If you love your cheekbones, play around withhighlighterto make them pop.
If you love your eye color, try out a complementary eye shadow.
And if you love your face shape but want a bit more snatch, then contour is for you.
However, using contour can be confusing, especially when it comes to picking the right product.
What’s more, it’sverysimilar to another makeup staple you probably already own: bronzer.
Let’s dive in.
Bronzer vs. contour: the difference?
So if you want a sun-kissed glow, bronzer is a must.
If you want to snatch your cheekbones, then contour products are the way to go.
Tone
But what makes them different in the first place?
In part, the tone of bronzer and contour products tends to be different.
Your skin’snatural undertoneswill of course affect just how warm and cool these are.
Color shade
The depth of the color also plays a role.
After these steps, you’ll want to go in with blush, highlighter, etc.
you might technically use bronzerascontour, but it may not result in the same chiseled look, Greenberg says.
And finallyyou don’tneedboth to create a fabulous makeup look; it’s all about what you’re going for.
You should see these products as tools to enhance your vision, not change the way you look.
Summary: What makes a bronzer.
Summary: What makes contour.
What to look for.
“If you have more dry skin, I would recommend using a cream bronzer,” she notes.
If your skin is on the oily side, then a powder formula might be betterespecially for long wear.
If your skin tends to run right down the middle, Gilleo recommends a combination.
“I personally love cream to contour and powder to bronze,” she explains.
And if you’re not sure what your skin pop in is,this quiz will help you out.
), then you’re free to play around with both.
Not sure what your undertones are?Here’s another quiz to make it easy.
How to apply each.
Applying contour.
Applying contour tends to be a bit more confusing, so here’s the overview.
If you’re using a cream product, then a blending brush or sponge will do.
For powder, stick with a contour brush designed for powder products to blend.
“Alwaysblend upward to really get that sculpted look,” Greenberg notes.
Be sure to blend down into the neck to avoid harsh lines.
The best contour products.
Luckily, applying bronzer is much less complex.
While contour should be blended carefully and kept in certain areas, bronzer can be more widespread.
However, it may be easier to gauge how much bronzer you truly needafterblending in the contour.
Best bronzer products.
Tower28
Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer
Saie
Sun Melt
Kosas
The Sun Show Bronzer
Do you need both?
Howeveryou don’t technicallyneedevery step, especially every day.
If a summery glow is more your vibe, then bronzer will be your best friend.
FAQ
What color bronzer should I use for contour?
If you’re using bronzer as contour, use a cool-toned product.
Look for ashy colors with gray hues rather than warm tones with orange hues.
What is the difference between bronzer and contour?
Bronzer tends to have warmer tones, while contour is a cool-toned product.
Should contour be darker than bronzer?
Where do I put contour vs. bronzer?
To contour your chin, fire off the product along the jawline and blend down the neck.
To shorten the face, apply contour in an upside down “U” shape on the forehead.
Bronzer should be applied anywhere the sun naturally hits the face.
Can you apply bronzer all over your face?
Is cream or powder bronzer better?
Which one you should choose, Greenberg says, depends on your skin punch in.
“If you have more dry skin, I would recommend using a cream bronzer,” she notes.
If your skin is on the oily side, then a powder formula might be betterespecially for long wear.
Use a cream contour and a powder bronzer if your skin is right down the middle.
The takeaway.
Now you know how to pick the best product and how to apply it.
A blush color that will complement your natural flushhere’s how to tell.
