The one product you need to achieve Blake Lively's radiant complexion
It’s safe to say that Blake Lively looked radiant at last night’s Time 100 Gala. Her signature blonde hair was pinned back into a loose, low ponytail and a swipe of pink lipstick complemented her complexion. It was latter, her bronzed, sun kissed glow, that stole the show though.
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A hint of bronzer can give you an instant look of health. Bronzing powder is a bit of a Marmite make-up product. While some of us employ a heavy dusting of it all year round in a bid to maintain a healthy glow like Blake’s, others avoid it like the plague for fear of being left with a patchy, powdery orange complexion.
The less-is-more approach is key when it comes to bronzing, one swish of powder should be enough to cover your face. Apply in a '3' shape from the top of your forehead, round into your cheekbones and down to your jawline, then finish with a dusting down your nose and lightly on your chin. Essentially, you want a hint of colour on the areas where the sun would naturally catch.
When it comes to finding the right colour, don't go more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you're still unsure, Guerlain and L'Oreal Paris helpfully organises their shades into brunettes and blondes.
Formulas have come a long way in the past few years with powders being more finely milled and shades corrected to offer more of a sun kissed glow. Here are the ones to have on your radar…
Best bronzing powder for sculpting
Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow, £49
Most make-up artists will say you shouldn’t use bronzer to contour with, but it would be tricky not to with Charlotte Tilbury’s clever Film Star Bronze and Glow. Part highlighter, part bronzer is the perfect duo to create chiselled cheekbones.
Best liquid bronzer
Nars Laguna Liquid Bronzer, £27
If you’re still not convinced by bronzing powder, Nars’ new liquid version of its iconic Laguna Bronzer might entice you. It can be used alone to add a hint of colour onto cheeks or it can be mixed in with your primer or foundation to warm up your complexion.
Best matte bronzing powder
Some bronzing powders have a shimmery, pearlescent finish, which is great if you’re channelling a glamorous St Tropez-esque tan, but if you want a more low-key, subtle finish you should opt for a matte formula. Admittedly, you do need to buff it in properly to avoid the streaky finish, but Diorskin’s Nude Air Tan will give you that natural look of health.
Best budget bronzing powder
L’Oreal Paris Glam Bronze Duo, £10.29
This powder offers a matte finish and is so finely milled that even the heaviest hand would struggle to create a cakey finish. It’s easily the best budget bronzer and an ideal buy if you go through your bronzer quickly.
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Best bronzing stick
By Terry Glow-Expert Duo Stick, £38
For those on-the-go or looking for quick application, look no further than By Terry’s Duo Stick. Its half highlighter, half bronzer format means all you need to do is swipe and blend. The entire process takes less than a minute and works on your cheeks and jaw line perfectly.
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