Where and How to Apply Bronzer, Blush and Highlighter

When it comes to your base make-up, you don’t have to choose between bronzer, blush or highlighter. All three can be worn at the same time to create a warm, glowing complexion. You just need to know where and how to apply them…

BRONZER

Step 1. When wearing bronzer in combination with blush, try to avoid the apples of the cheeks and instead sweep your bronzer from your ears downwards, running underneath your cheekbones. “Applying bronzer under your cheekbones is a great way to help make them stand out and also lightly creates a contour to the face,” says make-up artist Ann Hassarati. A matte bronzer is best used for this technique.

How-to-Apply-Bronzer

Step 2. Use the remnants on your brush to lightly dust the temples, as well as down the nose and chin (places where sunlight would naturally hit), for a natural glow.

How-to-Apply-Bronzer

BLUSH

Step 3. Applying blush and bronzer can help to give your cheeks the perfect amount of colour and glow. Ann says, “Your cheeks have more than enough room for both [blush and bronzer, but] remember, rosy shades [are designed] to mimic a natural flush and have no place on the hollows.” So when it comes to applying your blush, start at the centre of the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards.

How-to-Apply-Blush

HIGHLIGHTER

Step 4. Highlighter should be applied after all other base products as the finishing touch. Ann says, “The cool thing about highlighting your face is that you can use it in so many different areas.” To accentuate your cheeks, apply your highlighter at the tops of your cheekbones, blending towards your temples. A fan brush is a great tool to use for this area.

How-to-Apply-Highlighter

Step 5. To highlight the eyes, switch to a small eye brush and apply some highlighter to your browbone and inner corners of the eyes.

How-to-Apply-Highlighter

Looking for bronzer, blush and highlighter, in one handy palette? We got you:

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Do you like to use bronzer, blush and highlighter together?

110 Member Comments

Lucy16 3 Jun 2019 2:14 PM

Love highlighter

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Lucy16 23 Nov 2018 12:58 PM

What a fantastic tutorial.

I'll be sure to follow this advice next time I put on my face!

ThisIsMe 20 Nov 2018 11:49 AM

I actually don't use bronzer these days. I did recently get a maybelline mixed "highlighter" and that has a mixture of all 2 and it's not too bad.

millie-rosexo 4 Nov 2018 7:29 AM

great step by step guide!

Eyeream 27 Jan 2018 7:54 PM

Great guide thankyou

Kimi Vee 10 Nov 2017 1:33 PM

love highlighter!!

ray_jay 12 Sep 2017 8:59 PM

I have to admit , I really like putting bronzer under my cheek like contouring the under like it this photo because it helps bring out my cheek a little bit more.

Simonja 23 Aug 2017 9:57 PM

I use blush but not bronzer. Found this article to be quite useful. Thanks BH

onlyoni 23 Aug 2017 9:51 PM

An informative article. I always use blush and sometimes a touch of bronzer.

Abbey193 10 Aug 2017 3:56 PM

For years I was applying my bronzer way too low, this really helps!

Belnic 15 Jul 2017 4:03 PM

Great read thank you. So clear & easy to follow!

annieleem 24 Apr 2017 8:30 AM

I love using highlighters and blush!

jlsta 24 Apr 2017 12:03 AM

Definitely use all three in conjunction! Love it all!

the_girl_who_loves_cosmetics 22 Mar 2017 11:07 PM

This is the guide I needed!

brooklynsmith 12 Jan 2017 10:29 AM

great read!

brooklynsmith 12 Jan 2017 10:24 AM

anyone know a good highlighter?

ray_jay 12 Sep 2017 8:50 PM

Where do you start. So many. Liquid powder natural not natural. Expensive not expensive. High end . Palettes lol. My recommendations becca highlighters , hourglass strobe and lightening palettes, nude by nature palettes, as for liquids their is benefit, nude by nature again, nyx etc etc.

Belindarella 8 Jan 2017 10:45 PM

This was a good read.. I've not used bronzer before as I'm very fair & it seems a bit scary.,I think I need a good brush though before I try it...

Trish_D 4 Jan 2017 2:32 PM

I love a decent blush but have never been comfortable with bronzer. I'm pleased to see I'm applying blush as suggested!

Tara598 5 Dec 2016 12:27 AM

I cant use bronzer because im so pale... It makes me look like I have tbe wrong shade foundation on. I tried to buy a lighter bronzer but it still looked ridiculous

dynat11 4 Dec 2016 9:23 PM

Yaass! Thank you, BH! I really needed this article! Time to practice and step up my bronzer and blush game!! I usually only use blush. I kinda need bronzer for my face shape in my opinion but was always too scared of messing up! Hope now I can master it!

Elunia 4 Dec 2016 6:53 PM

I am starting to use blush and foregoing the bronzer.

I have run out of highligher and I need to buy some more.

Kendall Jayne 4 Dec 2016 11:54 AM

I love using a fan brush for highlighter, it makes it so much easier and it applies the highlight evenly and lightly.

thelifeoflaura 3 Dec 2016 4:35 PM

Oooo some good tips!! I am always hopeless with my bronzer

SamHopkins 2 Dec 2016 10:31 PM

I have the Rimmel Kate sculpting and highlighting kit and it's really great for this! It makes it alot easier to apply and blend everything.

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