No matter your skin tone, a light swipe of bronzer is the secret to an effortless glow
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When it comes to beauty, be it the height of summer or the dead of winter, there’s nothing more appealing than a healthy glow. But between (necessary!) sun protection and dark Decembers, the sun-kissed look isn’t always attainable. Luckily, there’s a solution: bronzer!
A bronzer's tawny pigments make skin glow no matter what the time of year, enhancing a tan or bringing energy to dull skin. As veterans of Scandinavian winters and summers both, we here at Vogue Scandinavia turn to bronzer to bring out the best in our skin, boosting tans and revitalising winter doldrums. No matter your skin tone, bronzer can make all the difference when it comes to breathing fresh life into your beauty looks. Below, find your bronzer questions answered, and find the best bronzer for your skin tone:
What does bronzer do?
The name says it all: bronzers will give you a warm glow reminiscent of metallic bronze. But fear not, you won’t come away looking shiny or orange. The best bronzers will enhance your skin with a natural warmth. They add depth to the complexion, giving the illusion of time spent in the sun. While bronzer can add soft definition to the face, it is not the same as contour. Bronzer will be a darker shade than your foundation, it is used to bring warmth to higher points of the face - not to create shadow.
How do I use bronzer?
As bronzer replicates a natural glow, it should be applied to the points of the face that are the first to catch the sun. Brushed along the line of your cheekbones, dappled at your hairline, and swiped across your nose, bronzer will give your skin an authentically sunny look. Always be sure to use a light hand when applying bronzer. Build up the colour in soft layers, and experiment to see what placement looks best on your face shape.
What are the different types of bronzer?
Varieties of bronzer abound, but the three major options on the market take the form of liquid, powder, and cream. Liquid bronzer is often the most difficult to apply, as its fluidity can make unpracticed application messy and imprecise. With practice, however, it’s perfect for those who like to keep a dewy glow throughout the day. Powder bronzer is the classic model, easy to swipe across the skin with a brush and perfect for those with oily skin. Cream bronzer is the middle ground of the two, a great option if you prefer to apply makeup with your fingers and easy to reapply throughout the day.
Photo: Gucci
Photo: Westman Atelier
Photo: Rose Inc
The best bronzers for light skin tones
Light skin can be easily overpowered by the wrong bronzer, but these picks provide the perfect amount of customisable coverage. Pale skin can lack yellow undertones, so a bronzer that is too golden will cast an orange hue. Instead, opt for a bronzer with beige undertones to add just a hint of warm colour.
The best bronzers for medium skin tones
A warm, rosy-hued bronzer will elevate the glow of medium skin tones while counteracting any sallowness. While bronzers with shimmer can be a delightful way to bring subtle glamour to your makeup looks, avoid bronzers with large specks of shimmer, as they can make skin look ashy.
The best bronzers for dark skin tones
For those with dark skin, bronzers with red, orange, or cinnamon undertones will make your features pop. Bronzer brings dimension to the skin, whether you are fresh-faced or wearing a base layer of foundation, and these options with the buildable pigment will provide a seamless glow.
