#theSOproject // Bronzer

Another week, another #theSOproject post and now things are getting interesting as we start talking about dare I say the fun stuff. We have our fabulous bases thanks to last weeks Foundation post which you can find here and now it's the turn of the products that add colour and life to faces, this week Bronzer.

Bronzer is traditionally used to give our skins a bit of colour . If you want to add a golden or bronze glow to your skin, reach for the bronzer, not your foundation a shade darker.

I've always been a little clueless where Bronzer has been concerned. I'm not sure why, maybe it's my previous inability to apply or at least know how to apply properly or simply picking the wrong shade but there is the fear that I will make myself look less bronzed and more orange.

As you can see from my photo I don't have a heavy stash of bronzers, the first and most used from Clarins which I only brought back in May following my desire to recreate a Tanya Burr tutorial. Since then it is a staple in my make up bag and I tend to apply to the recommended highpoints of my face rather than frantically swirling all over until I resemble an Oompa Loompa. That said sometimes I need a light dusting all over depending on the base I'm using that day.

Of course now we are also using Bronzers for contouring which is when I reach for either the Sleek Contour Kit or my Barry M Natural Dazzle* both being matte and fit for purpose. I won't delve too much into contouring for this post as it's still something I'm getting to grips with and certainly not something I would do on a daily basis.

It's always good to learn from someone else mistakes so here is what I've learnt about Bronzer.

• Your bronzer should only be two shades darker than your natural skin tone which if you choose to go a step further into contouring will help create your blank canvas for contouring.
• Always apply in light coats and build up the colour until you get the look you desire
• Apply to the top of your forehead, your cheekbones and along your jawline forming a 3 shape on either side of the face.
• Choose a matte bronzer rather than one with shimmer if you're masking imperfections

On what Bronzers are on my wishlist because I surely must add to my stash, well of course it goes without saying Nars Laguna (I can't wait to see if this features in numerous posts this evening!) and when I visit the US next month I'm hoping to pick up Tarte Amazonian Clay.

*PR Sample