Bronzer is a must-have in your makeup routine if you want to bring warmth and dimension back to your face after applying foundation. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through my favorite bronzing techniques, using products that blend seamlessly into your skin for a natural, sun-kissed glow. I’ll also break down the technical difference between bronzer and contour to help you decide which is best for your look.

Bronzer vs. Contour: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics. While bronzer and contour may seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Bronzer is typically warm-toned, designed to add warmth and mimic where the sun would naturally hit your face—like the forehead, cheekbones, and nose. It’s ideal for bringing life back to your skin, especially after the foundation has created a blank canvas. Contour, on the other hand, is more cool-toned to mimic natural shadows. It defines and sculpts your features, creating depth and angles, like under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and around the nose. I prefer using just bronzer for a soft, natural look that doesn’t require the precision of contouring.

The Product: Senegence Deep Tinted Moisturizer

For my bronzer, I use Senegence Deep Tinted Moisturizer I’ve found that using a deeper shade of a product already compatible with my foundation ensures a seamless blend without patchiness or separation. This tinted moisturizer has a sheer, buildable finish, making it easy to work with and hard to overdo. Plus, since it’s a tinted moisturizer, it won’t slip and slide throughout the day—it stays in place for a long-lasting, sun-kissed look.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Brush

The brush you use for bronzer makes a huge difference. I recommend a smaller, slightly dense brush with more structure than a fluffy powder brush. This brush type allows precise application without spreading the product everywhere. I work the tinted moisturizer into the brush to evenly distribute the product and ensure a smooth, natural finish.

Step 2: Application Technique

I use a small amount of product, stopping before a full pump, and then apply it to the areas of my face where the sun would naturally hit. Here’s how I do it:

1. Forehead: For a flattering and natural look, apply bronzer to the forehead, especially if you have a larger forehead like mine. I pinch the brush for more control, press the product onto my skin, and blend it back into my hairline using light pressing motions.

2. Cheekbones: To lift the face, I apply bronzer slightly above the hollow of my cheekbones rather than directly under them. I place my brush right beneath the top of my ear, then rotate it slightly to distribute the product in a triangle shape. This technique pulls the face upwards, creating a lifted effect.

3. Nose and Jawline: I sweep a little bronzer across my nose and around the jawline for a sun-kissed look. I don’t do a full contour here, but I add enough warmth to balance my face. Whatever product is left on the brush, I lightly blend under my jawline and down my neck for a seamless transition.

Tip: Always start with a small amount of product toward the outer areas of your face, then work your way forward. You can go back with your foundation brush to blend any harsh edges.

Why Cream Bronzer?

I love using a cream-based bronzer, especially the Senegence Deep Tinted Moisturizer, for a few reasons. Creams melt into the skin beautifully, seamlessly blending into any base makeup. They’re also longer-lasting than powders; you can layer powder bronzer on top if you need more intensity. The sheer, buildable nature of tinted moisturizers makes them easy to control, especially when you want a natural, foolproof finish.

The Finished Look

Once I’ve applied bronzer, I complete my look with blush and highlighter. Bronzer is a staple in my routine—it adds warmth, dimension, and a healthy glow that foundation alone can’t achieve. I’d honestly choose bronzer over foundation for a quick pick-me-up look!

- Senegence Deep Tinted Moisturizer (bronzer)

- Dense, small brush for controlled application

- Foundation brush for blending edges, if needed

Hopefully, this step-by-step guide will help you easily achieve that perfect bronzed look! I’ll link everything I used in the description below. If you’re ready to add some color to your face and enjoy a fresh, natural glow, try this technique.