How To Get More Out Of Your Bronzer

“Bronzer is one of the most transformative items in any make-up bag and it can do so much more than just bring out some colour. Use it to give yourself a sun-kissed glow but also to add definition and sculpt your face. Just make sure the formula is matte and preferably only one shade deeper than your natural tone. Start by taking the bronzer just into the hairline above your temple and gently work it down so it hugs the line of your cheekbone until it touches the apple of your cheeks. This will add warmth while also sculpting the hollows of your cheekbones, too. Victoria Beckham Beauty's Matte Bronzing Brick is great – it has two shades so you can lightly sculpt with one and add depth with the other.” – Jessica Kell, make-up artist

“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 also 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 the coverage of a foundation.”– Mollie Burdell, make-up artist

“When bronzing up your complexion, the rules are the same for all skin tones. You want to mimic the colour your skin turns in the sun, so try to invest in this exact shade. There are now so many available it's quite easy to find one that suits your skin but both Charlotte Tilbury and NARS have a huge array of shades that work for everyone.”– Valeria Ferreira, make-up artist

“Make sure the colour you choose adds depth – especially if you have darker skin. Anything too pale will come off chalky or orange, so look for deeper bronzers to enhance your natural undertones. Likewise, if you have a lighter skin tone, avoid anything too orange, or any products that are more than one or two shades deeper than your natural complexion.”– Jessica 

“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 Lawrence, make-up artist

“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

“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 Major 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

“Lip contouring has become hugely popular over the last few years and, done right, it can really help your lips appear fuller. 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.”– Laura

“If you want to get a dewy, bronzed glow, try mixing and matching your formulas. One of my favourite bronzing products is Chantecaille's Liquid Bronzer. You can mix it with your primer or moisturiser to instantly give you the kind of effortless and believable tan you can wash off at the end of the day. It's great in winter, too, when your skin may be looking a little sallow. Just make sure the formulas are compatible with one another and don't start pilling when you mix them together. Test it by mixing them on your arm first.”– Valeria

“The most common bronzer mistakes are pretty universal. Mostly, people use bronzers that are the wrong shade for them and they end up looking too chalky or orange. Another common mistake is piling bronzer on haphazardly all over your face. Try to be more directional with powders and creams so you sculpt as you go and don't leave any streaks behind. Finally, avoid too much sparkle and glitter in your bronzers. Instead, warm up your skin with a matte cream bronzer, then tap highlighter on top. Oh, and never forget to run bronzer down your neck – that needs a little attention, too.”– Jessica 

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