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

Juliaxx98 1 Dec 2016 8:05 PM

Love a good bronzer and highlight, alth Ugh my cheeks are red naturally so I normally skin blush :)

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Princess Perfume 1 Dec 2016 1:09 PM

The only one of these that I use regularly is blush. I do own highlighters but rarely use them. As for bronzer, I'm so pale it just looks wrong on me.

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jodieleigh 30 Nov 2016 8:55 PM

If you can't find a fan brush, go to your local art store - I picked up my fan (paint) brush there for $5, it's synthetic and has such lovely bristles that hold powder amazingly

ray_jay 12 Sep 2017 8:51 PM

What an incredible idea.

MelissaFay89 30 Nov 2016 6:20 PM

I have a palette like this and I love it

Beautybabe140194 30 Nov 2016 12:15 AM

I don't tend to use much blush but I am always using bronzer and highlighter. Will try these tips for the blush.

clearcrystalwater 29 Nov 2016 9:12 PM

The essence & Natio palettes look good - I always forget for put highlighter on the bridge of my nose so it's good to have a refresher article like this.

Anita1502 29 Nov 2016 7:06 PM

I have never used a fan brush in my life. I think I must get one just to see whether it makes any difference when it comes to applying highlighter.

beckytindal 29 Nov 2016 2:11 PM

I stopped using blush when the contouring trend started, great little post about how to use all three! Thanks BH x

Hayley644 28 Nov 2016 8:23 PM

Great article, lots of helpful advice and tips.

Yohanna 28 Nov 2016 5:24 PM

Highlighter ok, but bronzers make people look dirty to me. I so do not like them, ugh

freaky 28 Nov 2016 5:11 PM

Thank you so much for these tips. Ive got the essence palette kit and now Im off to give a go. Wish me luck!

duality 28 Nov 2016 5:04 PM

I didn't know essence made a set like that, and the Natio one looks nice, not that I really need any more blush/highlighter/contour products, my bathroom is bursting but they are so darn useful!

Linda_Vesinger 28 Nov 2016 3:48 PM

I don't use bronzer too often, but I think I will experiment with it more often now. Adds a nice glow for summer

Miss19 28 Nov 2016 12:31 PM

Thank you for the photos and step by step guide! I always wondered where to put bronzer

Beauty Obsession 28 Nov 2016 10:28 AM

Great tips! I've been a bit heavy handed with blush and bronzer at times.

darasparkle 15 Nov 2016 5:54 PM

Great guide! I'm still petrified of using any of these products because I'm fair with natural red cheeks.

blackkittykat 15 Nov 2016 2:16 PM

Great step by step guide, thank you. I usually use blush and a highlighter but may use bronzer as well now that the weather is warmer. I really want that Natio blush and bronzer palette. Such a great bargain!

TheBeatlesFan 14 Nov 2016 2:20 PM

Certainly something I feel I am a bit clueless with so it's great I can save this and refer to it.

Jackjackjackie 26 Oct 2016 5:10 PM

I love using bronzer to define my cheekbones, thanks for the tip

dimmieloves 30 Sep 2016 7:34 PM

Highlighting is my favourite makeup step! A light dusting over the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and under the brow and I'm set ready for the day!

Petal 30 Aug 2016 11:14 PM

I tried Benefit Hoola, but it has too much warmth. I think bronzing looks better with people that have skin and hair with a strong warm undertone.

darasparkle 15 Nov 2016 7:56 PM

I completely agree! I find them too hard being so fair.

hanan1994 28 Aug 2016 5:30 PM

i love the bronzer i really think it gives the makeup the whole finish including the highlighter

KaraJaneRoss 18 Aug 2016 4:57 PM

Applying bronzer, blush and highlighter is not in my daily make up routine, usually something I attempt to do for special occasions, and usually not accurately done to my liking, These are some really easy tips to follow and I think maybe perfecting these I could and others could slip them into their daily make up routine.

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