How to Use Bronzer in Winter

First things first, we’ll answer the big question on the tip of your tongue. If you’ve been having an internal debate over whether or not bronzer is appropriate during the winter, we can settle it for you right now—the answer is a resounding yes. While a bronzed glow undeniably suits the summer, the golden goddess beauty look isn’t reserved for a certain season. In fact, using makeup to warm up your complexion is the perfect way to give the impression that you’re fresh off a tropical vacation or simply have the perfect bronzed complexion all year round. If you’ve already mastered how to use bronzer, you’ll be pleased to hear that using it in the winter isn’t too different from any other season—you likely already know the gist of using this face makeup favorite. In case you need a little refresher, here’s how to use a bronzer (and maybe a little highlighter, too) in the winter.

HOW TO USE BRONZER IN WINTER

Let’s break it down:

1. START WITH A SHEER TINT

One of the easiest ways to bronze your skin is to use a sheer, illuminating tint in a shade a few hues darker than your skin tone. For an all-over bronze glow, smooth the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer in Medium or Deep over your skin. For more definition, apply it only to the contours of your cheeks.

Editor’s tip: For an ultra-quick look, call it a day after applying the glow enhancing tint. It’s up to you whether you want to keep layering products for an ultra-bronzed look.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHADE AND FINISH

Before we get to how to use a bronzer, you want to make sure you’re using the right makeup product. When choosing a bronzer, it’s important to consider the shade and finish. Do you want your bronzer to have a little shimmer, or be totally matte for a more natural look? Finding the right shade is also key, as you don’t want to use a bronzer that makes for too harsh (or not enough) of a contrast against your skin tone.

If you have fair skin…use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer in Light.

If you have medium skin…use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer in Medium.

If you have dark skin…use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer in Deep.

3. FOLLOW THE RULE OF THREE

If you’re a longtime bronzer fan, you may already know this little trick—but if you’re more of a novice than an old pro, you’re in for a treat. Struggling to determine where to apply bronzer on your face is no fun, so thankfully there’s a simple solution. As long as you can picture a “3” or an “E” shape, you’ll be able to find the perfect places to put bronzer. Look at the side of your face, and visualize the shape, going from your forehead, to your cheek, to your jawline. That’s where you need to apply bronzer! Use a fluffy makeup brush to sweep it onto your skin with a light touch.

4. BRONZE YOUR BODY, TOO

Your face isn’t the only place you can perk up with a dusting of bronzer. You can bronze your body just the same as your face, even using the same product. Bring the bronzer down to your décolletage to give your chest a golden glow. If you’re thinking of skipping this step, remind yourself that you want your body to match your face. 

5. TOP IT OFF WITH HIGHLIGHTER

To complement your newfound bronze glow, you’ll need to use highlighter, too. Apply the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops above your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, below your brow bones, on your cupid’s bow, and around the inner corners of your eyes, then blend out with the pad of your finger.

6. SET YOUR SUN-KISSED SKIN

Even if you’re only sporting a low-key face of makeup, featuring only bronzer and highlighter, you won’t want your look to budge throughout the day. To lock it in place, a few spritzes of setting spray is all it takes. Hold the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray eight to ten inches away from your face and chest, and spray four to six times in “X” and “T” motions to set your makeup.

Want an even more radiant look? Use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi-Shake and Glow Dew Mist to set your makeup instead and you’ll give your skin an extra boost of hydration in the process.

Next, to make sure you’re on your best winter beauty game, learn How to Winter-Proof Your Look.