How- To: Bronzer
Since it's coming up to summer now, which means endless time at the beach and minimal make-up I thought it was time to take the plunge into the world of bronzers. Which leads me to the point of this entry and further away from my day dreaming- How on earth am I meant to correctly apply it? One wants to look sheik and tanned, not like they've not showered in what appears to be months.
So as my first gift to you, here is the in's and out's of bronzer application:
Step 1: Decide whether your skin is oily, dry, normal or combination. This makes a massive difference in how the bronzer you select will work for you. If you have a dry skin then a liquid or cream based bronzer is the best for you. Those with a oily, combination or normal skin should stick to a powder based bronzer. Next find the correct shade for your skin to avoid looking dirty. Most manufacturers produce their bronzers in light, medium and dark tones. There is no excuse to not have the one that's right for you. As a rule of thumb choose one that is no more then 2 shades darker then your natural skin colour. If you have fair skin look for a honey shade, medium's should seek a rose or gold flecked bronzer and dark's should seek a shade in a tawny or amber bronzer. Bronzers with pink under tones suit blondes where as an orange base bronzer will suit brunettes.
Step 2: My big secret to make up is all in the brushes I use. You can't expect to do a good job at anything without the right tools to aid you. For bronzers I would suggest investing in a very full kabuki brush. Since your working with a large area like your forehead, cheeks and nose, it's impractical and unwise to use a small brush as this leads to you looking un-even and blotchy. Not good.
Kabuki Brush
Step 3: Apply some translucent powder as a base instead of using a foundation. If you have any blemishes or problem area's apply some concealer and blend well with a sponge or clean fingers. The heat from your skin actually makes the concealer more easy to apply and blend.
Step 4: Dab your brush into your powder bronzer then tap excess back into the pot. Apply the bronzer in large swirling motions on your cheeks right up to your temples. Leave under your eyes bare as this will add lightness to your face. Next dust the top of your forehead and nose and around your jaw line. If your using a liquid or cream bronzer, apply the product to clean fingers and warm the product on your fingers. Apply it in swirling motions as you would with a powder bronzer. Remember to build colour slowly and check your make-up with a mirror outside to be sure the colour is right. Bronzer is there to mimic where your skin would naturally tan first!
Step 5: To finish the look add some blush to the apples of cheeks in the same swirling motion and apply a small amount of a nude gloss or lipstick to your lips.
Hope you enjoyed the first entry. Feel free to friend this journal and recieve further tips.
All information sourced from the following and from my own experience
:http://beauty.about.com/od/powder/a/bronzer.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Bronzer
http://yourbeautyspot.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=260002
http://www.beauty-advices.com/how-to-apply-bronzer-properly/