Bronzers have proven to be one of the most versatile makeup products. Once you nail the shade and decide on the texture you like (gels, sprays, powders, creams or sticks), anyone can use them - and they’re versatile. From sculpting cheekbones to doubling as an eyeshadow or blush, this is the time of the year to update your beauty bag with a beautiful bronzer. Here’s some inspiration, says editor Trudi Brewer.
Giving skin a safe, faux glow is something we all should strive for, right? The easiest way to do that is with bronzer, and right now, they come in every texture to suit every skin tone and age. Here are the latest innovations that offer more than just a golden glow.
Jane Iredale Glow Time Bronzer Stick, $85.
This clean beauty buy is the perfect creamy bronzer that delivers a natural-looking sun-kissed glow to the skin. The jojoba seed oil in the formula helps hydrate, and the multi-benefit, travel-friendly stick doubles as a lip colour. Leaving just one question: what will you do with all the extra room in your makeup bag? There are three shades, Sizzle, Scorch (pictured here) and Blaze.
Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream, $57.
If you struggle to find the balance between too-orange powders and too-ashy creams? Here is a bronzer that will blend into your skin to give a sun-kissed glow and has skincare benefits. First is Monoï de Tahiti oil from Tiare petals, which smells good and is ultra-hydrating for the skin. It comes in five shades tailored to different undertones – thanks, Nars, you’re thinking diversity here. Pictured here is Laguana 03.
How do you find your perfect colour?
Work with your natural skin tone. Experts suggest a bronzer one or two shades darker than your natural skin colour. If you have a warm yellow base to your skin colour, golden bronzers with a hint of shimmer work well. For those who are cool, fair skin tone, then steer toward a peach-coloured bronzer. When shopping, it’s essential to try before you buy. Regarding consistency, oily skins choose powder formulas, but cream and liquid bronzers deliver a very natural, glowy effect on dry or normal skin types.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, $84.
We love a hint of shimmery, and Hourglass offer that in every subtle way. This powder bronzer imparts the best instant glow and a soft-focus finish. Thanks to the finely milled mica and diamond powders that tint and illuminate the skin. It works on all skin tones, even those with dark complexions - one word #love.
St Tropez Purity Face Mist, $40.
We are addicted to this face mist because not only is it a hydrating boost, this lightweight mist develops as you wear it - genius. Either spray it on at night before bed (on a clean face) to wake up with a glow or mist over your makeup (yes, it’s that clever), and you will be sporting a golden glow over the day. Luminosity builds as the hours pass and you don’t need to do a thing - it’s beyond amazing.
Placement is everything
Aim to create a glow where the sun would naturally hit the face. While you may have grown up applying bronzer or blush in a “3” shape on either side of your face, that age-old trick has had its day. Instead, buff on bronzer from the top of the ear to the corner of the mouth for your first line. Then, at the same angle, apply from the corner of the eye to the temple. This gives the illusion of a skin-kissed glow without damaging your skin. Then add a soft pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.
Nude by Nature 100% NATURAL GLOW MINERAL BRONZER, $50.
if you want a 100 per cent clean beauty, buy that buffs on to deliver a gorgeous golden glow, here it is. The light-reflecting microparticles have created a feather-light powder that blends on the skin seamlessly to leave a gorgeous shimmer. While the skincare benefits, including jojoba esters and kaolin clay, keeps your complexion looking flawless.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Pillow Talk in Medium, $62.
It’s safe to say there is a fan club with this creamy bronzer; a Pillow Talk product sells every 24 seconds worldwide. This British celebrity makeup artist has made a career out of perfecting her celebrity clients’ makeup looks, and now, Tilbury’s magic touch is available in a tube. There are six shades pictured here Pillow Talk in Medium.
A new glossy colour treatment that works wonders.