How to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow: Bronzer and Highlighter Techniques
How to Achieve a Sun-Kissed Glow: Bronzer and Highlighter Techniques Introduction: There’s something undeniably magical about a radiant, sun-kissed glow. Whether you’ve spent the day basking in the sun or you’re just looking to fake it, the right bronzer and highlighter can transform your complexion from drab to fab in minutes. But achieving that glowing, sun-kissed look isn't as simple as slapping on some makeup. It takes technique, the right products, and a little bit of know-how to ensure you get the perfect sun-kissed glow, no matter your skin tone.
In this guide, we’ll break down expert bronzer and highlighter techniques that will leave your skin looking as if you just returned from a tropical vacation. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best products available at Sephora to help you achieve that flawless, glowing finish. Ready to glow? Let’s dive in!
Understanding Your Skin Tone: The Key to a Natural Glow The first step to achieving the perfect sun-kissed glow is understanding your skin tone. Whether you have fair, medium, or deep skin, bronzer and highlighter should enhance your natural beauty, not overwhelm it.
Fair Skin: Opt for light, cool-toned bronzers and highlighters with a subtle shimmer to avoid looking too orange.
Medium Skin: Choose neutral or warm-toned bronzers with a golden shimmer, while highlighters with a soft peach or champagne hue will bring warmth to your complexion.
Deep Skin: Go for rich, deep bronzers and highlighters with a golden or bronze finish to create depth and radiance that pops.
Step 1: Perfecting the Base with Bronzer Bronzer is your best friend when it comes to achieving a sun-kissed glow. It adds warmth and dimension to your face, making it appear as though you've spent hours in the sun. Here’s how to apply it flawlessly:
Choose the Right Formula For a natural finish, powder bronzers work wonders for most skin types. Cream bronzers, on the other hand, offer a dewy, skin-like finish that’s perfect for dry or textured skin.
The Three E Technique The key to applying bronzer is focusing on areas where the sun naturally hits. Use a bronzer brush to create an “E” shape on the side of your face, starting from your forehead, sweeping down the cheekbone, and finishing at your jawline.
Blend, Blend, Blend Blending is the secret to a seamless bronzer application. Use a beauty blender to ensure there are no harsh lines, and your bronzer blends beautifully into your skin.
Step 2: Highlighting for a Natural Radiance Highlighter is the cherry on top of your sun-kissed look. It draws attention to the high points of your face, giving you that lit-from-within radiance. Here's how to apply highlighter for maximum glow:
Placement is Key Apply your highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, on your cupid’s bow, and on your brow bone. For a more dramatic glow, add a touch to the inner corners of your eyes.
Choose the Right Shade The highlighter you choose should complement your bronzer and skin tone. For fair skin, try a soft pink or pearl highlighter. Medium to deep skin tones shine with gold, bronze, or even rose gold highlights.
Layering is Everything To make your highlighter pop, apply a cream formula first for that natural, dewy finish, then set it with a powder highlighter to lock it in place all day.
Tips for a Flawless Application: Use the Right Tools A beauty blender is essential for blending your bronzer and highlighter seamlessly into your skin, ensuring a flawless, airbrushed look.
Don’t Forget the Neck and Chest To ensure your glow looks natural, don’t stop at your face. Apply bronzer to your neck and chest to create a seamless, sun-kissed look from head to toe.
Build Slowly Start with a light hand and gradually build up the bronzer and highlighter. It’s easier to add more than to tone down excess product.
Summer 2025 Beauty Trends to Watch: As we dive into Summer 2025, the beauty world is embracing glowing, dewy skin more than ever. The sun-kissed glow is here to stay, but with a twist. The latest trends are all about effortless radiance, and here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
Glowy, Glass-like Skin: Expect to see more people opting for skin-care-infused makeup that gives a dewy finish. Think tinted moisturizers and luminous foundations that give you a fresh, hydrated look all day.
Bold, Radiant Highlighters: We’re seeing highlighters that are both bold and subtle at the same time—think pearlescent shades and duochrome formulas.
Sunkissed, But Subtle: Instead of harsh contouring, the focus will shift toward natural, sun-kissed warmth with soft bronzing and delicate highlighting.
Recommended Products: Ready to get your glow on? Here are our top product picks available at Sephora to help you master the bronzer and highlighter game:
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer – A cult-favorite powder bronzer that works for most skin tones and provides a matte finish that lasts all day.
Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter – A versatile highlighter that offers a stunning glow in both subtle and bold shades, perfect for creating that radiant finish.
Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge – The best tool for blending your bronzer and highlighter to perfection, ensuring a flawless, airbrushed look.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Bronzer – This matte bronzer blends beautifully and gives your skin a natural, sunkissed finish.
Before/After Photo Tips: To show off your stunning sun-kissed glow, be sure to take before and after photos of your bronzer and highlighter application. Here’s how to get the best shot:
Natural Lighting is Key: Always take your before/after shots in natural light for the most accurate representation of your glow.
Highlight the Details: Focus on the high points of your face where you applied bronzer and highlighter—cheekbones, nose, and forehead.
Use a Simple Background: A plain background helps the glow stand out without distractions.
Call to Action: Ready to glow like never before? Explore our top bronzer and highlighter picks at Sephora to achieve that perfect, sun-kissed look! Whether you're prepping for a beach day or a night out, these products will keep you glowing all season long.