Where to Apply Bronzer, According to Pro Makeup Artists

For an all-over glow

If you want a evenly bronzed base color, proper skin prep is key. “Start with clean and moisturized skin and apply any serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup. From there, you can mix liquid bronzer (or 2-3 bronzing drops) with your daily moisturizer, SPF, or even foundation for a sheer, seamless tint.

Pro tip: “Take a medium-size duo fiber bronzer brush, and mix the products on the back of the hand first,” makeup artist Tiesha Williams says. This method will help prevent streakiness when you apply the tinted product to your face.

How to choose a bronzer shade

How do you choose a bronzer shade? According to makeup artist Natalie Dresher, a good rule of thumb is to select a shade three to four shades darker than your skin tone “so it looks like you’re sun-kissed.”

How to apply bronzer

When it comes to application, there are a few techniques you can use. “My preferred method is to take my brush and dab it directly into the product and then onto my skin with a brush, and blend it out with a damp beauty sponge,” says Dresher.

You can also use your fingers to apply cream bronzer, since the formula easily blends into skin. “I like applying cream bronzer prior to concealer and blush. Cream bronzer is definitely more pigmented and creamier than a powder bronzer, which is definitely matte unless it has some kind of shimmer built into it,” she says. “Cream bronzer in my opinion is easier to blend out and melts into the skin and foundation seamlessly.”

For liquid bronzer, you can use your fingertips, a sponge, or a makeup brush. Roach recommends using a dense synthetic angled brush to reach areas like the forehead and jaw. “I always use pressing motions to blend the product into the skin,” she says. “I never swipe the product.”