After a cold, snowy winter, I'm excited that it's finally starting to warm up. I'm picturing lots of picnics in the park and day at the beach soon ... all with the perfect tan, of course!
However, as a girl with very pale skin, I'm all about piling on the highest SPF I can find and faking that summer glow. My favorite self-tanner is Jergens Natural Glow. I apply it at night, and in the morning I have a subtle tan that builds up over time. Although I've used it on my face in a pinch, I prefer to use bronzer on my sensitive skin.
So I was super excited to learn that my April Maven Box was going to include Julep's all-new bronzer and blush. It arrived just in time for me to enjoy all those fun outdoor activities with a pretty, glowing skin!
Here's how to apply bronzer for a natural-looking tan.
One of the things I love about the Julep bronzer is that it comes in two shades. I chose the light golden bronze. Too much bronzer on pale skin can make it took dirty, and I like a really subtle glow.
Here's a before:
I told you I was pale! Thankfully, it's easy to fake a tan with a little well-placed makeup.
Follow these easy steps and you'll have beautiful bronzed skin in no time!
When applying bronzer, focus on areas of your face that the sun would hit. I like to start on the outside and work my way in.
- Add a little bronzer to your brush and tap off any excess. Apply it to the side of your forehead and temples, blending well.
- Work your way down the side of your face and apply bronzer just under your cheekbones. It helps to purse your lips and make a silly, pouty face! Add more bronzer to your brush, as necessary.
- Next, apply bronzer to your jawline. As always, blend well.
- Without adding any more powder to your brush, apply bronzer to the center of your forehead, right where the sun would hit. Use your brush to blend in the bronzer well.
- Next, apply bronzer to the bridge and tip of your nose. Blend, blend, blend!
- Finally, add bronzer to your chin.
I like to finish by adding a little blush to the apples of my cheeks. Julep's Peach Bellini is the perfect spring/summer shade, although I have my eye on Petal Pink, too.
Here's a before and after:
As you can see, I didn't go over-the-top, just an easy, natural glow.
Here are a few more tips for how to apply bronzer:
- Look for a shade that isn't too much darker than your natural skin tone.
- Use a brush with soft bristles and blend really well after application.
- Apply bronzer on top of foundation and powder.
- Start slow. Add just a touch of bronzer to your brush at a time. Tap off any excess in the pan or apply it to your hand. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it away.
- If you do apply too much bronzer, blend a little translucent powder onto your skin. The powder will help tone down the bronzer.
- Hit the beach ASAP!
Are you a fan of bronzer, or do you like to keep it au naturel?
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I love the look of a light dusting of bronzer!
It really does make a huge difference!
I love what bronzer can do to brighten your face! This is great on you! Thanks for sharing and happy you linked up with Manic Monday! Hope to see you again next week!
Thanks so much for dropping by, Carylee:) Have a great week!
I'm pale too and I wear blush and bronzer every day of the year! I just think it makes you look healthy and glowing! I hope your post encourages more women to give it a try!
Lindsey
THRIFT AND SHOUT
I totally agree, Lindsey! I'm addicted;) Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Ginnie, just stopping in from Say G'Day.
You do a great fake tan! I also have to keep lots of SPF on hand, so I love my bronzer from Elizabeth Arden. It has mixable shades in it so I can customize the intensity of my "sunlit glow"! It looks really good dusted on shoulders, too. Have a great day!
Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca
Thanks so much for stopping by, Val! That's a great tip:)
You look so pretty!
Thanks for linking up this week!
Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly
Thanks, Tiffany!
Very pretty and natural looking! I just got the Sonia Kashuk bronzer and oh my! Love at first application. This is definitely a bronzer time of year for me!
Thanks, Alison! I think bronzer time of the year is the best time of the year;)
Awesome tips of how to apply bronzer! I've never tried it but you make it look easy. 😉
~ Ashley
Thanks, Ashley! Give it a try this summer, I think you'll like it:)
It gave you just the right touch of glow without being too much! I resisted bronzer for a long time, b/c I was worried I would get that sunken in cheek look, but I love it on the right day! 😀 I have to check out Maven Box, I had Birch and Ipsy but canceled them recently.
Thanks, Heather! I cancelled my Birchbox recently, too. I wasn't happy with the samples anymore. The thing I love about Julep is that you get full-size products. They also send you a preview of your shipment, and you can either skip it for a month or swap in other products. Give it a try!
Bronzer makes me nervous because I'm fair skinned like you. But it look great on you. I might have to try some this summer. 🙂
If you have a second, I'd love for you to stop by and check out my latest post.
http://www.fashboulevard.com
Definitely give it a try, Anna! Just use a little at a time, and it will turn out great:)
My skin is quite fair so I love bronzer! Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks, Karen!
I tried this one and I swear to you that I look like I got punched. You did it soooo much better!
Ha ha ... I've been there:) I put just a tiny bit of bronzer on my brush at a time.