If you want to maintain your tan shine on your face all year round, knowing how to use bronzing drops will come in handy. It's a quick step that fits into your morning skincare routine and can easily transform your entire makeup routine.
Part of the appeal of bronzing drops is how easy they are to use—at least in theory. But if you've ever noticed uneven coverage or streaks after application, you're not alone. And while they may complement your summer complexion more harmoniously, bronzing drops may be less forgiving on paler complexions. winter skin. But with the right preparation and application techniques, you can get the most out of your bronzer drops any time of year.
Below, we asked professional makeup artists to share their best tips for applying bronzing drops, from prepping your skin to common mistakes to avoid.
What are bronzing drops?
Are bronzing drops technical makeup or skin care? “Bronzing drops are actually both!” says a professional makeup artist Tiesha Williams. “They're similar to tinted moisturizers, acting like a sheer to medium coverage product while also providing hydration to the skin.”
Bronzing drops are usually more concentrated than liquid bronzer or skin toneswhich means you won't want to apply them directly to your skin. They should be mixed with another product – usually a moisturizer or foundationdepending on your preference. The goal is to add an even layer of warmth (and sometimes a hint of shimmer) to the face, which will add a base glow to the rest of your makeup.
BeautyBio Bronzing Blenddrops
How to apply bronzing drops, step by step
Step 1: Prepare your skin.
“Start with clean, moisturized skin and apply serums as usual,” says Jamie Greenbergcelebrity makeup artist and founder JamieMakeup. If you plan to wear foundation or skin tint (or if you have dry skin), apply a layer of moisturizer first and let it absorb before applying makeup.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Anti-Redness Moisturizer
Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer
Step 2: Mix bronzing drops.
Start by placing one to three drops of bronzer on the back of your hand. To create a less coverage effect that adds warmth to your natural skin, add a pea-sized amount of moisturizer or primer. “Take a medium-sized two-fiber bronzer brush and blend the products on the back of your hand,” says Williams. If you prefer more coverage in your base, use the same method to blend the drops into your True Match foundation.
.png)
Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Hydrating Primer
-
-
Original photo of Alanna Martin Kilkeery testing the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint.
Hourglass Veil Moisturizing Foundation
Step 3: Apply bronzing drops and blend.
Using a brush, apply the product to your face, starting from the areas where the sun naturally tans (forehead, bridge of the nose, cheeks and chin). Using gentle outward or circular motions, blend until face is evenly covered. “Then take a clean blending sponge, free of any products, and gently massage the bronzer into the skin until it appears to melt into the skin,” says Williams.
