Understanding Bronzer vs. Contour Makeup
One of the most magical things about makeup is how many different styles and options there are – no two makeup artists use makeup in exactly the same way. Despite this, there are still some shared principles and products.
For instance, nearly every makeup tutorial will include bronzer, contour, or both at some point in the process.
So, what exactly are bronzer and contour, and how are they different? While the differences between the two might seem slight, knowing how and when to use each one can take your look from a one-dimensional slay to turning heads all day.
Here’s everything you need to know about bronzer and contour and how to use them to perfect your makeup routine.
What Is Bronzer?
Take a stroll through some 2016 makeup tutorials (or a peek at Kylie Jenner’s Instagram during her iconic King Kylie days), and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the power of bronzer. You can think of it like sunshine in a bottle. It instantly creates the sort of sun-kissed, glowy look that normally requires a few days at the beach to acquire.
Bronzer comes in many different formulations, including liquids, creams, and powders. If you aren’t sure which formula works best for you, we recommend trying a few different types to find your perfect one. Playing around with products is half the fun of makeup, after all!
For example, if you prefer a more dewy, luminous finish, you might like our Glo Hero Bronzing Drops, perfect for blending with moisturizer and building up to your ideal level of coverage. The antioxidant-rich formula (which can support your skin during exposure to harmful free radicals) is packed with nourishing ingredients like cocoa extract and vitamin E.
To nourish and bronze your skin at the same time, simply apply a drop or two of Glo Hero to your cheekbones, hairline, and neck. You can thin it out with moisturizer, or build coverage for a more consistent bronze.
What Is Contour?
Okay, so we’ve covered bronzer – now, what the heck is contour?!
If bronzer mimics the sun, contour mimics the shadows. Typically, you want to apply it to the hollow parts of your face (including the sides of your nose, beneath your cheekbones, and at your jawline) to create a more angular, symmetrical face shape.
Like bronzer, contour comes in many different formulas, so you can experiment and find the type that works best for you. Unlike bronzer, though, contour is typically applied in narrow strokes rather than being blended more broadly. Think of bronzer as a flush, while contour is like underlining the angles of your face.
How To Apply Bronzer and Contour
The best makeup routine is the one that works best for you, so try out a few different products and makeup styles before choosing one to stick with. For instance, if your skin tends to be a bit oily, you may want to try a powder formula for your contour, such as the cool-toned shades of our Trio Hero Face Palettes.
(Shameless plug: This palette features bronzer, contour, and highlighter all in one product, making it perfect for trying your hand at every type of highlighting and contouring.)
As a general rule, you should apply bronzer anywhere you want to create a little more glow, blending upward and outward so that the product melts right into your skin. Meanwhile, you should apply contour more precisely and narrowly, sticking to the hollows of your face.
Different formulations call for different tools. If you’re using a powder formula, you should blend it out with a wide fan brush, such as the one in our Pro Core Brush Kit. This will help create the illusion of a more natural, lived-in glow (and prompt ALL of your friends to ask you what vacation you just got back from).
When using a cream formula, a smaller, rounded brush makes it easier to blend out product. And for a liquid formula, we recommend a beauty blender (like our Ultimate Universal Beauty Sponge). The spongy texture will evenly distribute the product and soak up any excess for a more consistent application.
Parting Words of Advice
You might be sick of us saying it, but remember, one of the most important steps to becoming a makeup guru is to experiment and play around with different techniques and styles. There’s no one right way to contour… or to do anything when it comes to makeup. The “right” way is whatever makes you look and feel your best.
So grab your bronzer, contour, and a few brushes, and get started experimenting. Your best look yet might be right around the corner!