How to Apply Bronzer Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks

Whether it means slathering on SPF daily or learning how to apply bronzer to fake a sunkissed complexion, we’re all about practicing safe sun here at Milk Makeup. Yes, even if it means we won’t actually get a tan, we ain’t worried. Our selection of bronzers are ideal for creating that natural-looking, just-came-back-from-the-tropics warmth and natural glow across a range of skin tones—and you can grab ’em online (or at your nearest Sephora) without any risk of UV damage.

For those who aren’t sure how to apply bronzer or choose the right bronzer shade, though, we asked Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry, to share her best bronzer application makeup tips for adding that sunkissed quality to your skin that goes with any makeup look.

Before we dive into her step-by-step tutorial, it’s important to understand the difference between bronzer and contour. The best bronzer has (non-orange!) warm undertones that reminds you of being on a beach. The best contour, on the other hand, has cool tones reminiscent of the shadows in your face. Together, they work to add warmth and dimension to your skin for the most natural-looking, glowy soft sculpt.

Now that we’ve established that crucial point, we can delve into how to apply bronzer like a makeup artist—trust us, this makeup tutorial is a lot simpler than it may seem. Beginners and bronzer experts alike, read on for the expert-approved tips that will make getting naturally sunkissed skin easier than ever.

Prep Your Skin

To help lock in your sunkissed look all day long without any unwanted shine disrupting the vibe, Sara recommends paying attention to your skincare routine based on your skin type. If you have dry skin, moisturize with a hydrating formula like our Vegan Milk Moisturizer before layering on primer. If you have oily skin or want a soft-matte effect, top your moisturizer off with some Pore Eclipse, especially in the areas where you tend to get greasy. For extra hydration or an even dewier, glassier look, Hydro Grip is your best bet. (Check out this handy guide to Milk Makeup’s best primers for a deeper understanding of how to ace your application and what ingredients power them.) Bronzer looks great on bare skin, but if you want to even out your base, now’s the time to apply your foundation and concealer. We love a swipe of Future Fluid Creamy Hydrating Concealer under eyes and on any areas that need a little extra coverage.

Pick Your Formula: Cream Bronzer, Liquid Bronzer, or Powder Bronzer

These days, we’re all about using a bronzer with a creamy formula and matte finish to effortlessly create an incredible natural-looking warmth. Our best cream bronzer for the job is Matte Bronzer, which comes in five shades to suit fair skin tones, dark skin tones, and everything in between. The twist-up stick is super buildable and melts into skin seamlessly. Prefer something with a dewier touch? Our best liquid bronzer, Bionic Glow, is up for the task.

If you’re a devotee of bronzing powder, you can use it to reinforce your work with a cream or liquid formula. You can also use this type if you want a velvety finish to your face. To get the most out of your makeup products, you could even use an eyeshadow stick like Color Chalk in Kickball or Double Dutch (depending on your skin tone) if you like your bronzer with a shimmery finish—just make sure to blend it out well with a bronzer brush.

Model wears a full face of Milk Makeup products including Matte Bronzer and Lip + Cheek against a white background

Tube of Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer against a white background

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Select Your Bronzer Shade

The easiest way to determine what your best bronzer shade is to pick a hue based on what your skin looks like when it tans naturally, according to Sara. “I tell my clients to pull out a photo from a past beach vacation to figure out what the most natural bronzer shade for them is,” she adds.

Those with deeper skin tones may be drawn to Matte Bronzer in the brand-new Blitzed (deep bronze) and Spaced (very deep bronze) shades or Bionic Bronzer in Invincible (deep bronze), Sara suggests. Medium complexions may gravitate toward Matte Bronzer in Blaze (tan bronze) or Baked (medium bronze), or Bionic Bronzer in Shapeshift (medium bronze). Fairer skin tones should try the new Matte Bronzer shade called Dazed (light bronze) or Baked (medium bronze) or Bionic Glow in Time Travel (light bronze).

Place Your Sun-Kissed Glow

If you’re using Matte Bronzer, you can swipe it directly onto your skin. However, when you’re using Bionic Bronzer, it’s best to squeeze some out onto the back of your hand and dab with a sponge, fluffy makeup brush, or clean fingertip before adding to your face. No matter what formula you choose, be sure to apply bronzer to the tops of your cheeks, over your jawline, across your nose, and on the temples. You can also blend it into your hairline: Basically, apply it anywhere the sun would naturally hit your face, including the high points of your face so it meets your highlighter.

Our favorite tip: Use the beloved “3” method, which is "a really great place to start when learning where to apply bronzer," Sara says. This involves applying bronzer in the shape of a 3, starting the line across the top of the forehead, bringing it down and around your temple in a C shape, then doing the same semi-circular motions down and around your cheek to its hollow. Additionally, you can bronze in a “W” shape across your nose and cheeks, Sara says.

Blend Out Harsh Lines

You’ll want to buff out your formula of choice to make your sun-kissed glow look as natural and seamless as possible with a blending tool. You can soften the edges of your lines with either clean fingertips or a damp Prism Sponge, Sara says. (The latter will boost dewiness.) A fluffy brush is always a great option, too.

Side-by-side before and after of a model without and with Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer against a white background

Complete Your Base

Balance out your newly-bronzed complexion by sweeping on a blush like our Lip + Cheek, particularly on the highest points of your cheekbones for a more lifted look or on the apples for a rosy glow. Then, you can follow it up with a highlighter on your nose, cheekbones, and Cupid’s bow. “Depending on the level of glow I am going for, I’ll grab Lit Highlighter or Bionic Glow for more of the wet glow on skin, or Turnt Highlighter for a super glittery, fun sparkle,” Sara says. You can also use Matte Bronzer on your lids and lips for a warm-toned monochromatic moment.

Now that you’re armed with the techniques, you’re ready to stay bronzed up year-round—no matter what the weather’s looking like.

Meet the Expert

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.