Where You Apply Bronzer Matters — & This Pro Guide Makes it Simple

Education

It's a common query: Where does bronzer go? In addition to techniques like properly shade-matching highlighter and perfecting blush placement, bronzer placement can significantly impact your overall look. Needless to say, getting it right is important. To help shed light on how to apply bronzer the right way, we tapped Geneva Fong, makeup artist and creative director of Dome Beauty, to share her pro tips for executing flattering bronzer placement — including some creative ideas to take your technique from zero to pro-level in no time.

Where exactly does bronzer go?

Bronzer is meant to add warmth and dimension to the face, but the best bronzer placement depends on the specific effect you wish to achieve. Keep scrolling for Fong’s expert intel.

For the sunkissed look

“Apply bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally tan, such as the tip of the nose, forehead and high points of your cheeks,” Fong says. Skip bronzer on the forehead if your face is on the smaller side.

For the overall bronzed look

Fong recommends using a large bronzer brush to sweep the product across your face. Apply it lightly to avoid adding too much product.

For the more contoured look

Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks or under the apples of your cheeks, just under the jawline, under the brow (with a smaller brush) and on your temples, Fong says. If you use a bronzer in lieu of traditional contour(which is normally matte), she recommends using one without shimmer.

To use bronzer to contour the nose, Fong recommends using a flat brush with a bronzer without shimmer. Apply the bronzer along the sides of the nose and a bit on the tip. If you have a natural curve on the bridge of the nose, you can also apply bronzer there.

“Apply bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally tan...”

More bronzer tips and tricks

Customize your application

How you apply bronzer also affects the finished look, and the application technique differs depending on the type of bronzer formula. Fong recommends using an angled powder brush for a liquid bronzer; remember that a little can go a long way. For cream bronzer, use an angled brush or makeup sponge, or better yet, your fingertips, which also help bring the product to your body temperature, making it much easier to blend.

For powder bronzer, use either a large bronzer brush or an angled powder brush. Just be sure to tap off excess product before applying it to the face (it’s easier to build the color than remove it if you over-apply). Use a light hand to apply the bronzer and grab a clean brush to blend it out without the bronzer using light strokes. Ensure that it is well blended so it looks natural, without any lines of demarcation.