How to apply bronzer and get a sunkissed glow

So this is one of those things I think all of us are guilty of at some point... I know I am! Somehow, at some point, I got the misconception that bronzer was made to re-color your entire face. So, I piled it on like there was no tomorrow. Thankfully, those days are over and I've accumulated some knowledge on the RIGHT way to get that sunkissed glow with out looking orange, streaky, and unnatural...

In the photo above, i've done a bit of a dramatic version what bronzer shouldn't, but sometimes does, look like. The concealer under the eyes is too light, the bronzer is a cheap brand, and the application is completely off. And on the right picture, i've given her a sweet sunkissed glow that looks natural and blends with her body. She looks like shes glowing, but you can't really tell shes wearing makeup. In this post, i'm going to give you a tutorial on how to create this flawless look. 

Bronzer is designed to warm the face and give it depth and dimension. It also gives you a healthy glow without the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun that can cause all things from skin cancer to premature aging and sagging. After seeing this video I was so moved. I really decided to change my habits about the sun and start wearing sunscreen.There is no reason to permanently damage your skin and risk your life when their are perfectly good alternatives.

 Bronzer does not have to look orange and streaky, and here I'm going to show you how to accomplish a beautiful natural look in a few easy steps. I hope you enjoy this tutorial.

After you have done your skin care routine, apply foundation and concealer. The canvas (your face) you apply makeup on has to be well cared for and all blemishes and dark circles must be concealed. Bronzer tends to accentuate flaws and discolorations, so good concealer is a must. Also, don't apply a concealer thats too light. You want it to look natural. Concealer for under the eyes should be only 2 shades lighter then your normal skin tone, and for covering blemishes it should match the skin tone on your face.

Set the foundation and concealer with a pressed powder. This will help your makeup to last longer and will prevent the bronzer from dragging and messing up the perfect canvas we've created.

Sweep a bronzer onto the face in a 3 sweep motion. Application is so important.  Here is a demonstration on the areas of the face that the sun would naturally hit and applying it on these areas will make the tan look more authentic.

 My cute little Japanese chin Martha wanted to get in the picture :) Also, here is the palette I'm using for this tutorial- its called "sweet dreams" by too faced. Best bronzer I've ever used hands down, with not the slightest trace of orange. All products used will be listed at the end of this tutorial if your interested.

Apply a coral blush color to the apples of the cheeks. To identify the apples of your cheeks, just smile! :)

For the finishing touch, apply a highlight color to the highest points of the face, such as the center of the chin, between the brows, upper cheekbone area, and bridge of the nose. This will really brighten up the face and give it dimension. 

I was having too much fun with this, my sister is such a good model!

See what a difference these steps make?

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Special thanks to my beautiful sister lauren for being my model. And thank-you Emma for your help as well!

What's the worst makeup crime you have ever seen? 

- AMANDA, XOXO

P.S- Don't forget to watch this video

*PRODUCTS USED* 

Neautrogena healthy skin liquid foundation in natural ivory.

Makeup forever camouflage cream palette in "no.1"
Benefit "get even" blotting powder

Too faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer

Benefit blush in "Coralista" 

 Benefit highlight in "high beam"