Winter is just around the corner. The temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, and we are losing out on precious sunlight. Just because the sun is fading earlier, that doesn’t mean your sun kissed glow has to fade away with it. Bronzer can help keep you looking sunny and bright year round.

Bronzer can work magic, if applied correctly and in moderation. Contrary to popular belief, even those with pale, porcelain skin can rock bronzer without looking overdone and unnatural. As a matter of fact, bronzer can help pale skin look radiant and healthy. The problem is, many people do not know how to correctly apply bronzer, leading to many makeup mishaps. When using bronzer, there are a few important rules you must follow in order to achieve a natural-looking glow.

1. Choosing the correct shade of bronzer is just as important as applying it correctly. Your ideal shade should be only two shades darker than your natural skin tone, three at the most. If you’re not sure which color will work best for you, seek the help of a professional makeup artist at a salon or department store.

2. Before applying bronzer, you must first even out your skin tone. Never apply bronzer to blotchy skin! Tinted moisturizer will give your skin the most natural look and feel. Concealer should only be used on problem areas such as pimples and dark under-eye circles. Set your tinted moisturizer with a light dusting of powder.

4. To get a natural look, bronzer must be applied with a light hand and a light, fluffy brush. You can build it up in sheer layers, but never over-apply with one stroke of the brush. Focus on areas of the face that the sun would naturally hit such as the forehead, chin, jaw line, and apples of the cheeks. The easiest way to hit all these targets us to imagine that you are drawing the number three on each side of your face. Apply the makeup in slow, light, circular motions.

5. The final step is to ensure that everything is blended smoothly. There should be no harsh lines between your face and neck. If you do see a bit of a line that you cannot get rid of, smooth it over with translucent powder.

Bronzer can give you the natural glow to beat those winter blues. Once you find the perfect shade for your skin tone and practice these simple steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a sun kissed goddess year-round. If you are having trouble finding the perfect match for your skin, or have any other questions, our makeup artists here at Richard Francis Salon are happy to help you