How to Use Bronzer & Highlighter

Bronzer and highlighter are your two best friends for transforming the shape of your face and giving your skin that goddess-like glow. A touch of bronzer applied in just the right way will leave you looking like you just stepped off the shores of South Beach. Whether it’s a powder or cream formula, a matte or shimmery finish—bronzer is a must-have in your makeup bag.

Highlighter, on the other hand, is the perfect finishing touch to any makeup routine, designed to draw the eye toward certain focal points on your face. Both bronzer and highlighter are available in a wide variety of shades, so you can achieve just about any look imaginable. If you’re interested in tips and techniques for applying bronzer and highlighter like a pro or simply seeking to revamp your existing routine, you’ll want to continue reading!

What is bronzer?

One of the more versatile makeup products, bronzer can be used to contour specific facial features or deliver an instant tan as though you’ve been kissed by the sun. Wake up that pale winter skin and warm up your complexion with the help of this bonafide beauty staple. Subject to your skin type and preference, you may wish to wear either a cream or powder bronzer. We’ve detailed the differences below.

Powder Bronzer

Pressed powder bronzer works well for all skin types, but especially for oily or combination skin. A powder bronzer won’t add to your skin’s oiliness nor will it easily rub off of your face. The best way to apply powder bronzer is with a big, fluffy face brush near the areas that the sun would naturally touch. Use a darker shade then your skin tone of mineral loose powder for the most natural powder bronzer.

Cream Bronzer

Cream bronzers are best suited for normal to dry skin types. The advantage of this sort of bronzer is that it’s less likely to settle into the cracks and crevices of your skin, nor will it peel or flake from dryness. Because cream and gel bronzers are typically applied with your fingertips or a makeup sponge, it’s also easier to control their application. Use a cream concealer darker then your skin tone or the Valkyrie shade of tinted balm for a flawless cream bronzer.

What is highlighter?

Gorgeous gorgeous girls know that highlighter is an essential step to leveling up your makeup routine. A quick sweep of the cheeks with a heavenly-looking highlighter, and you’ll have heads turning and wondering what’s got you glowing. Use the Storm shade of tinted balm for a perfect highlighter shade.

How to apply bronzer to contour face

Bronzer serves a second purpose and can be used as contour to define and enhance your facial features. The process of contouring involves creating shadows to add depth and dimension to your existing expression.

Cheeks

Have you always wanted high cheekbones? No need to go under the knife! It’s easy to chisel out cheekbones by contouring with a bit of bronzer. Give yourself an instant face lift by applying your favorite shade of bronzing powder or tinted cream from your temples toward your nose. Use a large, soft bristle brush or makeup sponge to blend your bronzer upward toward your temples. Be sure to blend well so as to avoid looking too tan for your natural skin tone.

Hairline

Sculpt your face even further by extending your contour from your temples to your forehead, along your hairline in a “C” shape. This is considered one of the high points of the face, which is exactly what contouring is intended to emphasize.

Jawline

Few of us are fortunate enough to be blessed with a sharp jawline. Not everyone can look like Angelina Jolie, we suppose… sigh. Luckily, we have makeup to help create the illusion of a well-defined jawline. Carve out the shape of your chin with a sweep of bronzer just beneath the jawbone on either side of your face.

Nose

If you’ve ever wished for a narrower nose, there’s a contouring technique for that. With a stiff makeup brush or cream bronzing stick, apply a thin line of color along the sides of your nose stopping just above the ball. Blend the bronzer softly, in an upward or downward motion being sure to avoid spreading the product too far onto the rest of your face.

Lips

Say bye-bye to Botox and achieve a natural “lip flip” at home with just a hint of contour. Thinly line your lips with bronzer, preferably using a dark cream concealer or tinted bronzer. Blend, blend, blend until your pout looks just a little more prominent.

Where to apply highlighter

Highlighter can be used as generously or conservatively as you choose, depending on which features you wish to emphasize. Draw the eye inward with a dusting of highlighter on the apples of your cheeks. Enhance the natural beauty of your eyes with a touch of highlighter applied to their inner corners. Plump up your pucker with just a hint of highlighter above your cupid’s bow. And even give your eyebrows a lift with this endlessly versatile product.

How to Use Bronzer and Highlighter