latinas and bronzer

Ok chicas I've been asked about bronzers a lot lately. I have used them a lot for work over the years and feel that the formulations have gotten so much better and that what's available out there now really can give you the desired effect.

There are basically two types of bronzer (cream or lotion and powder) I have used both depending on what part of the body/face I'm working with. Mousses are also an option but I haven't worked with them much. If I want to give the whole body a "glow" a like to make my own mix by blending some body lotion (jergens is great) with a cream bronzer (I like Stila's) depending on the skin type I can add more as needed but I get great control that way and also it can be done very quickly. The skin looks really gorgeous and it's a favorite of photographers and clients that want skin to "glow" You can also do this on the face by mixing the bronzer with your foundation. I like to mix foundation with a "glow" product like MAC's strobe lotion and then add the bronzer to it. Blend on your hand to use the warmth of your skin to make it all adhere and apply it. You might have to do a "test" area to make sure that the color isn't too dark or light.

As far as the powder version I was for years a fan of Dior's Meteorites. I know tend to like bronzers that don't have too much shine to them as some of them really make the face look way too sparkly. Just remember you want a SUBTLE shimmer and not look too shiny.

Here's a picture of a model that I did for HARPER'S BAZAAR EN ESPANOL. She is wearing full body lotion/bronzer mix as well as my described trick on the face. Make sure that you don't skip concealer and if you have wonderful skin you might not need powder (like a did on her) If not do a light dusting of a powder that is a little bit warmer than your skin tone.

Some other uses for bronzer can be as a substitute for blush which will give the face a nice definition. Just make sure that you blend it all well. I like to use the bronzer under the cheekbones for definition and then use a pinky blush on the apples of the cheeks blending both together (again look at the picture)

Latinas specifically shouldn't be scared of bronzer making them look too dark or their skin look "dirty" or oily. Go for it, try it----- Looks great on Jennifer Lopez and it can work on you too!