With summer fast approaching, bronzed looks are bound to make a comeback, as they always do. Here are a few tips to ensure you achieve that perfect sunkissed summer glow.
Step 1 // Bronzer is your friend. Probably the most obvious step in a bronzed look, bronzer warms up the complexion, and with strategic placement on the areas of the face most exposed to the sun, it mimics a natural suntan, without the UV damage.
Tip: Especially at the beginning of the season when most people are at their palest, I like using a powder (doesn't have to be a bronzer, per se) roughly one to two shades darker than my skin tone as a light base upon which to build up my bronzer.
I used
Chanel Les Beiges Powder in 30 as a base and applied it with the
EcoTools Bronzer Brush to the top/sides of my forehead, down to my cheeks and jawline in the classic 3 shape. Then I added a bronzing powder (
Guerlain Bronzing Powder in 04 Sun Blondes) to my cheeks, softly working it up to my temples, for a more defined glow. I topped it all off with just a touch of
NARS Luster on the apples of the cheeks, as I find the shade works well to enhance a tan.
Step 2 // Ditch the brushes; long-wearing cream eyeshadow pencils are where it's at. Both more sweat-proof and water-resistant than powder shadows, pencils such as
Milani Shadow Eyez and
NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks (completely superior to their
Jumbo Eye Pencils, by the way) are perfect for swiping on and blending out with fingers. With a summery bronze look, it's not about precision, so the less intentional, the better. Gold, champagne, brown and copper are all shade options that would complement this look.
I have on
NYX Rose Gold all over my lid with
L'Oreal Amber Rush patted on just in the center and
Milani Brown Deluxe smudged into the upper and lower lash lines.
Step 3 // Bronze lips run the risk of leaning too brown and a bit 90's, but a peachy brown nude is the perfect adaptation. A touch of shine keeps the look fresh.
I have on
Maybelline ColorStay Moisture Stain in London Posh layered over
MAC Patisserie to create the perfect combo.