I'm confused. People say that bronzer goes where the sun would 'naturally hit your face'. So why do people put it in the hollows of their cheeks then put it everywhere else where the sun hits their face? Wouldn't that mean that bronzer should go on top of your cheekbone !?!? HELP
I'm new to bronzers too and have been confused as well. See what looks good! I've been going for the "where the sun hits" approach, but I'm also shy with it and never use that much, so a lot of time, I can't really tell either way. Ultimately, as long as your face isn't a totally different color from your neck, you're winning!
Andii does have a point, though the word I'd choose is "ignorant", not "stupid". *nods*
But yeah. With bronzer, you'd apply it where you'd put your highlighter (I like the "E/3" technique, personally -- temples, cheekbones, jawline; you can also go over the top of your nose). If you put it in the hollow parts of your face, it'll just look like you put an orange stripe down your cheek. Also, you can contour with bronzer, but not with just *any* bronzer, if that makes sense.
I prefer to contour with blush (I use MAC Strada (d/c)). You could use a foundation or concealer that's a couple of shades darker than your skintone. Or you can use something more grey-toned (MAC Omega e/s may be a good one if you're really fair; Illamasqua has a cream pigment in a similar colour you could use, too).
If you do it correctly, it shouldn't look confusing at all! ;)
Especially if you use a product strictly for contouring and a product strictly for bronzing.
What I have learned is that bronzer can be used for both contouring or highlighting. Or maybe even eyeshadow (: For example, I just bought some Physician's Formula bronzers the other day and they are too light to use for contouring but gorgeous as highlights and eyeshadows.
Beautylish is a diverse and positive community that is ever-evolving. While tastes may be personal, please be respectful in your conversation and withhold judgement or criticism. We're all here to learn and grow.
Contribute Thoughtfully
We encourage you to participate in all conversations, but try to use proper spelling, grammar and capitalization. Your two cents will be taken more seriously if you take the time to present it well.
Stay Relevant and Avoid Self-Promotion
When replying, feel free to link to a blog or video that contains an answer to that thread. Please don't ask people to check your site or act in a self-promotional way out of context. You don’t need to end posts with your blog, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter—they are displayed in your signature card.
Please don't post contests, giveaways, swaps or exchanges on Beautylish.
Be Yourself
The most rewarding conversations are genuine and authentic with real people. Please don’t use forums to post commercial messages for direct selling purposes or on behalf of a company or commercial enterprise.
Let Us Know
Beautylish doesn’t allow hateful or disrespectful comments. If you see something that seems inappropriate or wrong, please send us a note at help@beautylish.com.
Follow Us
Get the Beautylish Newsletter to hear about exclusive events, new products,
expert tips and more!
Jul 05, 2012
Felicia G.
I'm confused. People say that bronzer goes where the sun would 'naturally hit your face'. So why do people put it in the hollows of their cheeks then put it everywhere else where the sun hits their face? Wouldn't that mean that bronzer should go on top of your cheekbone !?!? HELP
Jul 06, 2012
Kayleigh W.
Nah not really ^^
The only way to learn is to practice, everyone makes mistakes along the way! It's not stupidity...
Jul 07, 2012
Bec S.
I'm new to bronzers too and have been confused as well. See what looks good! I've been going for the "where the sun hits" approach, but I'm also shy with it and never use that much, so a lot of time, I can't really tell either way. Ultimately, as long as your face isn't a totally different color from your neck, you're winning!
Jul 07, 2012
Shelly T.
Andii does have a point, though the word I'd choose is "ignorant", not "stupid". *nods*
But yeah. With bronzer, you'd apply it where you'd put your highlighter (I like the "E/3" technique, personally -- temples, cheekbones, jawline; you can also go over the top of your nose). If you put it in the hollow parts of your face, it'll just look like you put an orange stripe down your cheek. Also, you can contour with bronzer, but not with just *any* bronzer, if that makes sense.
I prefer to contour with blush (I use MAC Strada (d/c)). You could use a foundation or concealer that's a couple of shades darker than your skintone. Or you can use something more grey-toned (MAC Omega e/s may be a good one if you're really fair; Illamasqua has a cream pigment in a similar colour you could use, too).
Jul 08, 2012
Felicia G.
So Can I contour my cheekbones AND bronze the high points of my face at the same time? I feel like that would look confusing
Jul 09, 2012
Rikki P.
If you do it correctly, it shouldn't look confusing at all! ;)
Especially if you use a product strictly for contouring and a product strictly for bronzing.
Jul 09, 2012
Kristin C.
What I have learned is that bronzer can be used for both contouring or highlighting. Or maybe even eyeshadow (: For example, I just bought some Physician's Formula bronzers the other day and they are too light to use for contouring but gorgeous as highlights and eyeshadows.