Drugstore Pick: Bronzer
Bronzer. We need it, we love it, we over-use it.
Applied the wrong way = Jersey Shore
Applied the right way = Thinner cheeks, skinnier nose, lots of dimension.
Bronzer is one of those funny products that is USUALLY used the wrong way right out of the gate. The misconception is that it's sole purpose is to make us look darker/tanner/ and anti-pale. No no no. If you hear nothing else I say, hear this:
DON'T APPLY BRONZER ALL OVER YOUR FACE TO LOOK TANNER. Please.
When used the right way in a soft line under your cheekbones, the sides of your nose, and above the tail of each eyebrow, it SLIMS your face, thins out your cheeks and makes people see your face as much more "Up and down" and less "Side to side." You can't look at a single celebrity on a magazine cover without seeing the use of bronzer or a darker powder used to contour their cheekbones and make their nose look thinner. It's photo-shoot magic. Sure, they spend a lot of time on a fancy and dressed up contour, but it's pretty simple to use a powder bronzer to achieve a similar look every day adding only 45 seconds to your makeup routine.
I can't WAIT to make a YouTube video about the RIGHT uses for Bronzer. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, know this: Glittery, shimmery or sparkly bronzers are really not your friend. The matter, the better. One of my only makeup rules is always: When in doubt, Matte > Shimmer. I'll prove this to you regularly with the next 100 tips, tricks, and products that I post about. Promise.
Moving on to the drugstore picks…
2. Wet N Wild Color Icon bronzer: Retails for $4-5. First of all, this bronzer is enormous. Literally bigger than any powder in my makeup bag. Secondly, it’s totally matte and has zero sheen whatsoever. (My fave.) It works excellent to sculpt out your face and contour. A little of this product goes a very long way which means it should last a very long time. My ONLY complaint: It’s SO pigmented, that you can easily over-do it. EASILY. During the first week that I used it, I found myself having to use a powder brush more than normal to soften and blend out the lines and colors. Verdict: For anyone feeling confident enough in your contour skills to soften out the lines and dramatic color, this is a great option for you! If that sounds terrifying…the next pick is right up your alley.
1. Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer/Blush Duo: I’m obsessed. I love the Bronzer AND the Blush shades in this duo. They look a little sheeny (not Charlie…baddum cha,) but they don’t go on your skin with any shimmer whatsoever. The bronzer takes little to no work to soften or blend, and the packaging is just plain pretty. Need to buy a gift for someone?? Verdict: This is a NO brainer for yourself annnnd your friends. I didn’t expect to love it so much but it’s an easy add-on to anyone’s routine.
Try it, love it, tag me @makeupwithme_!
Xx
