In the realm of makeup, bronzer can seem like a nice-to-have addition; it’s not what most would call a necessity. But if you wear foundation — or just want to look like you just returned from the best beach vacay of your life (no actual flight needed) — then bronzer just might be your new best friend.

A good bronzer packs a punch — especially if you wear foundation or tinted moisturizer regularly, as both can neutralize the dimensions of your skin, essentially flattening out your features. “Bronzer enhances the natural depth and warmth to your skin,” says makeup artist Misty Spinney. Cheekbones? Jawline? Gang’s all here.

It’s also a versatile product in its own right. Some formulas impart a gleam on skin, giving it a healthy-looking glow. And, in the summer, it can serve as a blush if you’re not wearing a base. “It’s also a lovely product to have on hand to use as a neutral shadow in the creases of your eyes on days when your face looks a little sluggish or tired,” says Spinney.

Intrigued? Here’s what to know so you can make the most of bronzer.

How to choose a bronzer

Not all bronzers are created equal — and we’re not just talking about color, which can be solved with the 3-min NakedPoppy assessment; it will automatically match you with the ideal shades for your skin tone. 

Rather, some bronzers come in a creamy formula, while the traditional format is a powder. If you’re choosing between the two, let your skin decide. “Cream bronzer is great for someone with dry skin or who desires a little more of a dewy look,” says Spinney.

Powder bronzer, on the other hand, is a winner if your skin tends to get shiny throughout the day, since it can have a mattifying effect and offer longer staying power. To get the most out of it, you can also pair the two. “Start off with a cream and set with a powder for ultimate longevity,” Spinney advises.

How to apply cream bronzer

Cream bronzers add a little more moisture to skin, since they typically have a base of plant oils. And they can vary in the level of dewiness that they give to skin. Kosas Color & Light Palette – Creme, for instance, is more of a matte option, while RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer leaves behind more of a sheen on skin. Here’s how to apply cream bronzer.

Step 1: Whether you’re working with a stick applicator, palette, or jar, use two (clean) fingers to pick up the product to apply it to skin.

Step 2: Picture a line going from the center of your ear to the outside corner of your mouth — that’s your guide. Starting at your ear, “make small tapping motions along this line, continuing into the hollows of your cheek, and stop right under the apples of your cheeks,” says Spinney.

Step 3: Now, it’s time to blend. Use small tapping motions in a circular pattern if you’re using your fingers. Alternately, says Spinney, “you can even use a bronzer brush to do the final blending.”

Step 4: Finally, finish your face. In the same manner, “apply bronzer to your temples along the hairline, lower jawline, and the sides of your nose for all-over depth and warmth,” says Spinney.

How to apply powder bronzer

While powder bronzers can contain moisturizing ingredients — for instance, Vapour Bronzing Powder contains skin-softening squalane — they tend to leave the skin looking matte. That’s ideal if you tend to get oily throughout the day, since it’ll tamp down shine *and* enhance staying power. (Lily Lolo Pressed Bronzer is especially great for this.) They also have a great color payoff. How to apply powder bronzer, below.

Step 1:  Use a bronzer brush, such as Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Powder / Bronzer Brush to pick up product. “Start by making a small circular motion into the pan, then gently tap off excess product by tapping the brush onto the palm of your hand,” says Spinney.

Step 2: Next, sweep it into the hollows of your cheeks, blending it up towards your temples in small circular motions, says Spinney.

Step 3: For the most natural-looking effect, finish with the tried-and-true method of creating a “3” shape on either side of your face. Start at your forehead, moving in towards your cheekbones, and back out and under your jawline.

Step 4: Dust any excess onto your nose, chin, and the center of your forehead — basically, where you’re most likely to get sun exposure.

Whether you’re after a faux (read: safe) glow or more definition, bronzer can deliver. And with these tricks, applying it is basically foolproof.

Get “shockingly accurate” clean beauty picks. Take your beauty assessment.

Shop the Story:

✨ Kosas Color & Light Palette – Creme
✨ RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer
✨ Vapour Bronzing Powder 
✨ Lily Lolo Pressed Bronzer
✨ Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Powder / Bronzer Brush