Bronzer for every occasion

Cassie Steer,-Beauty Editor

From beach burnished to garden party glow, there’s a bronzer to suit. Make space in your makeup bag for a whole new complexion kit

When it comes to dressing for different events, most of us will own a medley of lipsticks and glosses to match our outfit or mood. But with more formulas and finishes than ever before, curating your very own bronzer wardrobe is the key to tailoring your glow to your event. Whether matte and moody or sheer and shimmery, there’s a bronzer to suit your needs with results ranging from a ‘two-weeks-in-Corsica’ tan to a subtle, staycation flush.

‘Choosing the right bronzer for the situation in hand can be tricky to navigate,’ says makeup artist Cassie Lomas. ‘The first thing to consider is your lighting. Evening events where there is low lighting call for bronzers with a cooler grey or mushroom undertone to them which can also be used to contour the face for more dramatic night-time looks. For a daytime, outdoor event you want something that’s more golden or the skin can start to err towards looking a bit dirty.’

As well as tone, Lomas also recommends taking finish into account. ‘For me, if your skin is looking a bit dull or lifeless then a hint of shimmer will always make you look better,’ she says. ‘It gives your complexion a healthy radiance and helps to create the illusion of looking fresher and younger. More matte finishes on the other hand work really well with moody lighting and heavier makeup.’

In terms of texture, she suggests opting for liquids or creams for the daytime (gel textures work especially well for outdoor events). Powders, meanwhile, are great for evenings or those occasions where you want to look a little more dressy.

And for the beach? ‘Here’s where you probably want to skip the bronzer altogether, unless it’s a waterproof stain, and go for a self tan instead,’ she advises. ‘My top tip, especially if you’re going to be in the sun all day, is to use a bronze-coloured liquid lip product on your cheeks to give a healthy radiance that doesn’t budge – they’re designed to last so you won’t find your makeup sliding off half way through the day.’