Didn’t get enough sun this weekend? Correctly applied bronzer can give you the stunning glow you’re looking for! Example- Lauren Conrad.  Apply it the wrong way and you can end up with a muddy mess. Example- Lindsay Lohan.  Most women apply it like they apply their blush.  I’ve taken the guess work out with my 3 steps for applying bronzer like a pro. 

1. Product

Start with a powder bronzer like 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer ($25).  They blend easily and look natural on everyone when applied correctly.  

2. Choosing a Color

A good rule of thumb is to choose a color one or two shades darker than your current complexion.  You may find that you need a lighter shade in June than you do in August.  If you use one that is too dark, you will actually look dirty. No good.  

• Women with fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes should use a sheer, slightly rose or peach color. Try Glo Minerals Shimmer Brick in Luster ($32.50).
• For women with olive skin, a sheer copper or earth-color is ideal. DermaMinerals Pressed Bronzing Powder ($26) is a great place to start.  
• Dark brown skin with either warm or blue undertones works well with a rich, chocolaty-brown color with subtle shimmer like 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Cinnamon. 

3. Application

Swirl a medium-sized round brush over the product and shake off any excess on the back of your hand.  Dust on the areas of your face where the sun naturally hits.  

• across the forehead near the hairline
• temples
• across the apples of the cheeks
• bridge of the nose
• beneath the jaw line  
• collarbone  
• décolletage

You can see why choosing the right color that isn’t too dark is essential! It can go really wrong, really quick.  

Here’s my favorite new find for the summer: when or if you already have some natural tan or glow, try swapping your bronzer for a blush set in apricot, peach and pink.  It gives your face an instant young and fresh look! I promise, it will brighten up your tan with a pop! Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Glo Minerals Blush in Spice Berry!

I hope you had a great Memorial Day Weekend!  Jared and I spent the day eating BBQ and watching our son learn to ride a bike!  We are so grateful for the men and women who serve our country so we can enjoy a safe and blessed life!

Last updated by Alana Mitchell at August 17, 2012.