Bronzer has been around for years, worn mostly by women to create a tanned look. However, the limits of bronzer don’t stop there! Over the past decade there had been an undeniable rise in men now using bronzer in more than one way.

Why would I wear bronzer?

Bronzer can used to achieve a bronzed, Greek god “just come back from holiday” look, or alternatively just to add a bit of warmth and definition to your face and body. If you’re new to bronzer it can be difficult to decipher which bronzer to use; powdered or liquid, matte or shimmer, light or dark. It can also be confusing to figure out where exactly on your face you should apply bronzer, this is all dependant on the finished look you would like to achieve. Do not fear! We have put together a handy guide to help you decide how bronzer can work for you.

If you want to look tanned:

So you want the “I’ve just spent two weeks in the Caribbean” look? Go for a matte powdered bronzer. Apply straight to your face with a powder brush start at the middle of your face and work your way out, apply more to the top of your forehead (areas that the sun would hit most if you had been in the Caribbean for two weeks). Don’t forget to also blend the bronzer into your neck - you don’t want to have a bronzed face with a pale neck otherwise it won’t look natural at all! You can also use bronzer on your body, when wearing a T Shirt applying some bronzer to your arms can give the illusion of an all over tan.

TIP: Build up the layers of bronzer gradually to keep in control rather than piling it all on at once.

If you want to contour:

What is contouring? - May be your first question! Contouring is defining your facial features most commonly by using bronzer. But why would I want to contour? - Is probably your second question. Contouring can allow you to define features on your face such as your cheekbones, your nose and your forehead, allowing your face to look slimmer.

So how do I contour?

1. Always apply your foundation first.

2. To cheat your way to chiseled cheekbones, simply suck in your cheeks, and using the angled brush, buff the darkest powder into the hollows using swift back and forth motions.

3. If you want to make your forehead appear smaller, dust the darker powder up into your hairline until blended seamlessly. Using the same brush, bring the powder down towards your temples. This has a slimming effect on your face.

4. Define your jawline and slim down your neck by brushing the darker powder along the length of your jaw and around your chin. Just be sure to blend downwards using swift motions to create that flawless shadow.

TOP TIP: Be sure to tap your brush to get rid of the excess powder to make blending easier.

Remember: Bronzing powders can sometimes appear a little too dark, so those with fair skin should invest in a lighter bronzer shade.

Use Bronzer To Define Your Muscles!

So you want the bulked up “I go the the gym everyday” look? You can use bronzer to define your muscles, biceps and abs. Get the six pack you always dreamed of without even stepping foot in the gym!

1. Flex your muscle to find the natural lines of your biceps/ abs. Use your other hand to apply a light line into the hollow of your muscle using the bronzer.

2. While still flexing, identify where the muscle naturally hollows, and apply the bronzer where your muscle would naturally concave.

3. Use your brush to smooth out the lines so that you have a natural-looking muscle tone.

Top Tip:

When using Bronzer start off lightly and build up your layers, as you want it to look natural and realistic.