The Right Way to Apply Bronzer for Your Face Shape

Bronzer can give your complexion warmth and a sculpted appearance. Apply too much or apply it incorrectly, however, and it can look unnatural and severe. “Depending on your face shape, strategic placement of bronzer is key to creating the perfect glow and enhancing your complexion,” says makeup artist Rachel Halsey. “The basic rule I follow when applying bronzer is to focus on the areas of the face that the sun would naturally touch: the forehead, bridge of the nose and cheekbones,” says Halsey. 

Because the right placement can differ by face shape, we asked Halsey to share the best way to apply bronzer, whether your face is oval, round, heart or square. Read on for her tips. 

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Where to Apply Bronzer on Oval Face Shapes

With a light hand, apply your bronzer to the top of the forehead along the hairline, as well as on the cheeks. For a more contoured look, apply it in the hollows of cheeks. You can also lightly dust it along the bridge of the nose.

Where to Apply Bronzer on Heart Face Shapes

Similar to that of an oval face shape, bronzer application should hit the top of the forehead and cheeks. For heart face shapes, however, you’ll want to use more product along the hairline and temple area. Finally, add a touch of bronzer on the bottom of the chin — you want to accentuate your natural angles.

Where to Apply Bronzer on Round Face Shapes

To sculpt a round face, apply the bronzer along the cheekbones in a downward motion toward the jaw so it creates a soft shadow. It might be best to use a powder formula like the FENTY BEAUTY SUN STALK’R INSTANT WARMTH BRONZER for this. Blend well for a natural finish. 

Where to Apply Bronzer on Square Face Shapes

If you have a square face shape, sweep your bronzer in a curved line along the middle of the forehead and along the middle of the cheeks (right between the hollows and the top of the cheekbones) to help soften the corners of your face. 

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Tinsel Lids Are the Ultimate Holiday Glam Moment

Create the ultimate holiday glow with tinsel lids. Discover step-by-step tips for shimmering gold and champagne eyeshadow, subtle sparkle, and festive eye makeup that’s elegant, wearable, and perfect for holiday parties.

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How To Prevent Makeup SMUDGING! Mask Friendly Makeup

Before you start bashing me in the comments section or on Twitter, hear me out first, okay? I know some of you are thinking, what’s the point of wearing makeup when half your face is covered, or it’s not the time to worry about makeup. Well, those are valid opinions but for some, applying makeup gives them a sense of normalcy during these severe times. I never thought of writing a guide on how to prevent makeup from smudging on face masks until a doctor in an online beauty group asked about it. She got criticized but I’m glad a majority supported her and gave her tips. And surprisingly, there are now a handful of face mask makeup tutorials online.

Below are some tips and tricks by some of my favorite beauty gurus on how to prevent makeup from smudging on your face mask, or how to prevent it from staining. But if you’re suffering from acne breakouts from wearing a face mask, you can read this post instead.

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Jackie Aina

I don’t know about you but keeping makeup off my masks has been quite the TASK so I brought back this old school tip on how to prevent makeup from smudging. This is a really amazing makeup transfer proof technique!! ENJOY!

Christen Dominique

These are my tips and tricks I’ve found that have been keeping my makeup fresh so none comes off when I put on or take my face mask off!    

Gabriella Elena

Yes, you might have a little transfer (YOU’RE WEARING MAKEUP! LOL).. ♥️

Koko Guerra

Hey Boos! I missed y’all! Waassssssup? Thanks for watching and I hope at least one of these techniques help your makeup to not just be mask proof but to last you much longer through out the day! Tis the summer to slay your smudge free, mask proof makeup!!

Beauty Over 40

For the 40 and over beauties, here are tips that you will enjoy!

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Despite the tips you heard from all those amazing beauties, I just want to tell you that, do what’s comfortable with you. If you’re not into the glamourized eyes, foundation or you are a minimalist makeup wearer, that is okay. Follow your mood. I actually go out often without makeup. I just do my basic skincare regiment ( ” basic ” might not be the right wording but I mean I do my quick skincare and go since I am usually in a rush for work).

Do you have tips on how to prevent makeup from smudging on face masks or do you have a face mask makeup tutorial? Don’t hesitate to share it below!

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People Are Sleeping Less in Quarantine—Here Are Our Favorite Concealers to Pretend We Are

This season of life has come with a lot of surprise challenges. Who knew I’d stay up all night listening to Megan Thee Stallion for days on end? Or that I’d learn the problem with my finances all this time was me going out to eat every other day? But the most surprising of all is that even though I spend the most time at home as ever, I get significantly less sleep. And I know I’m not the only one! The Sleep Foundation explained that everything from raised anxiety to changes to daily life to extra screen time can cause our sleep to decrease in length and quality

So we know we’re not sleeping, and while there are a few healthy, natural ways to get that under control, you know my style: I’ll show you how to Band-Aid the problem for a little bit. What better way to hide all the sins of yesterday than concealer!? Until you can get those glorious few hours of sleep, these will save you for any shopping trip, meeting, or virtual happy hour you have planned—and they’ll do it without looking cakey, dry, or heavy on your face. Here are our favorites (and a reader-favorite!)

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Best for dry skin:

UOMA BEAUTY

Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer

If concealers typically make you feel parched under the eyes after a few hours, you need a creamy formula that keeps its moisture all day long, and Uoma’s Stay Woke concealer does just that. It’s hydrating right from the start and blends seamlessly into your skin or any foundation you might have underneath it. The creaminess doesn’t take away from the coverage though, so you’ll be sure to cover up those dark circles in a cinch.

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Best for oily skin:

TARTE

Shape Tape Concealer

As someone with dry under eyes, I never found love with this concealer, but I can see how it would be an absolute dream for oily skin (and also, it’s one of the top-selling concealers in the world, so maybe it’s me!). When I’ve used it on the parts of my complexion that get oily, it stays put all day long and doesn’t move, which is exactly what you want in a concealer. It boasts full-coverage, all-day wear that causes minimal creasing.

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Best for high-coverage:

JUVIA’S PLACE

I Am Magic Concealer

Of all the concealers on this list, this ranks as the highest coverage. If you’re rocking deep, dark circles, this will be your saving grace. However, the high-coverage doesn’t result in cakey or dry under eyes either. Instead, you’ll notice a smooth canvas that barely needs set with a powder. Coming in at 24 shades, you’re bound to find one that works best with your skin tone.

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Reader and editor-favorite:

NARS

Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer is basically makeup royalty. It’s in the makeup bag of most celebrities, beauty editors, and normal people alike. Our editor Cassie once said it best in our annual empties: “It’s super natural looking while still giving the perfect amount of coverage, and never creases or looks dry (even on my crazy-dry skin). I’ve been loving putting a little of this under my eyes and on blemishes when I work from home to put a little put-together and awake. I love that I can wear it on its own without it ever looking like I’m obviously wearing concealer. This was an obvious re-purchase for me—I’ll never be without it.”

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Best at the drugstore:

MILANI

Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer

This isn’t the first time I’ve raved about this concealer. It’s my favorite concealer I’ve ever found at the drugstore, and I think it’s ideal for all skin types. It has a natural matte finish, but don’t let that deter you dewy girls: it still looks gorgeous and natural when paired with your favorite dewy moisturizers, foundations, and highlighters. I love this all over my face to spot conceal as well because the coverage is amazing and it blends out to look just like my skin. At under $10, go ahead and buy your summer and winter shade.

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Best splurge:

ARMANI BEAUTY

Power Fabric Concealer

I know this one is a little on the pricey side, but I couldn’t leave it out because it’s basically the only concealer I’ve worn the past five months. It is everything you want in a concealer: light, natural, hydrating, creaseless, and blendable. The price might put an ache in your neck for a second, but you only have to use a little bit so the concealer goes a long way. I also use it as a foundation sometimes, and that is absolutely *chef’s kiss*. I feel a little fancy and extra confident every time I use it, and that’s worth double the price to me!

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Most long-wearing:

FENTY BEAUTY

Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

Fenty Beauty has to make its way into basically any roundup because the products are truly made for everyone. I could have given this “Best Shade Range” or “Best for Special Occasions” or “Best for All Skin Types,” but the magic of this concealer lies in its staying power. Dab it on the under eyes and without setting it, it lasts hours upon hours. If you set it (ideally with the Fenty powder, which I can vouch for, and it’s one of the best!), it’s over for your under eyes. Dark circles who? Never met her. This concealer has all the properties of those above, but how long it lasts without creasing or separating is what makes it stand out. If you have a hard time with concealers rubbing off on you, try this.

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WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO CONCEALER? ( let us know in the comments)

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BB Cream vs. Foundation: What’s the Difference?

If you take a walk down any makeup aisle, it’s clear there are so many complexion products to choose from. There’s something for every skin type (read: oily, dry, mature) and an endless amount of finishes (think: dewy, matte, velvet). The sheer number of BB creams, CC creams and foundations can be overwhelming. To help you find your perfect match, we gathered all the tips and tricks we have learned over the years. Below, we share the difference between BB cream, CC cream and foundation — and tips for applying each. 

What Is BB Cream?

BB cream is an all-in-one makeup product. It traditionally has good-for-your-skin ingredients like SPF and sufficient coverage to still even out redness and smooth rough texture. BB creams range anywhere from a barely-there tint to medium coverage. What’s more, BB creams also have the added benefit of helping breakout-prone skin. “If you’re acne-prone, using a BB cream that’s oil-free is a good way to go. We recommend the Complexion Rescue BareMinerals, which is formulated with salicylic acid to address acne. This BB cream moisturizes, tints, and provides SPF protection. It’s a great choice for darker skin tones. 

What Is Foundation?

Foundation is a classic go-to option for makeup artists and beauty lovers who want to create a flawless canvas and have superior skin coverage. If you want something that’s going to last all day and give you airbrushed-looking skin, foundation is the right choice. Foundations are also available in a wide range of coverage options. While the coverage is buildable, we love the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation and Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup for a lightweight, sheer option. For medium to full coverage, we like the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation and Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and the Lancôme Rénergie Lift Makeup Foundation. 

What Is CC Cream?

Cut from the same cloth as a BB cream, a CC cream, or color correcting cream, is an all-in-one product intended to address redness, darkness and sallowness. It blends skin care with light-diffusing properties to give you a smoother complexion, but it doesn’t give the same amount of coverage as a BB cream.

How to Apply BB Cream and CC Cream

BB creams and CC creams are a true time-saver in the morning and impossible to mess up. “Anything that combines sunscreen, skin-care ingredients, antioxidants and light coverage is ideal for the busy woman who doesn’t have time for a more in-depth regimen. Just rub a pea-sized or dime-size amount between your hands to warm it up and apply to bare, freshly cleansed skin. You can use a sponge or brush for application, too. Just note, if you have extra dry skin, you can benefit from applying a moisturizer underneath your BB or CC to give your skin an added boost of hydration.  

How to Apply Foundation

Considering most women use foundation to cover up things like under-eye circles, pimples, uneven skin tone and other imperfections, the application needs to be a bit more precise. You can use your hands, however, you’ll get the most even coverage using a sponge or brush.

Sponges tend to be a bit more intuitive than brushes, and you’ll achieve a more airbrushed finish, while makeup artists swear by a brush for its ability to effortlessly blend and smooth product evenly. Depending on your preference, try IT Brushes For ULTA Airbrush Dual-Ended Flawless Complexion Concealer & Foundation Brush #132 or Tarte Double Duty Beauty Powder Foundation Brush & Removable Sponge.

Start by dabbing dots of foundation down the center of your face — forehead, nose, upper lip and chin — and blend your foundation outwards using your tool of choice. Be sure to pay extra attention to your hairline and chin as you want to blend those areas out the most for a seamless and invisible foundation line.