How to Apply Bronzer to Your Face in Just 60 Seconds

If you're anything like me, your first experience with bronzer (opens in new tab) was in middle school, when you covered your entire face with a layer of sparkly, too-dark bronzer that left you looking like a weathered Oompa Loompa. And if that experience forever turned you off of a life of glow, (opens in new tab) I'm here to lead you back to the fold, because trust me—bronzing your face is really, truly simple, as long as you know where to apply it.

Bronzer is a must-have makeup product in your beauty bag. There's a reason it's been J.Lo's signature beauty look  (opens in new tab)all these years—it adds dimension and a glowy warmth to the skin that brightens your complexion like no other. If you want to look like you've been bathing in the sun on vacation, but in reality have just been on your couch, a swirl of shimmery bronzer using a fluffy brush will do the trick.

But the world of bronzers includes textures, shades, and finishes galore, which can feel challenging to sift through for your skin tone, skin type, and face shape. We've cut out the guessing game to bring you a straightforward approach to achieving a believable bronzed glow. Below, a nifty five-step guide that'll take you approximately 60 seconds or less to complete. Pop a squat in front of your mirror and keep reading to get that I-just-left-Miami glow.

Step 1: Buff It Out

First, you need to find a bronzer that actually matches your skin tone (opens in new tab) (yes, we have a comprehensive guide (opens in new tab)) to mitigate your chances of looking like a Cheeto.

Then, gently rub a fluffy blending brush (opens in new tab) over the bronzer, tap off any excess, and swirl it in small concentric circles across your hairline, from one temple to the other.

Step 2: Carve the Cheeks

I promise that contouring your cheekbones (opens in new tab) is way easier than you've been led to believe. Just reload your brush in bronzer, swipe a line of powder from your ear to the apple of your cheek, then gently blend it out using tiny circular brush strokes, rather than a back-and-forth wiper motion.

Step 3: Define the Nose

Don't worry—powder bronzers (rather than cream bronzers) are so sheer, they won't leave you with an ulta-skinny, obvious-looking lines. Sweep a bit of bronzer down each side of your nose (make sure to tap off the excess from your brush, first) for a subtle contour.

(Please make sure to make this exact pose, too.)

Step 4: Pose

Pose for the mirror, like our model here, and then take at least one-billion selfies. You've officially mastered the art of bronzing.

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