Where to Apply Bronzer, According to Pro Makeup Artists

For an all-over glow

If you want an evenly tanned base color, proper skin preparation is essential. “Start with clean, hydrated skin and apply serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup. From there, you can mix a liquid bronzer (or 2-3 bronzer drops) with your daily moisturizer, SPF, or even foundation for a sheer, even shade.

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

How to choose a bronzer shade

How to 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 “to make you look tanned.”

How to apply bronzer

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

You can also use your fingers to apply a cream bronzer, as the formula blends easily into the skin. “I like to apply a cream bronzer before concealer and blush. Cream bronzer is definitely more pigmented and creamier than a bronzer, which is definitely matte unless it contains some sort of shimmer,” she says. “In my opinion, cream bronzer is easier to blend and blends seamlessly into skin and foundation.”

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 such as the forehead and jawline. “I always use pressing motions to blend the product into the skin,” she says. “I never slip the product.”