The Foolproof Bronzer Guide Everyone Who Wears Makeup Needs

I want to be a bronzed, glowing goddess year-round—I mean, who doesn’t?—which is probably why I live for summer. But since discovering and mastering the best bronzer techniques, I’m able to look like a radiant queen no matter the season.

This wasn’t always the case: Bronzer has gotten a major glow-up over the past few years. We used to be limited to the single bronzer shade of burnt Cheeto, but we now have zillions of options in an array of colors, textures, and finishes.

Of course, having more choices can also make bronzer feel more confusing. Where exactly do you apply it? Which formula works best? And how do you avoid muddy streaks? Don’t worry—that’s why I put together this foolproof bronzing guide that breaks down everything you need to know about bronzers and the correct way to apply them. Ahead, a professional makeup artist breaks down everything you need to know about choosing, applying, and blending bronzer for a natural-looking glow.

What is the purpose of bronzer?

When I was learning makeup basics, I thought that bronzer and contour were interchangeable—I quickly discovered that’s not the case. “Bronzer adds warmth, shapes your facial features, and brings life back into the skin,” explains Tisha Thompson, professional makeup artist and founder of LYS Beauty. Contour does the opposite: The sculpting method uses cool-toned browns to create shadows and add definition.

Bronzing and contour techniques can be used together, but we’re here to focus on bronzer. So let’s get into it. With the following tips, you’ll always look glowy—never ruddy.

How to choose the best bronzer formula:

There are three main bronzer formulas to choose from: Cream, liquid, and powder. The type that will work best for you depends on your skin type and your desired finish. Let’s dive into the specifics…

Cream

Thompson says that cream formulas are “the easiest for beginners and people who like to really customize and build up their look.” Most formulas are infused with moisturizing ingredients and double as skincare while leaving behind a glowier (ahem, bronzed) finish. They can be applied with a dense brush or blended with your finger, and often work best for those with normal to dry skin.

Liquid

Liquids and creams are quite similar in terms of blendability and finish. The main difference is the application. Most liquid bronzers come with a doe-foot applicator for you to precisely place the product exactly where you want it. From there, you can either blend with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. If your goal is to get that ‘I just came back from the sun’ finish, Thompson says a liquid or cream bronzer is the best choice due to their natural dewiness.

Powder

If you have oily skin, powder bronzers have better staying power and won’t slide around your face. However, just because they work well with oily skin doesn’t mean they’re all matte or one-dimensional. Matte formulas are standard, but many powders now come swirled with radiant flecks. Thompson also says this format is especially “amazing for achieving that extra smoothing, airbrushed look.”

How to use bronzer for beginners:

The golden rule for all makeup beginners—no matter what product you’re using—is to start with a small amount and build slowly. “Blending is going to be key here, so take your time,” says Thompson.

You should apply your bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face. “Think: The perimeter of your forehead, along the cheekbones, lightly across the bridge of the nose, and a little along the jawline if you want extra definition,” explains Thompson. From there, depending on the formula, blend using your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. “The tool is totally up to you as long as you’re blending away any harsh lines.”

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Should I apply bronzer before or after foundation?

Makeup is art, and your face is the canvas 🧑🏼‍🎨, so truthfully, there are no hard-and-fast rules for applying bronzer. Thompson says you can apply it before or after foundation—the method you choose depends on the final look you hope to achieve. “Underpainting refers to applying cream bronzer before foundation, which is a go-to for a lot of artists or people who want to create more of that lit-from-within glow,” she explains. “After-foundation application is perfect for sculpting facial features and shaping the face where the sun would naturally create dimension.”

Can you use bronzer without foundation?

Absolutely! I rarely wear foundation, but I use a cream bronzer every day to enliven my complexion. Apply it where you normally would and be sure to blend well to buff out any harsh lines.

When do you use bronzing drops?

Bronzing drops blur the line between makeup and skincare, and Thompson says the ideal time to use them is during your skin prep because they give skin a complete lit-from-within bronzed glow. “Bronzer, on the other hand, emphasizes certain facial features, like your jawline and cheekbones,” she adds.

If you want to reach radiant goddess status, don’t be afraid to use both! Mix a small amount of bronzing drops into your moisturizer or foundation for a glowy boost, then strategically apply bronzer on the high points of your face.

What are common bronzer mistakes?

The biggest bronzing mistake Thompson sees people make doesn’t come down to technique. Most often, people end up using a color that doesn’t complement their skin tone. “Using the wrong shade can throw off a bronzer look, even if the formula is great! Finding the right undertone match is key,” she says.

To determine your undertone, look at the color of your veins: If your veins are blue or purple, you have cool undertones and should look for a bronzer that’s soft and neutral. Those with green or olive veins have warm undertones.

Another big mistake is applying bronzer in spots where contour should go. Remember, it’s best to apply bronzer where the sun hits your face (AKA the high points). Avoid blending it into the hollows of your cheeks or under your jaw.

The bottom line:

Bronzer is one of the best makeup products you can use to add warmth and definition to your face. So many of us seek out that sun-kissed glow year-round—and you don’t need to travel to the tropics to get the effect. All you need is a solid bronzer and a foolproof technique to become a bronzing expert.

Meet the experts:

• Tisha Thompson is a professional makeup artist and the founder of LYS Beauty.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including definitively ranking CeraVe vs. Cetaphil products and rounding up the best smudge-proof tubing mascaras available. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and never feels complete without a dusting of bronzer to enliven her complexion. For this story, she consulted with a makeup artist to deep dive into the world of bronzers, providing editor-approved formulas and a full guide on how to correctly apply the product for the prettiest sun-kissed glow.

Mary Honkus

Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.