Contouring: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Use Bronzer

Bronzer is one of the essential products in a makeup bag. It enhances the complexion and creates relief, while giving that famous “healthy glow effect” that is so sought after. But although it is a true ally, it should not be used as a contouring product.

Bronzing powder and contouring: two very distinct roles

Bronzer and contouring do not have the same functions. The role of bronzer is to warm up the complexion, providing a “sunny” effect, as if you had just returned from a day in the great outdoors. It focuses on specific areas of the face, naturally golden by the rays: cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose…

Conversely, contouring is a more sculptural technique, which consists of redefining the volumes of the face. The objective is to shade certain areas of the face and illuminate other parts to refine the cheeks, redefine the jawline, accentuate the depth of the temples…

Unsuitable warm shades

Another argument put forward by Zara Frindlay, make-up artist Boobi Brown in the magazine Glamor UK,: bronzing powders have warm, golden tones, not very suitable for the contouring technique.

Indeed, by applying bronzer in the intended areas (such as under the cheekbones, along the jaw, or even the temples), we risk obtaining an orange or golden effect that is not very elegant and lacks naturalness.

For successful contouring, it is better to favor products with cooler or neutral shades, which imitate the natural shadows of the face, such as a taupe.

These “contour” powders are specially designed to create shadow areas, refining and sculpting features without heating the skin.

Bronzer: a problematic texture

Last important point: the texture of bronzer can be a problem when contouring, because it is often lighter and brighter. Conversely, contouring powder is matte and offers a more natural look.

The right texture to favor, ultimately? Cream contouring.

Slide: What contouring technique for my face?