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Many individuals may find bronzer a bit daunting, often preferring a soft blush to achieve a warm glow reminiscent of a sun-soaked holiday. The concern of choosing the wrong shade, particularly one that might appear overly orange, is prevalent. Despite the wealth of online tutorials, many struggle with contouring, inadvertently creating harsher shadows instead of defined cheekbones.
In an effort to demystify bronzer and contouring, consultations with experienced makeup artists can provide valuable insight. Understanding the distinctions and applications of these products can elevate one’s makeup routine significantly.
Understanding Bronzer and Contour
At first glance, bronzer and contour may appear similar due to their deeper tones; however, their purposes diverge significantly.
Bronzer: The primary role of bronzer is to impart warmth to the skin. According to celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, it enhances the complexion, specifically around the cheeks and hairline, rather than emphasizing specific facial structures. Bronzers usually feature warmer hues to create a healthy glow and are available in various formats including creams, powders, and liquids.
Contour: In contrast, contour is designed to add dimension and define features like cheekbones and jawlines. As noted by Carolina Gonzalez, a contour product often has cooler tones to produce realistic shadow effects and typically lacks shimmer to maintain a natural appearance.
In summary, bronzer focuses on adding warmth to the skin, while contour serves to sculpt and shadow.
Gonzalez emphasizes that while bronzers are warmer, contour shades lean toward cooler tones. It is not uncommon to find bronzers that can effectively serve as cool-toned contours, adding versatility to your makeup collection.
Applying Bronzer
The application of bronzer is relatively forgiving and does not demand precision as it is meant to warm up the complexion. The technique may vary depending on the bronzer type.
Gonzalez favors bronzer drops, like the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer Drops, applying them directly on the high points of her face and blending with a buffing brush before contouring.
If drops are not preferable, a creamy product can work well too. Utilizing a fluffy bronzer brush allows for blending over the same elevated areas—cheekbones, forehead, and marginally on the chin and nose. After contouring, a dusting of powder bronzer can set the radiant look.
Applying Contour
After establishing a luminous base, contouring comes into play. Gonzalez advises applying contour just beneath the cheekbone while blending upwards using an angled contour brush, which helps reduce the appearance of harsh lines. Contouring near the hairline can also create the illusion of a smaller face, while the jawline can be defined similarly.
Following these guidelines will help achieve a naturally sculpted finish that seamlessly integrates with the rest of your makeup.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
To achieve a beautifully blended look, follow these instructions:
- Choose a cream or liquid bronzer and apply it to your cheekbones, hairline, and other high points of your face.
- Blend in upward motions using a buffing brush.
- Next, select a cream contour product and apply it beneath your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your ears, on the forehead near the hairline, and underneath your jawline. (Optionally, contouring the sides of the nose is also effective.)
- Utilize an angled contour brush for blending in upward motions.
- For a finished look, consider applying a powder bronzer lightly on the cheeks and forehead.
Selecting Your Shades
As a rule of thumb, bronzer should be a warm-toned shade two to four shades deeper than your natural skin tone, while contour should have cooler undertones. Understanding your skin’s undertones is crucial; individuals with cooler undertones may need a cooler bronzer, while warm or olive-toned individuals might benefit from a warmer contour to avoid looking ashen.
Ultimately, experimenting with different shades can lead to discovering the best fits for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bronzer replace contour?
Greenberg notes that while bronzer and contour serve different purposes, it’s generally advisable to use each for its intended function for natural results.
Should I use bronzer or contour?
Gonzalez suggests choosing based on your desired outcome. For a dramatic look, contour is more suitable, while achieving a glowing, sun-kissed effect calls for bronzer.
In time-sensitive situations, Greenberg recommends bronzer for a quick refresh of warmth without the complexities of contouring.
Which product should I apply first?
There’s flexibility in application order; while some find success applying contour first, others prefer starting with bronzer. Personal preference often dictates the best approach to achieve the desired outcome.
Recommended Bronzers
For those seeking quality bronzers, several editors and experts have highlighted standouts:
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer Drops
Gonzalez praises these drops for creating a radiant base.
Chantecaille Sunstone Real Bronze
This gel-powder formula utilizes pearl pigments for a luminous finish that enhances skin texture.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Greenberg cites this classic as a consistently performing bronzer.
Makeup By Mario Softsculpt Bronzer
This bronzer is favored for its natural, soft matte finish.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Well-regarded among beauty aficionados, this creamy bronzer delivers a flawless look.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Creamy Bronzing Powder
Many users enjoy the buildable properties of this bronzing powder.
This bronzer stands out for its sheer formulation that allows for easy blending.
Recommended Contour Products
For effective contouring, these products are highly regarded:
Milk Makeup Sculpt Cream Contour Stick
A top choice for its blendability and perfect tone.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus
This precise stick is perfect for detailed contouring around the eyes and nose.
Saie Creamy Bronzer
Although marketed as a bronzer, it is also suitable for contouring due to its cool undertones.
Anisa Beauty Crescent Contour Brush
Essential for blending away harsh lines, this brush receives high praise from professionals.
LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick
This stick’s precise tip allows for sharp, defined contours.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Cream Contour Duo
Universally appealing for its smooth texture and buildable formulation, perfect for anyone seeking to create sculpted looks.
Source
www.whowhatwear.com