Bronzers - Why, Where and When?

So it's summer and it's almost inevitable that we DON'T talk about Bronzers.

I am quite 'brown' in my opinion so looking more tanned is definitely not on my list. I feel I just look muddy with a deeper colour on my skin and not quite like a 'bronze goddess'.

Hence personally I prefer to use a Bronzer to add dimension to my face i.e. under the cheekbones, around the temples, accentuating the jawline and all that jazz.

In a similar manner, everyone has a purpose in mind when they buy or use a bronzer and if you identify that correctly, the application will automatically become easy peasy as well as choosing the right product.

Above are my all time favourite Bronzers. Now instead of reviewing them all individually, which will put you guys to sleep, we'll quickly go over the finish, undertones and purpose of these. 

There can only be three purposes to use a Bronzer

1. To contour and add dimension = matte bronzer with golden brown undertones

2. To add colour to the entire face = matte/illuminating bronzer with beigey-brown undertones

3. To enhance a tan = shimmery/illuminating bronzer with reddish-pink undertones

I use the Chanel Bronze Universal for instance to contour the face as the golden-brown undertone mimics the natural contours of the face quite well. Now because it is ever so slightly illuminating as well, it can also be used to add colour to the entire face to fake a tan. It's texture is undetectable, longevity is second to none and the matte golden brown shade will work to achieve both purpose 1 and 2.

As for the The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzer and Liz Earle's Natural Glow Bronzer, they have a beigey-brown undertone to them which is not quite golden. These can be used to add colour to the entire face without looking over the top. Use a big fluffy brush and dust all over the face at protruding areas where the sun would hit. As they are very slightly illuminating (not shimmery!), they won't look flat all over the face and will attempt to look skin-like, making your face look naturally tanned.

To achieve the third purpose of enhancing a tan, the Stargazer and Lavera Mineral Sun Glow Powder would work best. Both have a reddish-pink undertone to them and and are more illuminating/shimmery to achieve purpose 3. They will definitely bring out a tan more beautifully compared to the rest and help achieve a truely bronzed, sunkissed look.

What do you use a Bronzer for? If you have a favourite one do let me know.

p.s None of these bronzers are overtly shimmery, orangey or muddy hence if you're looking to invest in a new one, do check out one of these.

p.p.s The Cover FX Foundation winners, your prizes have been dispatched just today by the PR company. Apologies for the delay :-(