What is Face Bronzer?

Face bronzer is a temporary, washable cosmetic usually applied directly onto the face. It is commonly sold as a powder, mousse or spray, though the product is often sold in various other forms as well. Bronzers are typically applied via a powder brush or makeup sponge or sprayed directly onto skin. One can apply a face bronzer to areas of the face that would naturally be touched by sun such as the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and the forehead. By doing so, one may be able to achieve a “sun-kissed” look without the need for sun tanning in potentially harmful ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, which can burn and damage the skin.

Over recent decades, a growing number of medical studies have shown how potentially damaging sunbathing can be to the skin, yet statistics suggest that many people prefer a tanned look to pale skin. This may be because some people believe that tanned skin gives a stronger impression of health. Beauty companies have, therefore, manufactured products for years that aim to give customers a tan look in just minutes. With these products, sun exposure is no longer necessary to add color to the face that suggests one has spent time outdoors.

Though they strive to attain the same affect, there is a difference between face bronzers and sunless tanning products. Sunless tanning generally refers to lotions, foams and sprays that are often applied all over the body. These products are meant to penetrate the upper layers of the skin so that a fake tan lasts several days.

Face bronzer, on the other hand, is not meant to tint the skin. It works much like a concealer, powder or blush in that it adds color on the surface only. At the end of the day, one can feasibly remove face bronzer during her usual makeup removal routine. One may, however, also use face bronzer wherever she wishes; the product is commonly added to the neck and chest when these parts are exposed.

There is a vast variety of types and brands of face bronzer. One may easily find bronzer next to the blush at most stores that sell makeup. This type of bronzer generally comes in a pressed or loose powder and is swept onto the face with a powder brush. Many beauty experts suggest using a large brush rather than the typically small, coarse brushes supplied with the product.

While powder is recommended for those with oily skin, a liquid-based face bronzer may work better for people with dry skin. Bronzer is, therefore, also sold as a gel or mousse. This type of bronzer is usually applied one small dab at a time by finger, then evened out with a sponge.

New versions of face bronzer hit the shelves of stores as well as online retailers all the time. Recently, spray-on temporary bronzer seems to be growing in popularity. When looking for the right bronzer, one should look for a color that is only two or three shades darker than her natural skin color. Using a bronzer that is too dark may result in an unnatural appearance.