Bronzers are a wonderful invention! Used properly they add a healthy glow to a complexion and bestow skin with that ‘back from the beach’ look. If they aren’t used properly though, or the shade is too dark they can make skin look grubby. Read more for our guide to getting it right…

Bronzers come in different varieties, more often than not they will be traditional pressed powders, but the expansive market means that liquids, gels and creams are also becoming popular choices. Bronzers can come with or without shimmer or glitter. Powder bronzer should be applied with a brush, whilst fluid formulas can be applied with fingers or a sponge.

To apply powder, use a large brush and very lightly dust the powder over the brow bones, temple, bridge of the nose, your cheek and chin. These are the places where the sun hits your face when you tan. Dust bronzer lightly around the hairline to create a natural finish.

When choosing the colour of your bronzer, never use a colour that is darker than your chest. Your face tans naturally at a shade lighter than the rest of your body. A dark face will look fake and dirty.

Gel and cream bronzers give a more dewy finish because they reflect the light. This makes them more natural looking as they can blend into the skin more easily.

My biggest tip is to blend the product well, and spend a good length of time doing it. Pay particular attention to the jaw line and down the neck as this is the most common place for those tidal wave lines.