favorite bronzers

Now that my summer tan is fading fast, I'm relying on my bronzers to add some color to my pale face and perk it up a little bit. I like using deep bronzers to contour the hollows of my cheeks, and softer shades for all over my face for subtle color. 

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny

This is your basic matte bronzer that I feel could work on any skin tone. I have only ever used this for contouring. I like using this for "day time" looks because it has a more natural finish. It's a very wearable bronzer for everyday. You can find this bronzer for around $2.50 in any drugstore or Target. 

ELF Contouring Bronzing Powder

This is my go-to bronzer when I want a perfectly "Kim K." contoured face.  

If I know I'll be taking more pictures, going to a dark venue, etc. that's when I like using this bronzer. It's a very deep tan color, but still very blendable. I only use this for contouring because it is way too dark on my skin for every day.  The best part about this bronzer is that it's $3.00 AND it comes with a blush.  You can find ELF products at Target or eyeslipsface.com. 

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium Dark

I really really really like MAC Mineralize Skin Finish. It's the perfect finishing powder that doesn't look "cakey." I wear this every single day to set my foundation. My shade is Medium Dark, but there are 10 shades to choose from which means you can get one that matches your skin tone or one a few shades darker to make it your bronzer and add some subtle color like I do. 

MAC MSF costs $29.00 and is sold at any MAC store and online. 

Tarte Park Ave Princess (matte waterproof)

I feel like there is nothing Tarte can do wrong! This is a matte waterproof bronzer, which is what kind of sets it apart from many other bronzers for me. I don't always need waterpoof during the winter, but it can come in handy during the summer months. This bronzer adds some color  and has a very smooth finish. You can find Tarte online or at Sephora or Ulta. 

Here are some swatches. I apologize for the MAC swatch. It blends in pretty well with my skin so it hardly shows up! You can see the darker shades, especially ELF, are really deep colors compared to the Tarte and MAC options.

What is contouring? 

And, in case you were wondering about what contouring is, it's actually very simple. You should apply bronzer on the hollows of your cheeks, the outline of your forehead, the sides of your nose, and under the chin/neck area. It's all in how the light hits your face "naturally." By contouring, you're making certain parts of your face more defined and making it appear slimmer. Who doesn't love that?

  

What are your favorite bronzers? 

xo