURAL

Here are some top tips to look natural when applying bronzer. To get this right, you need to think about three key aspects - your skin type, the bronzer type and then the products underneath. How you prepare your skin and the foundation you choose will directly impact the finished effect of your bronzer.

MATTE FORMULAS

First let’s review the different types of bronzer and the finish they provide. A matte powder bronzer will give you the highest coverage and a sculpted effect to the face. To sheer this type of formula down, you need to use a large fluffy brush and lift only a little amount of product. Some people prefer to use a matte bronze because they do not like the shimmer effect all over their face. It also mimics a matte finish to the skin, if this is what someone prefers with their foundation look. Matte bronzers work best with matte products underneath. A matte powder bronzer is best used on more oily skin types. Bronzer technology has developed so well, that the powders are more refined today and can work well on demi-matte skin. This is important to know as a satin or demi-matte look is becoming more popular today. Before using any kind of matte powder over your foundation, you must let the foundation and concealer dry down first. This will allow you to check for any uneven application before setting it.

LOW-SHIMMERY FORMULAS

Another type of bronzer are low-shimmery formulas. These products look almost matte but hold a little mica, which reflects the light. These types of bronzers provide a good starting point when creating a more natural effect. This is because the composition is lighter and airier due to the reflective particles. Combine this formula with a soft, fluffy face brush and it is the perfect combination for a natural finish. These types of products work well on most skin types. Dry skin may struggle with powder bronzers overall and may be more suited to creams.

HIGH SHIMMER FORMULAS

The final category of powder bronzer is high shimmer. These are intense bronzed highlighters that reflect light and are great for highlighting, whilst adding a tanned glow. When used alone, these need to be used sparingly, as the high frost can become too much. The intense shimmery effect is best used in combination with a matte contour or bronzing product so that they work together to create dimension. Dehydrated and dry skin should avoid high shine all over the face, as the mica particles can congeal in dry patches. For these skin types, using shimmer should be kept to creams or strategically placed on the cheekbones only.

CREAM AND LIQUID FORMULAS

Then you have the cream or liquid bronzing category which can come in the form of frost, shimmer, and matte. There are many products on the market that fit into this category to include stick foundations in darker shades and cream eyeshadows in dark-skin tone shades. One of the advantages of using a cream or liquid, is that it is easily removed if you make a mistake. When you use a cream or liquid, you use it directly over the foundation after concealer. You can set the final look with a powder bronzer just to give it that extra stability throughout the day if required. Cream and liquid products with low shine work best on dehydrated and dry skin. However, it is important to note that all skin types can use this technique.

4 KEY PRODUCTS FOR A NATURAL BRONZED LOOK

To achieve a natural, bronzed look you need four key products. A lightweight medium coverage foundation, a concealer, a fluffy face brush and a low-pearl bronzer. A sheer to medium coverage foundation will always prepare the skin in the best way possible for a naturally tanned effect. The fuller the coverage in your foundation, the more the bronzing product will grab to the skin. If you choose to use a powder bronzer, you will need a matte or satin lightweight medium coverage foundation. First, apply an even application of foundation and touch up the coverage with concealer. An even application can be achieved through a beauty blender, sponge or a specific brush shape that works well with the foundation formula that you have chosen. Avoid using your fingers. Ask a beauty advisor or makeup artist to help you make the right tool selection. When choosing the best way to apply the foundation you must think about the coverage you wish to achieve and the type of foundation formula you have chosen. Some key rules to understand about foundation brushes are that a dense brush will apply a fuller coverage, which works best with a full coverage foundation. A fluffy brush will apply a sheerer coverage, which will work best with a medium to sheer coverage foundation. A cream formula needs a dense brush fiber and a flat flower tip, this type of brush is also a good alternative to a sponge.

Now take a fluffy, powder brush and lightly dip it into the bronzing powder. If you feel like you have overloaded the brush, gently tap the brush handle on the back of your hand. This will dust off any excess product and avoid immediate patching. With a light hand, gently start to use a contouring motion, under the cheekbones and up towards the temples. Dip again and repeat this step. Using the remaining product on the brush, gently start to buff the product onto the rest of the face. Start from under the cheekbones in a circular motion, taking it over the temples and across the forehead. By using the remaining product on the brush, allows you to apply a supernatural application. You can then repeat the steps to layer the bronzing product to the depth you desire.

If you choose to use dewy foundation, it is best to use a cream or liquid bronzing formula. Again, a sheer -medium coverage will support achieving a natural look. For a cream or liquid bronzer, you will need to use a different type of brush. For this the brush should be soft, yet dense in fibers. It should also have a flat top. You will dip the flat top into the cream pot. If you use a liquid, disperse a small amount on the back of your hand and dip the brush into it here. dab the brush a few times in different places on the back of your hand to deliver an even amount across the brush. Once the brush is ready, follow the same steps as you would a powder. Starting by contouring the face on each side. Adding product each time. Using the remaining product on the brush, in a buffing motion. Blend up over the temples and across the forehead. Repeat to layer additional intensity.

MORE TIPS?

More tips related to achieving a natural bronzed look, include placement and skincare. Unless you are contouring, you should avoid using bronzer under the jawline and on the sides of the nose. If this is a necessary aspect of your makeup, you need to use matte, products ideally in skin tones close to your own. This way the technique is supernatural. A bronzer may contain too much red or golden tones for it to create the right effect.

Consider the skincare that you will use underneath your makeup. Skincare needs to be smoothing, hydrating and product enhancing. All skin-types benefit from gel-based products that are lightweight and hydrating. These types of products sink into the skin easily and create youthful and plumped effect to the face. You can look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate and polyglutamic acids. These highly effective ingredients to maintain a moisturized and smooth finish to the skin throughout the day. When the skin is well conditioned underneath foundation and concealer, you are guaranteed the best finish for any bronzing techniques

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