Summer begs for glowing, bronzed, sun-kissed skin. We asked the experts for the best, foolproof tips on creating a faux-glow.
We are constantly slathering SPF on our face to keep damaging rays from penetrating our skin (we won’t be a slave to sun spots in the future!), but that doesn’t mean we still don’t want a healthy glow. Enter bronzers in all forms – powders, creams, gels and tints. They all give what a girl desires most come summer – bronzed skin that looks like it was just kissed by the sun (forget the orangey hues and uneven complexions). We turned to the pros for tips on getting a healthy faux-glow with their basic bronzer tips.
Bronzer do’s and don’ts
DO try a Mineralize Skinfinish/Natural powder instead of the sparkly bronzer for the forehead, nose and chin. Save the sparkle for the cheeks!
– Melissa Gibson, M.A.C
DO choose a bronzer formulation that is custom-fit for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin or are acne-prone, you’re best not to select a cream bronzer. Instead, look for a less emollient formula that is oil-free and non-acnegenic. Or, if you have very sensitive skin, stick with bronzers that are 100% fragrance-free since fragrance is known to be a major source of irritation in makeup products.
– Sara Whittaker National Education Director, Clinique
DO wear blush over your bronzer in a soft pink or apricot, with a bit of luminescence to add a glow, and lightly apply bronzer and build up to a desired colour.
- Greg Wencel, COVERGIRL
DON'T choose colours that are too orange or apply the bronzer all over the face. Pick the spots where the sun would naturally hit such as the high planes of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks).
– Melissa Gibson, M.A.C
DON'T forget to wear sunscreen even if your bronzer includes an SPF. While the SPF in your bronzer is great for added protection, you should still be applying a daily dose of sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 before applying your makeup. Since you only apply bronzer to certain areas of your face, you won’t have adequate protection if you rely solely on the SPF in your bronzer.
– Sara Whittaker National Education Director, Clinique
DON'T only bronze your face always do your neck and blend well. Also make sure to bronze your hairline for a more natural look.
- Greg Wencel, COVERGIRL
Need help picking the right bronzer? Our experts weigh in on the next page ...
