This is the new bronzer technique
Since we are in the middle of the winter weeks, the color that is now visible on my face is a bit au naturel. Whiter than white, let's just say in my case. The self-tanner is being applied en masse and bronzing drops provide a quick fix, but bronzing powder is also standardly at the front of my makeup bag. Those cheeks could definitely use a bit more life and color.
But applying bronzer is no longer how we always did it. Just when you thought you had it down: swiping, tapping, and applying with sweeping and rotating movements with powder bronzer, it turns out everything is different in 2026. Because nowadays, you apply bronzer really beautifully, and here's how. Here comes the 3-2-1 step plan.
Step 1
In this case, use a powder bronzer; we will leave the cream or liquid variant for now.
Step 2
Go lightly over the powder with a semi-fluffy, compact brush.
Step 3
Gently tap off the excess powder on the back of your hand. What we used to tap off or flick away with the brush in the air, you now consciously tap off. This way, the powder is nicely distributed over all the hairs of the brush and the thickest layer disappears.
Time to apply. Work in upward movements: so not back and forth from your ear to your nose and back, but rather from a higher point on your cheekbone towards your ear. Soft, subtle, and with a loose wrist. You can hold the brush a bit further back; this way, you automatically work lighter.
Do you find it difficult to determine the right spot? Then use your thumb and index finger. Place your thumb on your ear and point with your index finger towards your nostril. Follow that line: that's where your bronzer belongs.
So forget the back-and-forth swiping and ‘wooshing’ across your face. Subtly upwards, towards your ear, creates a naturally bronzed and lifted effect, exactly how we want it in 2026. Of course, you can also lightly include your forehead, jawline, nose, and even the eyelids to make everything one whole. But with this technique, you are already completely winter-proof bronzed ready.
@kseniia.nikiforova part 10 // simple way to apply powder bronzer #makeuptips #makeup #makeuphacks ♬ original sound – kseniia.nikiforova
Image: Instagram | yhkayla
