Sometimes we might be confused when speaking of similarities between beauty products. This applies to bronzer and contour. Whenever we fall into the rabbit hole of contour vs. bronzer, just so you know, it’s warmth versus sculpting we’re comparing.
What is the Difference Between Bronzer and Contour?
Surprisingly, a bronzer can be used as contour and vice versa, as long as you don’t confuse the placement of the product on your face. That being said, it’s the techniques that make the difference.
Although they can be used interchangeably, contour and bronzer are two independent beauty products that together pull out a face beat.
What is Bronzer?
If your face ever longed for a long-lasting beach tan that comes along with the summer breeze, a packaging with bronzer on it will never fail to give you just that. Although bronzer, just like contour, can come in various product types such as matte powder, liquid, or cream bronzer.
- Matte powder bronzer can be used for contouring, since it offers depth and a glimpse of dimension when applied correctly, just like contour does. It doesn’t give off that extra shimmery finish, so powder bronzer might be the perfect solution for oily skin too.
- Cream bronzer promises that nurturing look, since its ingredients are very nourishing and hydrating, making it great for everyone with a dry skin type. Also, if you’re aiming for a natural look, cream bronzer might just be your go-to.
- Liquid bronzer is all about giving that extra glow. The tropical, glowy type of bronzer. With its alluring, shimmery finish, usually enriched with coconut oil and vitamin E, liquid bronzer is the right last makeup step to settle all the products such as foundation, concealer, and blush underneath.
How to Apply Bronzer?
Remember bronzer is supposed to be put where the sun would naturally hit the face. That includes placement like your temples, your cheekbones, your chin, the area next to your hairline, and the tip of your nose.
Although techniques might differ for all the unique face shapes we get to finesse, as long as the placement of the bronzer is correct, the application process is the same for everyone.
What is Contour?
A contouring stick or powder palette helps to emphasize your excellence, rather than helping you do coverage. Contour is all about defining and sculpting your features. Because contour is supposed to add depth, earth tones would be the right call for a natural-looking shadow.
For better, natural results, you should stick to two deeper contour shades than the foundation you use.
Your personal contour formula should always be a result of your skin type preferences and your level of experience with the product application.
- While powder contour might offer that full face, enhanced features look, it probably is not suitable for beginners.
- Creamy formulas are always better for those who want to give contour a first try, or for those who want to look dewy and receive a natural glowy finish.
- Liquid contour products are great for chiseled radiance. This formula is super easy to blend out with an angled brush to create the look you want.
How to Apply Contour?
The proper contouring application technique begins by applying the contouring product to the outer areas of your forehead. Once applied, you should then follow the hollows of your cheekbones, and finally, pay attention to contouring the corners of your jaw for a bold and defined appearance.
Picking the Right Brush for Contouring and Bronzing
- Bronzing is applied seamlessly when a fluffy, smooth makeup brush is used.
- When picking a contour brush, keep in mind the contour formula you’re using. While a cream contour can be effortlessly blended with a beauty blender, powder and liquid contours often require the bristles of a powder brush for optimal application.
FAQs
How to Apply Bronzer and Blush?
Bronzer and blush make a great duo. For bronzer, choose a shade slightly darker than your skin tone and apply it to areas where the sun naturally hits your face. Use a fluffy brush for seamless blending. When it comes to blush, pick a color that complements your skin undertone and apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples.
To get the best out of both products, it’s best to match the product formula, that is, for example if you’re using cream bronzer, the right choice would be a cream blush formula.
Is Bronzer for Contouring?
Bronzer can indeed be used for contouring to create definition and sculpt your face. When selecting a bronzer shade, opt for one that is slightly darker than your skin tone. Use a contour brush to apply the bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, along the jawline, and the sides of your nose. The secret lies on the application technique, not the product itself.
What’s the Difference Between Bronzer and Contour?
Understanding the difference between contouring and bronzer is crucial in the world of makeup. While both techniques involve using different shades to enhance facial features, bronzer is primarily used to add warmth and a sun-kissed glow, whereas contouring focuses on creating shadows and defining specific areas like cheekbones and jawline.
Both products are intended to be used following the application of face makeup, such as foundation makeup or concealer, which typically follows the use of moisturizer.
