How To Apply Bronzer: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Apply Bronzer PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Devorah Kuperland

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Creating an Even Base
    • |
  • Putting on Your Bronzer
    • |
  • Finishing the Look
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Devorah Kuperland. Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,856,107 times.

Applying bronzer is a great way to add an attractive, natural-looking glow to your face, especially on those days when your skin appears a little dull. Applying bronzer incorrectly, however, can make your face look dirty or orange. Start by creating an even base using foundation and concealer. Then apply, blend, and set your bronzer to make your face glow with a warm radiance.[1]

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Creating an Even Base

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 1 Wash your face using lukewarm water and a cleanser. Get a cleanser that works best for your skin type, create a lather with warm water, and massage it into your face by using your fingertips in a circular motion.[2] Rinse your face off and then pat it dry with a clean washcloth.
    • Use a cream-based cleanser if you have dry skin.
    • Use an oil-based pH-balanced gentle cleanser if you have normal skin.
    • Use a foaming cleanser if you have oily skin.[3]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 2 Apply a good moisturizer with sunscreen. After you’ve washed your face, it’s time to hydrate and protect your skin. Massage in a quality moisturizer with an SPF and apply eye cream.[4]
    • To make sure your face is being protected by the sun, get a moisturizer that protects against UVA rays.[5]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 3 Apply concealer. It’s crucial that you create an even base before applying your bronzer, and that starts with concealer. Choose a concealer that blends in well with your complexion. Apply it above foundation to the areas that need extra coverage.[6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 4 Create an even canvas with liquid foundation. Once you’ve put on concealer, apply an even coat of liquid foundation over the entirety of your face. This will smooth out your complexion and create a blank canvas for your contouring.[7] You can put your foundation on with a makeup sponge, a makeup brush, or by using your fingertips.
    • Be sure to blend the foundation down your neck slightly for a more natural look.
    • If you want a more subtle, natural, or softer look, consider a tinted moisturizer. Apply it the same way as a liquid foundation.
    • If you decide to use blush, don’t apply it until after you apply your bronzer.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Putting on Your Bronzer

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  1. Step 1 Select a bronzer 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. 1 Select a bronzer 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Since the purpose of a bronzer is to darken the complexion subtly, the one you choose will depend on the color of your skin. Generally, it should only be 1 or 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Test a little on your wrist to make sure it "warms" your skin tone without making it look fake.
    • If you have fair skin, look for a honey-colored bronzer.
    • For a medium complexion, choose a rose-bronze or gold flecked bronzer.
    • Dark skin is best enhanced with a tawny or amber bronzer.
  2. Step 2 Use a wide, fluffy powder brush with a rounded top. 2 Use a wide, fluffy powder brush with a rounded top. If your brush is too small or stiff, it may cause blotches and streaks to form when you apply the bronzer. There are specialized bronzer brushes available on the market, although any large blush or foundation brush will work equally as well.
    • For a softer, more natural look, use a fan brush instead.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 3 Swirl the brush evenly in the bronzer. It is best to apply your bronzer in light, even coats to build up color rather than adding a single dark layer at once. Therefore, just lightly coat the end of your brush in the powder and tap off the excess onto the lid of the container.[8]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 4 Apply the bronzer to your forehead. Your bronzer should be applied in the shape of a “3” from the top to the bottom of your face on both sides, starting with your forehead. Lightly sweep the brush along the outer sides of your upper forehead and along your hairline.[9]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 5 Apply the bronzer to your cheekbones. Next, make a fish face and apply your bronzer to your cheekbones. You can also do this by smiling, starting at the apples of your cheeks, and sweeping slightly up toward your hairline.[10]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 6 Apply the bronzer to your jawline. Finally, complete the “3” shape by sweeping your bronzer along your jawline. This will add definition to your face.[11]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 7 Brush lightly over your chin, nose and neck. As you’re applying bronzer, you’ll want to focus on covering the areas of your face that sunlight tends to hit. Do a final dusting of your bronzer on the higher points of your face, such as the bridge of your nose and the tip of your chin. Complete the natural glow by applying bronzer to your neck so that it matches the coloring of your face.[12]
    • Don't add too much bronzer, however, as this may create a heavy look.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Look

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 1 Use a new brush to blend the bronzer. Take out another fluffy, clean brush and softly blend everything in so there aren’t any unnatural lines or blotches. It’s especially important that you blend the neck area.[13] To blend most effectively, start in the center and work the brush outward in small, circular motions.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Bronzer 2 Eliminate any harsh lines with a translucent powder. If you’ve blended and your complexion still doesn’t look smooth and subtle in color transition, swirl your blending brush in a translucent powder, tap off the excess, and blend again.[14]
  3. Step 3 Add blush... 3 Add blush if desired for a brighter glow.[15] You can use a blush stick, liquid blush, or a powder. Apply the blush in the center of the apples of your cheeks. Blend it out towards the edges of your face with a rounded brush.[16]
  4. Step 4 Lock in the look with a setting spray. 4 Lock in the look with a setting spray. After you’re done, make sure to spray your entire face with a makeup setting spray to keep your face looking radiant all day.[17]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What shade of bronzer should I use? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You should select a bronzer shade that is slightly warmer and 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone. The closer it is to your skin color the easier it is to blend. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20
  • Question What is bronzer used for? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Bronzer gives the skin a subtle sun-kissed glow. It can also be used for contouring. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 19
  • Question Can you put bronzer all over your face? Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You should not apply bronzer all over your face. It can make you look brassy or like you have a bad fake tan. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 22
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Video

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Tips

  • Don't get too much product on your brush at a time; it’s easier to add a little more than take some off. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Make sure you make a 3 shape when using bronzer. Start from your forehead and then to your cheekbones, and lastly under your jawline. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • When using bronzer and/or blush, use a brush with a rounded surface such as a kabuki brush or a powder brush. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • The most common mistake made with bronzers is choosing one that looks too orange on the skin, which results in an artificial-looking glow. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 2
  • Don't blow on the brush to remove excess bronzer; if a little moisture reaches the brush, it can cause streaks. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 4
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References

  1. ↑ Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
  5. ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
  6. ↑ Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcxWa6XHtQk
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlDje9RJlNY
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlDje9RJlNY
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_51ukA3hABM
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=339bOt4T5z4
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryDMAO-bAs
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc2n6Vf0fbE
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73aFLAtEGlE
  6. ↑ Devorah Kuperland. Makeup Artist & Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzBDCXLX8RY
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR-oqHpa7hI

About This Article

Devorah Kuperland Co-authored by: Devorah Kuperland Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Devorah Kuperland. Devorah Kuperland is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Glam By Dev, a New York City-based business specializing in bridal, special events, and editorial campaigns. Devorah has over five years of professional makeup consulting experience and her work has been featured in New York's Bridal Fashion Week. This article has been viewed 1,856,107 times. 15 votes - 93% Co-authors: 73 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 1,856,107 Categories: Featured Articles | Tanning Article SummaryX

To apply bronzer, use a bronzer that is 1 to 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Wait until you've applied all of your foundation and concealer. Then, run a soft blending brush over the bronzer, and tap the brush to knock off any big pieces. Blend the bronzer into the skin under your hairline using small circular motions. Next, reload your brush and knock off any excess bronzer. Create contours on your cheeks by brushing in a downward arc from your temple to the corner of your lip. Repeat this on each side, and feather any harsh lines out using the brush. After you’re done with your cheeks, give your jawline definition by reloading your brush and running it along your jawline. Feather any harsh lines out and brush downward from the jawline to lightly blend the bronzer into your neck. Finally, load your brush and apply bronzer to both sides of your nose, leaving a little highlight in the bridge. Feather the harsh lines out by dusting over them for radiant skin with a beautiful, subtle glow. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to blend the bronzer in, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Devorah Kuperland Co-authored by: Devorah Kuperland Makeup Artist Co-authors: 73 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 1,856,107 93% of readers found this article helpful. 15 votes - 93% Click a star to add your vote Destiny Redkey

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