BRONZERS - get that ultimate summer glow!

We all know how damaging the sun can be.

You may walk away from the beach with a suntan, but that's not all you're getting. Excessive sun exposure is responsible for most of the skin damage associated with aging. This damage accumulates slowly over time and starts at an early age. Much of the skin damage is merely cosmetic, but some effects, such as skin cancer, are more serious.

This is why I highly recommend bronzers. They refer to both sunless tanning creams/sprays and powders used strategically on the face and/or body to get a sunny glow. On this page however, I will focus on facial powder bronzers.

Bronzers today, create a more natural glow and, contrary to popular belief, are not only for darker skin tones and can be worn year round. They mimic the warm golden cast of the sun. Some of the benefits of using them include attaining a tan-like look without the harmful effects (wrinkles, sunspots, sunburn and skin cancer) of the sun. The end effect is a fun, healthy glow that can enhance all skin tones. Best of all, it washes off at the end of the day and can be touched up at any given time.






CHOOSING A BRONZER:

Choose a shade that's no more than two shades darker than your skin.

Fair: Choose a honey color. Also, if you're fair and sunburn easily, peach or pink shades are another great choice. For pale skin, stay away from orange or amber-toned products, they will make your golden glow look too unnatural.

Medium: Choose a rose-bronze or gold fleck. Copper shades are also nice on olive skin tones.

Dark: Select an amber shade to highlight the golden undertones associated with most dark skin tones. Apply to cheekbones only, not cheeks.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply where the sun would normally warm the face, such as on tops of cheekbones, temples, bridge of nose and tip of chin. Avoid mixing bronzer into foundation or applying all over the face. To ensure proper application, be sure to use a large makeup brush with longer bristles.

Want to know how professional makeup artists apply this to the face - watch video below.

TIPS:

1 - For a dewy look, apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. The combination of bronzer and cream blush is absolutely gorgeous.

2 - Keep foundation to a minimum when applying bronzer as this can make your complexion too orange and "dirty" when it is applied. Apply a little tinted moisturizer if you must.

3 - Apply a little pink blusher to your cheeks as well to give a more natural looking glow.

4 - You must apply bronzer with the correct kind of brush - a wide and fluffy powder brush will work best. My favourite brushes are big, thick and soft with LONG bristles. This ensures an even application without harsh lines.

5 - It is best to start with a light application and build from there. If you make a mistake and apply too much, wipe off with some cotton wool or apply some light face powder on top to lighten the colour.

BEST BRONZERS: Most brands have selections for varying skin tones.

Guerlain is the granddaddy - you can't go wrong with anyone of these 3 bronzing powders - they're all GREAT!

1. Guerlain Terracotta , Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer or Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Sun Powder

2. Great (but not limited) to lighter skin tones - Benefit 10

3. Stila Sun Powder SPF 15

4. Nars Powder in Laguna

5. Cargo The Big Bronzer and try this heavenly blush that accompanies the bronzer - CARGO The Big Bronzer Cheek Color

6. M.A.C.

7. One of my favourites!! - Sephora Brand Mosaic Powder SPF 15

8. Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol




Go all out with these super BRONZING KITS and get more for your money.

1. CARGO Kit #1

2. Cargo Kit #2
3. Elizabeth Arden Beauty Kit for Face and Eyes

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