Are You Making These Bronzing Mistakes?

1. Choosing The Wrong Undertones

The point of using bronzer is to add colour to the complexion in a natural way – anything too orange-based will look unnatural. Instead, opt for a formula with red or brown undertones, shades that exist in a true tan for the most natural, straight-from-the-tropics glow. Unsure of the best hue for your skin? Try swatching your go-to bronzer on your inner arm – it should look like a deeper shade of your own skin tone and should be more on the neutral side rather than orange.

2. An Over-Zealous Application

While you might get away with a light veil of bronzer, an authentic bronzed look is all about targeted application. For a sun-kissed effect, grab a blusher brush and dust product where rays would naturally hit – the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on the centre of your chin and on your temples. For a more contoured look, hit the sides of your forehead, underneath your cheekbones, jawline and just under your chin. Also follow the golden rule and never just apply to your face – remember to cover your neck and chest as well.

3. Opting For Unsuitable Formulas

While a powder bronzer will work for the majority of skin types, more mature complexions or those prone to dryness may be better off with a cream formula. If you haven’t yet tried Chanel’s Soleil Tan de Chanel, take it from us – it’s a make-up artist must-have for a reason. The genius cream-gel bronzer works well under and over foundation and its buildable formula makes it perfect if you’re more of a contouring kind of girl.

4. Using Mismatched Tools

Even if you’ve found the perfect bronzer, if you’re using the wrong brush to apply it – such as one that’s thick and dense – it’s possible you’re sabotaging your glow game. Stiffer brushes tend to grab a lot of product in one go, meaning they won’t apply evenly or blend smoothly. The ideal brush for applying bronzer is one that’s fluffy and super-soft – we love Trish McEvoy’s Bronzer Brush.

5. Being Too Hasty

However pushed for time you are in the morning, try to wait a couple of minutes after applying your foundation before brushing on bronzer. Why? When powder bronzers are applied on damp skin, you can get a streaky result. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by dusting on a touch of translucent powder before applying bronzer for a streak-free finish.

6. Applying In Artificial Light

Blending is the key to any good make-up application and that commandment has never been truer in the case of bronzer. Keep in mind that what looks fine and well-blended in your bathroom mirror can totally change gears once you get outside in natural light. Our top tip? Always do your make-up in a well-lit room to avoid unwanted surprises.

7. Using A Shade That’s Too Dark

Still unsure of the right shade for your skin? Make like the pros and never go more than two shades darker than your skin tone – anything deeper than that will make your complexion look muddy, not sun-kissed.