As summer is fast approaching, getting that sunkissed, bronzed glow is ever more enticing. But, before you go out and purchase the first bronzer you see, here is how you can ensure you choose the perfect shade for you.
Don’t go too dark
The general rule of thumb for bronzer shades is to only go one or two shades darker than your natural skin colour. To make it easier to remember, it is the opposite of the rule for concealers, which should be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone.
Consider your overall complexion
There are so many different skin tones that it would be impossible to look at every single one individually. That being said, average complexions can be roughly split into four generalised categories – fair, olive, medium, and dark.
For fair skin tones, bronzers should be lighter in shade. Pink undertones are also very complimentary of this type of complexion. Olive skin tones are better off opting for a warmer colour of bronzer, preferably with some golden undertones. For medium skin tones, peachy bronzers are a fantastic option. And for darker skin tones, go for a deep bronzer with brassy undertones.
If you are unsure which bronzer will look best on your complexion, or whether funky undertones and sparkle are quite your style, you can always invest in a few different shades or a bronzer palette. Bronzer bundlesand palettes will give you a variety of bronzer shades to choose from, allowing you to choose the perfect one to compliment each individual look.
Figure out the undertone of your skin
In addition to your overall complexion, your skin will also have a warm, cool or neutral undertone to it. One of the easiest ways to figure out your undertone is considering how your skin behaves in the sun – if you burn really easily, you probably have cool undertones, whereas if you tan like there’s no tomorrow, your undertones are probably warm.
You can also think about the colour of jewellery you prefer. Those with cool undertones typically suit silver better, whereas those with warm undertones better suit gold. As you might imagine, if none or all of these things apply to you – you more than likely have neutral undertones.
Match your bronzer colour to your undertone
Once you have determined your undertone, make sure you opt for a bronzer that compliments it. Warm undertones will suit all kinds of bronzer, but particularly warm, brown, and golden hues. Neutral undertones will be perfectly suited to more natural brown shades, and will do well to stay clear of anything too yellow or pink based. For cool undertones, opt for a softer brown, such as a taupe or beige, or a bronzer with warm peach undertones.
Less is sometimes more
Now that you know which bronzer is best for you, all that is left to do is get started. Remember, less is sometimes more, so start off with a small amount of product, and blend it in thoroughly. You can always build up to a stronger colour, but you can’t take it away without smudging your perfect base.