Spark

We know that protecting our skin with sunscreen is super important, and with that in mind we’re diligently wearing our SPF moisturizers on the daily year-round. But in the dead of summer we have to admit that a sun-kissed glow just feels so right! Enter our new best friend: bronzer. Those of us who’ve attempted bronzer before know just how easy it is to careen right past “sun-kissed” to “sun-crazed,” so to help us out, we got our makeup artist to show us the techniques and products that will help us to get the glow we’re after, without going too far. Watch our video to see his tips in action!

The key to doing bronzer like a pro is this swirl-and-tap technique that our makeup artist taught us – tapping the brush on the top of the compact lid will remove excess product and keep you from creating a really dark, intense area when you first touch brush to skin, which will be tough to even out. Instead, you’ll be able to layer the product on a little at a time until you get just the right glow.

Our expert also recommended starting with a matte bronzer, and finishing with a layer of shimmer. Too much shimmery bronzer can be a little intense (hello to our favourite middle-school-dance beauty look) so this technique allows you to build a natural-looking glow first, then play with a hint of shimmer at the end.

Lastly, to get a natural glow it’s usually helpful to think about creating a shape somewhat similar to the number 3, starting at your temple and swiping out onto your cheekbone, and down toward your jawline.

Have fun getting your glow on, and for more beauty tutorials – including three simple summer updos we are living in during the hottest months – click over to our beauty page.

See something that caught your eye? Visit St. Vital Centre to shop the items featured in this post (check stores for availability):

Products used:
Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Golden: MAC Cosmetics, $39
Mineralize Skinfinish in Global Glow: MAC Cosmetics, $39
Brush #187 (dual-fibre makeup brush): MAC Cosmetics, $51

Outfit:
Red off-the-shoulder top: American Eagle Outfitters, $39.99
Matching red shorts: American Eagle Outfitters, $34.95
Drop earring: Dynamite, $14.95