Bronzer 101

It's time for another 'Makeup 101'! A.K.A. the series I'm running on my blog where I go through every makeup step and give you all my tips, tricks and advice on how to nail it. I'm working my way through Face, then Eyes and then Lips and now we're up to talking all things Bronzer. Let's get straight on into it... 

• Get the shade/tone right... Bronzer is designed to add warmth to your face and also dimension - but not in the same way contouring does! Instead of contouring when you'll typically want a more cool-toned shade, for bronzing you'll generally want to opt for something with a warmer, richer tone to it. But, as we're all of different skin-tones - the exact shade and undertone that'll be right for you will of course be different too! Generally, on lighter skin-tones you'll perhaps want something not too dark that'll add just enough colour but without making you look muddy and also with a slightly cooler base so as for it to not come off orangey. However, on medium to deep guys and gals, you'd typically find that the richer your skin-tone, you can generally get away with far deeper and also richer and more red-based bronzers!
• Choose the right formula for you! You can bronze up the skin in more ways than you think. You can cream/liquid bronze before you even apply any other makeup or before you set your base makeup and for this, you can not only use a 'standard' cream or liquid bronzer, but you can even employ a darker shade of your concealer or foundation too - it basically does do the same thing! However, for myself personally, I am all about powder formula, so I'll typically just reach for a powder bronzer to warm up my face and add some shape. However, using the same logic as with the cream/liquid formulas, I guess you could even use a darker shade of your pressed powder to get the job done...
• ...And the right finish too... Generally when it comes to bronzer - you've got Matte and you've got Shimmer. I used to say I was a matte-only bronzer gal. I never liked nor wanted any shimmer or glitter of any kind in my bronzer and only ever bought or used matte formulas. And whilst that is still pretty true, I have come to finally appreciate the power of a little touch of shimmer in my bronzer. I by a little, I really do mean a little. I still reach for an all-out matte finish most often, but occasionally I have been enjoying a bit of sheen. So, I guess maybe I'll more about a Satin formula - where's it's like a cross between the two. Either way, it's good to know you've got options when it comes to formulas and finishes...
• What to use it for? Generally, I like to use my bronzer in similar way to where I contour - kind of in a '3' shape! I take some on the tops of my temples, take it down to my cheeks and into the hollows of my cheekbones and then slightly onto my jawline and down onto my neck to help ensure my face and neck match up. I also take some slightly (and super lightly) down the sides of my nose too. However, I know the other way to apply bronzer is slightly different - so just go for whatever is your thing! I know some recommend instead to use it where you would actually naturally catch the sun. So, you'd take it lightly across the forehead still but then take it more on the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and centre of your face as opposed to the perimeter - which is more the first technique. It's all personal preference really, so just try both applications out and see which you prefer!
• Brushes at the ready! Finally, before you actually go all in and get applying - get the right brush for you first. Personally, I like a big, fluffy brush that's super flexible and not too dense either but perhaps if you want to build up the pigment quicker or want a more controlled, concentrated application - a smaller, more dense brush might be more up your street! Either way, I guess the most general tip I can give is to just ensure you use a light hand - because it's far easier to build up the pigment and colour than it is to take it away...