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 across a range of skin tones.
For those who aren’t sure how to apply bronzer, though, we asked Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry, to share her best tips for adding that sunkissed quality to your skin with our products.
Before we dive into her step-by-step tutorial, it’s important to understand the difference between bronzer and contour. The best bronzer has a warm tone that reminds you of being on a beach. The best contour, on the other hand, has a cool tone reminiscent of the shadows in your face. Together, they work to add warmth and dimension to your skin, respectively.
Now that we’ve established that crucial point, we can delve into how to apply bronzer like a makeup artist—trust us, it’s a lot simpler than it may seem.
Prep Your Skin
To help lock in your sunkissed look all day long without any unwanted shine disrupting the vibe, Sara recommends moisturizing your skin with something like our Vegan Milk Moisturizer before layering on primer. If you want a mattifying effect, reach for Pore Eclipse. For those with drier complexions or who simply prefer a 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.)
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. The 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. You could even use Color Chalk in Kickball or Double Dutch (depending on your skin tone) if you like your bronzer with a helping of shimmer.
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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 GlowIf you’re using Matte Bronzer, you can swipe it directly onto your skin. However, when you’re using Bionic Glow, it’s best to squeeze some out onto the back of your hand and dab with a sponge, fluffy 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 as well as across the nose and a bit on the temples. You can also 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 motion 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 LinesYou’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. |
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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.
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