If you want to maintain a sun-kissed glow on your face year-round, knowing how to use bronzing drops comes in handy. It’s a quick step that fits into your morning skincare routine and can easily transform your whole makeup look.
Part of the allure of bronzing drops is how simple they are to use (in concept, at least.) But if you’ve ever noticed uneven coverage or streaks after applying yours, you’re not alone. And while they might blend in more seamlessly with your summer complexion, bronzing drops can be less forgiving on paler winter skin. But with the right prep and application techniques, you can get the most out of your bronzing drops during any season.
Ahead, we asked pro makeup artists to share their best tips for applying bronzing drops, from prepping your skin to common mistakes to avoid.
What are bronzing drops?
Are bronzing drops technically makeup or skincare? “Bronzing drops are actually a bit of both,” says professional makeup artist Tiesha Williams. “They’re similar to tinted moisturisers, acting as a sheer-to-medium coverage product that also delivers hydration to the skin.”
Bronzing drops are usually more concentrated than liquid bronzer or skin tints, which means you won’t want to slather them directly onto your skin. They’re meant to be mixed with another product; typically, either moisturiser or foundation, depending on your preference. The goal is to add an even layer of warmth (and sometimes a subtle shimmer) to your face, which adds a base glow to the rest of your makeup.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops
Makeup Revolution Bright Light Bronzing Drops
How to apply bronzing drops, step by step
Step 1: Prep your skin
“Start with clean and moisturised skin and apply any serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenberg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup. If you’re planning to use a foundation or skin tint (or if you have dry skin), apply a layer of moisturiser first and let it soak in before starting your makeup.
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Step 2: Mix bronzing drops
Start by dropping one to three drops of your bronzing product onto the back of your hand. For a lower-coverage look that adds warmth to your natural skin, add in a pea-size amount of moisturiser or primer. “Take a medium-size duo fibre bronzer brush and mix the products on the back of the hand,” Williams says. If you prefer more coverage in your base, use the same method to mix your drops with your true-match foundation instead.
Step 3: Apply bronzing drops and blend
Use your brush to transfer the product onto your face, starting where the sun would naturally place your tan (forehead, bridge of your nose, cheeks and chin). Use soft, outward sweeping or circular motions to blend until your face is evenly covered. “Next, take a clean blending sponge, free of any product and gently press the bronzer into the skin until it looks melted into the skin,” Williams says.
If you want to build more definition or warmth in certain areas, you can try lightly dotting drops where you’d typically place your bronzer. “Blend with fingers until seamless and build slowly,” Greenberg says. “The more drops, the deeper the colour.”
Step 4: Set the colour
To lock in your bronzer drops (and to avoid product loss if you’ll be applying blush, concealer and other makeup on top), Williams recommends misting a long-lasting, hydrating setting spray over your base before moving on with your routine.
Kylie Cosmetics Setting Spray
FENTY BEAUTY You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray
How to choose a shade of bronzing drops
Well-matched bronzing drops can look super natural, but the wrong shade might remind you of more questionable early-aughts spray tans. “Pick a shade that’s one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone and avoid anything too orange,” Greenberg says. “Neutral or slightly warm tones give the most natural sun-kissed look.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: vogue.in
