In what forms is bronzer available? Can it imitate a tan? How should you apply it, and how can you use it to contour your face? Read on to find the answers to these questions.

Bronzer—in cream, drops or compact form?

Bronzer is a cosmetic designed to add a little more color to our complexion. Its main purpose is to replace a tan, but it works equally well for optically correcting facial features. Applied correctly, it can conceal a forehead that is too high or change the shape of the nose. All you need to do is choose the product in your preferred form and experiment.

What forms is bronzer available in?

  • Pressed bronzer (also known as compact or pressed powder bronzer)—the most traditional formula, easy to apply and convenient to carry in a handbag. It is a pressed cosmetic enclosed in a small case. It may be combined in one package with blush and highlighter, creating a contouring palette.
  • Loose bronzer—often called bronzing powder, particularly suitable for applying to areas that naturally tan, such as the forehead, the upper parts of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.
  • Cream bronzer—intended for so-called cream contouring. It comes in several varieties: in a form similar to pressed bronzer, in a stick or in a tube with an applicator.

Another option worth considering is facial bronzing drops, such as those by Inglot. They are ideal when we do not want to apply bronzer every day but want the effect of a delicate tan on the nose or cheekbones. Applied to selected areas, these drops can darken the skin for 2–3 days. They also have skincare benefits.

What should you use to apply bronzer?

The choice of suitable accessories for applying bronzer obviously depends on our preferences, but also on the cosmetic’s formula. What options do manufacturers offer?

If you want to use pressed bronzer, the most convenient way to apply it is with a brush. A synthetic-bristle brush is an excellent choice because it does not absorb too much product. An angled head allows for more precise application. Such a brush is also perfect for powder bronzer. A flat-top brush is another good choice.

When choosing cream bronzer, you can also use a brush, but there are other options as well. A makeup sponge works well with this type of cosmetic. It allows you to easily blend product applied to the skin with a finger, directly from the stick or with the included applicator—this is one of the solutions offered, among others, by Inglot Komunikatywnie. Cream bronzer can also be applied with your fingers, but you must be particularly careful to avoid streaks.

Contouring—how to use bronzer?

To achieve a sun-kissed skin effect, simply apply a small amount of product to the areas that usually tan the fastest: the tip of the nose, the upper part of the cheeks, the forehead and, if desired, the collarbones. Optically correcting the shape of the face is somewhat more complicated, but after a few attempts and with good products, anyone can achieve spectacular results.

How should you go about it? First of all, prepare the skin and apply primer and foundation, and concealer if necessary. Next, apply loose translucent powder. Even if the face does not need mattifying, powder will help the bronzing product blend better with the skin and make it easier to blend. Apply cream or pressed bronzer to the areas you want to make appear optically smaller.

  • For a round face that needs to be slimmed, apply the cosmetic to the sides of the cheeks and the temples, and, if desired, along the jawline.
  • A face that is too slim and elongated will benefit from bronzer applied to the upper part of the forehead and the chin.
  • For a triangular face with a broad forehead, focus mainly on darkening the entire length of the jaw. Apply bronzer beneath the cheekbones as well.

When applying bronzing cosmetic, it is worth following the rule “less is more.” If you decide there is too little product, you can always add another layer.