11 Clever Bronzer Hacks The Experts Swear By

“If you regularly use self-tan, mixing some form of bronzing product in with your base is such an easy way to adjust your foundation shade. It gives the skin such a pretty, all-over glow. My go-tos are the Isle Of Paradise  Sunny Serum, Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops and the e.l.f  Liquid Bronzer. I also love the By Terry Tea To Tan Face & Body when I need instant warmth but not foundation.” – Mollie Burdell, make-up artist 

“The best way to prolong your post-holiday glow is to blend a formula in with your everyday moisturiser. Many of my clients keep their faces out of the sun now, so using a light liquid bronzer like the Sensai Bronzing Gel or even self-tan drops – I rate Tan-Luxe – really helps to maintain that summer warmth and match your face with the rest of your body. This creates a beautiful, sheer base that can be applied in seconds.” – Laura Lawrence, make-up artist  
 

“For the most flattering placement, I recommend concentrating on the high points of the face, where the sun would naturally hit. Think a light dusting on the temples, tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and the eye sockets.” – Laura 
 

“Apply a cream or liquid formula first – Merit Bronze Balm and Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Contour are my current favourites – and then top it up with a powder formula afterwards for a multi-dimensional finish. The ones I’m currently loving are Kosas The Sun Show Baked Bronzer and Kiko Milano Baked Bronzer. Lightly dust it over the cheekbones, across the entire forehead and down the nose and chin. Cream bronzer sets the foundation and powder bronzer is the cherry on top. For oilier skin types, look for one with a matte finish.” – Mollie 

“For a natural-looking finish, apply cream bronzer with something like the Et Al Buffing Brush using a stippling motion. This light, dabbing motion creates a realistic, seamless effect as opposed to dragging the brush across the skin. Use the same technique for a liquid formula.” – Mollie 
 

“Bronzers that are quite sheer or contain shimmer pigment can be used to add warmth but also to illuminate. Matte finishes that are slightly cooler are great for contouring. When used in tandem with highlighter, this enhances your features and gives your overall make-up a natural glow.” – Laura 

“For detail areas like the nose, chin, cupid’s bow and jawline, I’m obsessed with the Victoria Beckham Contour Stylus. Thanks to the ultra-fine tip, you can be really precise with your placement – it makes your skin appear sun-kissed, while also creating a soft, contoured effect.” – Mollie 

“One of the tricks I use all the time is using bronzer as a base colour on the eye sockets and nestled into the lower lash line. This adds depth and just creates a really easy, flattering shadow look that works with all eye colours.” – Laura 

“Underpainting – a technique which involves applying your bronzer, contour and blush underneath foundation – can create natural-looking depth. I’d recommend doing the main bulk of your contouring and bronzing with creams, adding a dusting of setting powder and then using a small amount of matte bronzing powder over the top to prevent it from looking muddy. The Patrick Ta Mazor Sculpt Bronzing Duo is amazing as the cream can be layered over powder, and to finish it off you can use a beautyblender to dab a small amount of cream bronzer over the high points of the face. This gives you such a beautiful, sheer, sun-kissed glow.”  – Laura 

“If you’ve just come back from a holiday, or if you prefer to keep your face out of the sun entirely, I’d really recommend investing in a facial tanning serum. It’ll keep the skin hydrated while topping up the colour. I love Bare by Vogue’s version – it’s such a silky, lightweight formula, powered by skin-friendly ingredients.” – Mollie 

“Don’t forget areas like the neck and décolletage – here, a bronzing spray will come in really handy. Another tip I swear by for red carpet events and photoshoots is mixing liquid bronzer and highlighter and working it into the skin for a pretty, luminous effect.” – Laura 

“Lip contouring has become hugely popular over the last few years and, done right, it can really help your lips appear fuller. Prep your lips with a scrub and apply a balm – make sure it has fully soaked in before you begin. You can contour your lips with a cream or powder bronzer, or even simply a brown liner. Softly outline both above and underneath the natural lip line and use a small brush to buff out the pigment, focusing on the centre of the lower lip and the cupid’s bow to create the illusion of volume. This technique works well by itself for a subtle effect or before your favourite lip combo to create a more dramatic level of fullness.” – Laura 
 

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