How to Apply Bronzer for a Sunkissed Glow All Year Round

Consider Your Skin Tone

Henney says the first step is to choose the right bronzer for your unique skin tone. Some things to keep in mind include:

• Shade: Go no more than two shades darker than your skin.
• Undertone: Opt for a bronzer that works well with your undertones, be they warm, cool, or neutral.
• Color: Avoid orange hues, which can look unnatural on any skin tone.

To help you decide, hold the bronzer up to your skin. Or better yet, head to a store to try a few before you buy. Keep in mind that you may need a different shade in winter than in summer when your skin is naturally darker.

Consider Your Skin Type

Along with your skin tone, you'll also want to consider your skin type. While there are ways to make any product work, some formulas will work easier with your skin type than others.

• Oily or balanced skin: If you have oily or balanced skin, you'll find that a powder-based bronzer is your best choice, Henney says. Use a fluffy brush to apply it.
• Dry or mature skin: Cream- or gel-based bronzers work best for dry skin; you can apply these with your fingers or a sponge. You can also mix a bit of powder bronzer into your moisturizer for a subtle all-over glow.

Make it Your Last Step

You'll want to apply your foundation, concealer, and blush before going in with your bronzer. You might also want to go in with your face powder, too: This can help prevent bronzing powder or cream from sticking to your foundation, which could lead to blotchiness.

Know Where You Want to Apply

A good rule of thumb with bronzer is to apply it lightly to all the spots where the sun naturally shines, including the temples, cheeks, nose, and chin. Some makeup artists like to brush a bit onto the eyelids for lighter eye makeup looks. Applying bronzer to the neck is also a good idea, even though it's not a natural spot for the sun, since this will help your overall blending.

Perfect Your Technique: Powder

If you're applying your bronzer with a brush, dip it generously into the powder and blow off the excess before the brush touches your skin. Then take the following steps to apply the powder bronzer, as outlined by Henney.

1. Start at the top of your ear, and pull the brush down, making circular motions on the cheek to blend in the bronzer. Employ the chisel technique—using a swiping motion to contour the cheek—as you go. The key here is to blend, blend, blend.
2. Apply a little bit on the temples and the jawline, using the brush to blend into the skin.
3. Finish by applying the bronzer lightly on the neck to blend the face with the neck.

Perfect Your Technique: Cream or Gel

If you're applying a cream- or gel-based bronzer, follow Egan's steps for a natural look.

1. "Using your fingertip, [pick up] a small dab of bronzer and then apply your bronzer in the areas where you want the skin to look like it has a natural glow—underneath the cheekbones, at the temples, and a bit on the forehead," she tells us.
2. Next, set the bronzer with powder using a brush. "Gather powder on your brush, gently tap it to remove excess powder, and then apply it over the areas where you applied your bronzer," she says. "Add more powder if needed."

Consider Moving Beyond the Face and Neck

Who says your bronzing has to stop at your decolletage? "For a body bronzer, apply to the palm of your hands and gently rub into your skin, starting with your legs, in upward motions," says Egan. "Use a mirror to make sure you don't miss any spots."

Let it Set

"Let the bronzer dry on your skin for five minutes," advises Egan. "If you find you sweat, you can apply a small amount of setting powder to high-sweat areas likes behind the knees or the back of the thigh." Or, of course, the forehead, where oil tends to accumulate.