The Best Bronzer for Your Complexion
Although I’ve always liked cultivating a pale complexion, which contrasts dramatically with my dark hair, this past winter I’ve reached such new levels of pastiness that I’m finally contemplating a boost of color from a bronzer. Not being a frequent user of bronzer, I had to do a little research on the best bronzer for my complexion and brush up on — so to speak — my bronzer application technique.
Bronzer is all about choosing the right color and texture for your skin (Photo: Ask.com)
Bronzer can be tricky; when done incorrectly it can leave you with a face besmirched with muddy-looking smudges. It’s all about picking the right color, texture and proper application technique. A color that’s too light will look ashy, and one that’s too dark or too orange is garishly unnatural looking. It’s recommended that you select a color that’s one or two shades darker than your complexion.
Don’t forget to blend thoroughly! (Photo: Sheknows.com)
When it comes to bronzer, think sheer, translucent so that your skin shows through — a matte, heavy texture will sit on your skin and look dull. A hint of shimmer can subtly enhance your complexion. For normal and combination skins, a powder bronzer works best, while a cream or gel texture is preferable for drier complexions.
Restraint and thorough blending are the keys to a perfect bronzer application. Start by selecting a large, fluffy brush, and sweep the bronzer from your temples to the apples of your cheeks, in a C-shape. Next, blend the bronzer toward your hairline so that it is impossible to discern where the color starts and stops. Add a peachy-pink blush to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color and to avoid that dreaded muddy look. Finish with a touch of highlighter along your cheekbones and on the bridge of your nose.
RMS Buriti Bronzer (Photo: RMS Beauty)
Since I’d rather be pale than sport an orangey, Oompa Loompa face, I love RMS Beauty’s Buriti Bronzer for its sheer, natural-looking finish. This bronzer gives all complexions a healthy, sun-kissed glow. Made with oil from Brazilian moriche palm tree nuts, it also nourishes the skin with a healthy dose of beta-carotene.
100% Pure All Over Glow (Photo: 100% Pure Cosmetics)
Another excellent natural bronzer is 100% Pure All Over Glow, which comes in two shades: Lightly Sun Kissed or Deeply Sun Kissed. Pigmented with cocoa, this bronzer can be used on the face and body. Containing a cocktail of delicious and healthy sounding ingredients that include peach juice, acai and goji berries, this bronzer will keep your skin looking great.
Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo (Photo: Nars Cosmetics)
If you’re in search of a powder bronzer, check out Nars limited edition Blush/Bronzer Duo. The lighter palette pairs the brand’s iconic Orgasm blush with Laguna bronzer (a sheer light brown). Darker skinned beauties will look radiant with the Sin/Casino combination, a rich, berry blush with a deep golden brown bronzer.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.
