Bronzer vs Blusher: What We Think

Just about every makeup artist will tell you that blushers and bronzers are the key to healthy-looking, glowing skin.

But how exactly do they work? Sometimes a blusher looks like a bronzer and sometimes it seems that no shade suits you. That’s why we’ve decided to get to the crux of these makeup artist favourites, so you can start using them at comfortably at home!

 

Why use a bronzer?

We all love the sun-kissed look you get from spending time outdoors, but we know better than exposing our skins to harmful UV rays…

Bronzers imitate the glow we get from a tan, and can be used on all skin tones except for porcelain skins (they leave very pale skin looking a bit dirty). Not only do they warm up your complexion, but they also add a hint of pretty shimmer. The results? You look like you’ve just come back from an island holiday (without the expensive price tag or the sun damage).

How do I apply it?

Powder blushers are the most common type (though gel and creamy blushers are popular too), and are best applied with a kabuki brush. Dip your kabuki, or wide, flat brush into your bronzing powder. Lightly tap the brush on the side of the container so that you don’t have too much bronzer on the brush, and start by sweeping it across the apples of your cheeks.

Lightly brush over your nose and chin (being careful not to use too much bronzer) and lastly, brush some onto your neck as well. Stand back and make sure the colour is well-blended. Wearing a low-cut top? Sweep some bronzer across your collarbone for extra effect.

Which shade suits me?

There’s a shade of bronzer out there for everyone, and knowing what to look for just makes it that much easier!

• Fair Skin? We suggest you use a blusher that has a pink or peachy shimmer.

• Medium or Mediterranean skin? Opt for the slightly darker bronzer as it accentuates medium skin and adds a beautiful bronze hue.

• Dark skinned? Opt for a golden bronze is most flattering on medium-dark and dark skins as its colour is more intense.

 

Does wearing blusher really make a difference?

In short, yes. Similarly to bronzer, a blusher also gives you a healthy look, but instead of adding a sun-kissed glow, it you get a pretty flush instead. It livens up absolutely all complexions, and if your skin’s looking a bit tired or dull, a sweep of blusher can make all the difference. Unlike bronzer, blushers are reserved for cheekbones only, and can make the eyes and rest of the face look sore or tender if applied there, so remember to keep a separate blusher brush.

How should I apply it?

Blusher can come in the form of creams, gels, tints and pencils, but our favourite is still the trusty powder blusher (which is the easiest to apply). Though you can (technically) use any large brush to apply it, we love an angled brush such as the rubybox tools Angled Blusher Brush. Dip the brush into your blusher and lightly tap off any excess powder. To apply, smile, and lightly sweep the brush across the apples of your cheeks. Make sure the colour is blended (especially towards the hairline) and try to keep the most of the product on the highest part of the cheekbone.

How do I know which shade suits me? 

You know the shade your cheeks turn after you’ve had a good workout? That’s your natural blush shade, which will be the most natural-looking colour to apply on your cheeks. If you’re looking to make more of a statement, opt for a shade similar to this, but slightly darker. If you’re very fair, opt for subtle shades of pink and peach. Darker skins, on the contrary, can pull of bright colours better, so go for a pop of red, coral or pink to liven up your look.

Final verdict

So now we’ve seen that bronzers and blushers can be used by anyone, and that they really have a place in every makeup bag.

Let us know your thoughts rubies. x