Bronze the Right Way!

So we covered the art of creating the beach bronze look in Monday's post but I'm sure you noticed that one key body part was omitted! Selecting and applying a facial bronzer is a science to say the least. Just the other day I noticed a girl who was not so familiar with this expertise. Her face looked not bronze but dirty, as if she hadn't washed her face in quite a long time. And the worse part was the "sun kissed look" stopped abruptly at her jawline leaving the eye wondering about what happened to her pale decollete and arms.

So in hopes of avoiding this serious faux pas I think it's important to understand the 101's of facial bronzing.

Rule 1: Pick the right color!
Your color should 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Fair skin tones should look for beige shades with a touch of warmth with rosy gold/peach undertones. Olive skin tones like myself should opt for brown bronzers with gold undertones (I use MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze). Darker skin tones should use rich use rich bronze with hints of orange or apricot. On a side note I'm a bigger fan of pressed powders than loose one. I think they're easier to apply and control color deposit (a key to not looking dirty!)

Rule 2: Apply it the right way!
Using a fluffy powder brush (it helps evenly apply the color with a more a dispersed stroke) lightly dust the areas on your face that the sun would hit and naturally tan. Another words apply along your hairline, on the bridge of your nose, above the brows and on top of your cheek bones. Placement is key for believablity...I know you're saying "duh" but trust me some people still don't understand the concept of less is more!

Rule 3: Always apply in natural light!
Lighting is key to the application. Bronzing in dim lighting and you risk over doing it. So always apply in the brightest indoor lighting you can find to help mimic the effect of sunlight. It's
best to apply in front of a full or half body mirror so you can gauge the bronzing effect in relation to the rest of your body's skin tone. Remember there's nothing worse than a "bronze mask" effect!

Usage tip: Like all good things in life moderation is key. Always apply with light, gliding strokes. Remember you can build more color but it's harder to de-bronze. Matte powders are preferred to avoid a "greasy" look but once you become an expert you can start weaving in a slight shimmer on key areas (read: bridge of nose, brow and cheek bones). I love MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit.

The result: No faux Louis' for you! You've mastered the art of bronzing!