How to Apply Bronzer for an All-Over Glow (& an Invite!)

When it comes to makeup, this 30-something has got a lot to learn. While I see some gorgeous 22-year olds who rock contouring and eye make-up like a rockstar, this girl more than a decade their senior is just starting to feel comfortable with a bold lip! But, comparison doesn’t help anyone, right? Have to start somewhere and I’m pumped to have finally learned how to rock bonzer.

On the heels of a fun beauty event this Thursday at Bloomingdale’s at The Gardens Mall — invite below (would love for you to stop by!) — thought it would be fun to first enlist their expert services to teach me/us how to apply bronzer for a natural, all-over-glow. I’m still interested in learning contouring (you know, like Kim Kardashian but a notch or two less) but for day-to-day I love how just 2-3 extra minutes can add such a flattering glow and definition.

Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Start with clean, moist skin (use your favorite moisturizer; this has been on my rotation).

2. Put on your foundation and concealer. I wear this and this, and use this pencil for any red areas like around my nose and around my lips.

3. Apply bronzer on the raised areas of your face: cheek bones, jaw line and your forehead. Apply with either your middle finger or an all-over polishing brush. Beauty expert, Carina Estrada, shared that this YSL cream bronzer is worth the splurge. The cream is more hydrating, where powder can be drying. If you have tried powder bronzer like me but find it looking looks ruddy, this is worth it. I find it fool proof because you can layer it on for more ‘buildable’ color (this is not sponsored content; I’ve been using it at home the last few days and I’m so much happier with the results than with powders I’ve used in the past).

4. Add blush… and highlighter. It’s not just about the bronzer, it’s about the contrast you create by addling blush to the apples of your cheeks and then highlighter. Apply a highlighter (this cult favorite is great, one gal also mentioned carrying this one for afternoon touch-ups for a refreshed look!) above your cheekbones and on your nose. I also love applying a shimmery highlighter - this one is one of my top three beauty items — just below my brows and on the inner corner of my eyes. The highlighter and rosy cheeks from the blush really made the bronzer “come alive” and add a vibrance to the whole look.

5. Finish with everything else: an extra swipe of mascara, your brows, any extra touch ups, and finish with lip stick before you head out.

One final thought: brushes! Clean, good quality brushes are literally, instrumental. While I loved YSL’s, I personally have a mix of brushes, from department stores, Sephora and Target based on my budget at the moment (being honest). This budget-friendly line is worth checking out if you’re overdue for an overhaul.

Want to try this YSL bronzer, other fun products, enjoy beauty stations, hair styling from AIRBAR, tasty treats from Brio and more? Mark your calendars for this Meet & Mingle!

PS: for two more beauty tutorials, head to Palm Beach Lately for a gorgeous cat eye and The Style Bungalow how to apply lip stick, and don’t forget to mark your calendars on Thursday to meet us at Bloomingdale’s at The Gardens Mall for a fun-filled beauty night out!

Photo Credit: LILA PHOTO