Beauty trends come and go, but many are recycled. This year, bronzer has once again taken center stage, although not for the chiseled, contoured look it's been used to create in the past. Instead, natural, sun-kissed skin is in, and you definitely need a little bronzer to get that lit-from-within glow. We'd like to emphasize the natural aspect of this trend, since many new-age products have embraced this style. Gone are the overly-shimmery formulas of the past: Today's iterations come with subtle finishes and are a welcome addition to any beauty routine.
Of course, in order to achieve the intended effect—a warm, bright complexion—you need to know which bronzers work best for your skin type and how to apply them for the most natural look. Fortunately, a few of the industry's top makeup artists are here to help us with both. When it comes to perpetually dry skin, celebrity makeup artist and LORAC Artistry Advisor Kelsey Deenihan recommends using a cream formula. "Powders can be too drying and often make the skin even dryer by absorbing the remainder of what little oil is naturally there," she explains. Cover FX Senior Education Executive Megan Curtin adds to this, noting that cream or liquid bronzers are best for thirsty complexions, as they'll help smooth out any texture and won't make your skin feel tight.
Those with oily skin fare best with powder iterations. "A powder formula helps absorb excess oils and combats shine while also giving your skin a healthy and safe way of looking like you've been in the sun," Deenihan says. While finding the perfect powder bronzer is paramount for oily skin, MAC Cosmetics Director of Makeup Artistry Romero Jennings says understanding how to prep your face before applying any bronzer at all is just as important when it comes to the final look. "It is key to start with a primer first to help balance the oil all over the face," he says, noting that his favorite primer to start with is the MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone ($23, www.nordstrom.com), since it minimizes pores, mattifies the skin, and controls oil for hours.
And while the following formulas—which we've curated to suit every skin type—are winners, you can create a glow sans bronzer. According to Deenihan, you can use a liquid or cream foundation three to four shades darker than your skin tone and apply it along your hairline and under your cheeks for a sun-kissed effect. "Just make sure you blend to avoid any unwanted blotches," she says.
