At Milk Makeup, we are all about practicing safe sun, whether slathering on SPF every day or learning how to apply Milk Bronzer to simulate a sunkissed complexion with some help from our friends at the drugstore. We aren’t concerned in the least, even if this implies that we won’t truly obtain a tan. A variety of skin tones can get a healthy glow and a “just-came-back-from-the-tropics” glow with the help of our assortment of bronzers, which are perfect for this purpose.
We invited Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry, Sara Wren, to provide her best ideas for adding that sunkissed appearance to your complexion with the best products. For those of you who aren’t sure how to apply Milk Bronzer, however, Sara’s advice will be really helpful.
It is crucial to grasp the difference between Milk Bronzer and contour before we move on to the step-by-step guide that she has prepared for us. The most fabulous Milk Bronzer will have a warm tone to it as if it were taken from a tropical beach. On the other hand, the best contour has a cool tone that is suggestive of the shadows that are already present in your face. They complement one another by working to bring warmth and individual dimension to your skin.
Now that we’ve covered such important groundwork, we can go on to discuss the proper way to apply Milk Bronzer in the manner of a professional makeup artist. Believe us when we say that the process is much less complicated than it first appears to be.
Prepare Your Facial Skin
Before applying primer, Sara suggests moisturizing your skin with a product such as Vegan Milk Moisturiser in order to help seal in your sunkissed look for the entirety of the day and prevent any unwanted shine from detracting from the mood. Pore Eclipse is the product to use if you are looking for a mattifying effect. Hydro Grip is your best option if you have a drier complexion or simply want to have a dewier and more glassy appearance overall. (If you want a more in-depth explanation of how to perfect your application of makeup and what components power each primer, check out this helpful guide to Milk Makeup’s top primers.)
Choose the Formula That Suits You Best
Cream Bronzer, Liquid Bronzer, or Powder Bronzer
These days, everyone is all about using a Milk Bronzer that has a creamy consistency and a matte finish so that they can effortlessly produce a natural-looking warmth that looks great. Matte Bronzer is the best cream bronzer for the task at hand. The stick is extremely buildable and dissolves into the skin without leaving any residue. Do you like something with a more moist feel? Bionic Glow, arguably the best liquid bronzer, is up to the challenge.
If you are a fan of Bronzer powder, you may use it in conjunction with a cream or liquid formula to make the results of your labor even more impressive. You want your face to have a velvety texture, you can also use this sort of foundation. If you like a little glitter in your bronzer, you could even use Colour Chalk in Kickball or Double Dutch (depending on the color of your skin), which comes in two different shades.
Choose the Shade of Milk Bronzer

According to Sara, the most straightforward method for determining the color that will work best for your Milk Bronzer is to choose a tone that is based on the way your skin appears when it tans on its own. “I tell my clients to pull out a photo from a past beach vacation to figure out what the most natural bronzer shade for them is,” she continues. “It’s the best way to figure out what shade of bronzer will look the most natural on them.”
Sara recommends the new Matte Bronzer hues Blitzed (deep bronze) and Spaced (very deep bronze) for those who have deeper skin tones. She also recommends the Bionic Milk Bronzer shade Invincible (deep bronze) for people who have deeper skin tones. Matte bronzers in the shades Blaze (tan bronze) and Baked (medium bronze), as well as Bionic bronzer in the shade Shapeshift (medium bronze), are great options for people with medium complexions. Try the new Matte Bronzer shade named Dazed (light bronze), Baked (medium bronze), or Bionic Glow in Time Travel (golden bronze) if you have lighter skin tones.
Read More: Effortless Eyeliner Looks for a Quick Makeup Boost
Give Off That Sunkissed Glow Here
If you are using a matte bronzer, you can apply it to your skin by swiping it directly onto your face. Before applying Bionic Glow to your face, however, it is recommended that you first squeeze some of the product onto the palm of your hand, then dab it with a sponge, fluffy brush, or clean fingertip before applying it to your face. No matter whatever formulation you choose, you should always apply Milk Bronzer to the high points of your cheeks, around the bridge of your nose, and even a small amount on your temples.
In addition, there is the well-known method known as the “3” method, which, according to Sara, is “a really great place to start when learning where to apply bronzer.” Applying bronzer in the shape of a three requires drawing a line over the top of the forehead, dragging it down and around the temple in the shape of a C, and then following that motion down and around the cheek to the hollow of the cheek. In addition, you can bronze your face in the shape of a “W” across your nose and cheeks, as suggested by Sara.
Soften the Edges of the Lines
By using a blending tool, you will want to smooth out your preferred formulation so that your sunkissed hue seems as natural and unbroken as is humanly feasible. According to Sara, you may round down the sharp edges of your lines by using either your clean hands or a moist Prism Sponge. (The latter will result in an increase in dewiness.) A brush with a lot of volume is another excellent choice.
Finish Building Your Foundation
Applying a blush such as Lip + Cheek will help your freshly bronzed skin look more balanced. Concentrate the blush on the highest points of your cheekbones for a more lifted appearance, and apply it to the apples of your cheeks for a rosy glow. The next step is to use a highlighter on your nose, cheeks, and the area that traditionally represents Cupid’s bow. “Depending on the level of glow I am going for, I’ll either grab Lit Highlighter or Bionic Glow for more of the wet glow on skin, or I’ll grab Turnt Highlighter for a super glittery, fun sparkle,” adds Sara. “Turnt Highlighter is my go-to when I want a super fun sparkle.” A warm-toned monochromatic look may also be achieved by applying matte Milk Bronzer to the lids of the eyes and the lips.
You are now equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain your tan throughout the year, regardless of the conditions that may be prevailing outside.