Best Way to Apply Cream Bronzer: Tips for a Seamless Application
When I worked at Ulta Beauty as a beauty advisor, one of the most common questions I got was, "Where do I put cream bronzer?" I get it—powder bronzer feels a lot less intimidating, and liquid bronzer can seem even trickier. But with the right techniques and tools, cream bronzer can give you a beautifully natural, sun-kissed glow that’s easy to achieve. If you like any of the bronzers or tools I mention, you can shop them directly by clicking the images through my Like to Know It!
My Favorite Cream and Liquid Bronzers
I’ve tested a lot of bronzers over the years, and these are my top picks for cream and liquid formulas. Each of these has a blendable texture that leaves a beautiful finish.
Cream Bronzers:
LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick – A creamy, buildable formula that adds warmth and definition without looking too heavy.
Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick – I love how easy it is to apply and blend out, perfect for adding dimension to your face.
My LYS Cream Bronzer is the one I'm using in this tutorial!
Liquid Bronzers:
Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer – This bronzer is lightweight and gives your skin a radiant finish.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand – An iconic liquid bronzer that is perfect for sculpting and enhancing your natural bone structure.
Tarte Sculp Tape Bronzer – A hydrating, blendable option for a dewy, bronzed look.
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter (in a darker shade) – A budget-friendly option that doubles as a liquid bronzer, providing a glowy, natural finish.
Tools for Applying Bronzer
There are a few tools you can use to apply cream bronzer:
Beauty Blender: Great for a seamless, blended look, but be careful not to absorb too much product.
Hands: Quick and easy, especially for on-the-go application, but it can sometimes lead to uneven blending.
Bronzer Brush: My personal favorite. Using a brush helps avoid patches and prevents lifting the makeup underneath, giving you a smooth, flawless finish.
I prefer using a bronzer brush because it allows for better control and ensures the product blends evenly without disturbing the base makeup.
I use the angled side for cream and liquid bronzer, while the other side is great for powders.
Prepping Your Skin for Bronzer
Before applying cream bronzer, it’s essential to start with a smooth base. I like to use a tinted moisturizer for extra coverage, which makes the bronzer blend better into the skin. My favorites are:
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Both of these provide lightweight coverage and a glowy base, which makes applying bronzer much easier and smoother. You can also refer to my everyday makeup tutorial here for more tips and techniques on achieving a flawless look!
How to Apply Bronzer: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Where to Place Bronzer
Knowing where to put bronzer is key to achieving a natural glow. Apply bronzer to the areas where the sun naturally hits your face:
Forehead: Sweep the bronzer just below your hairline.
Cheekbones: Apply it right on the apples of your cheeks, sweeping upwards.
Jawline: Blend it along your jaw to create shadow and definition.
Nose: Draw two lines on the sides of the bridge of your nose and a small amount under the tip for a button-nose effect.
Eyelids (optional): Applying bronzer to the upper corners of your eyelids adds warmth and mimics a natural, sun-kissed glow, tying your whole look together.
Step 2: Blending for a Sculpted Look
Blending is everything when it comes to how to apply bronzer. To avoid harsh lines, here’s what I do:
Circular motions: Use a bronzer brush or sponge to blend in circular motions.
Always blend upwards: When blending on your cheekbones, go from the bottom to the top to achieve a more lifted and sculpted look. Never blend from the top down, as this can drag the face downward.
Blend into your hairline and down to your neck: Don’t forget to blend into your hairline and down your neck (and décolletage) to avoid any harsh, awkward lines or noticeable stops in the bronzer.
Bronzer vs. Contour: Understanding the Difference
A quick note on bronzer vs. contour: bronzer is for adding warmth and a sun-kissed glow, while contour is used to create shadows and define your facial features. The two are often confused, but each has its own purpose. When in doubt, apply bronzer where the sun would naturally hit, and reserve contour for more precise areas like under the cheekbones or along the nose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cream Bronzer
While cream bronzer is easy to work with, here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Applying too much at once: Always start with a small amount and build up. It’s much easier to add than to take away!
Not using the right tools: A fluffy bronzer brush or blending sponge will help give you that airbrushed finish.
Forgetting to blend upwards: Remember, blending upwards lifts your face, while blending down can drag it.
Set Your Bronzer for Long-Lasting Wear
Once you’ve finished applying your bronzer, you’ll want to make sure it lasts throughout the day. Here’s how I set my bronzer:
Light setting powder: Dust a little translucent powder over the bronzer to lock it in.
Setting spray: A few spritzes of setting spray can help keep your skin dewy and your bronzer in place.
The finished look! I am very happy with these results and feel like a bronzed queen. Super natural and glowy.
Final Thoughts: How to Apply Cream Bronzer
Mastering how to apply cream bronzer takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it can totally transform your look. Whether you’re using a bronzer brush, a blending sponge, or your fingers, always focus on blending well and applying the product in the right areas for that natural, sun-kissed glow. If you’re ready to try out some of my favorite bronzers, you can shop them through my Like to Know It!
Happy bronzing!
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