If you’re a makeup lover, you know that bronzer is essential for giving your skin a sun-kissed look. But sometimes, your bronzer looks muddy, patchy, and just wrong.
Why does this happen, and how can you avoid it? Here are a few possible reasons why your bronzer looks muddy and how to fix it. Keep reading to find out!
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How To Stop Bronzer From Looking Muddy?
Follow these tips to get the perfect bronzer application every time:
Choose The Right Shade Of Bronzer
If your bronzer is too dark, it will look muddy on your skin. To find the perfect shade, choose a color that’s one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Also, pick a color whose undertone matches your skin’s undertone.
For example, if you have fair skin with cool undertones, using a warm peach bronzer will make you look muddy. Instead, choose a neutral or cool-toned bronzer like a light brown with pink undertones.
TIP: You should choose a shade that matches your natural tan. Look for a pink-toned bronzer if your skin turns pink after sun exposure. Place the compact up to your skin to get an idea of the shade.
Choose a light neutral brown if you have fair skin with warm undertones. You can also try a light peachy brown for an added sun-kissed look.
If you have medium skin with cool undertones, go for a taupe brown bronzer.
For medium skin with warm undertones, choose a light golden brown.
Choose a dark brown color with red undertones for dark skin with warm undertones.
If you have dark skin with cool undertones, go for a dark brown with blue undertones.
You can visit a makeup counter and ask for help finding the right shade of bronzer for your skin tone.
TIP: If you can’t find the perfect shade, you can try using face powder instead of bronzer and choose a shade that’s one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone.
Choose The Right Formula
There are different types of bronzer formulas, and each one gives a different finish. Choosing the right formula depends on your skin type and the look you’re going for.
For example, if you have dry or mature skin, you might want to avoid a powder bronzer since it can accentuate dryness and fine lines. Instead, opt for a liquid or cream bronzer to give your skin a healthy, dewy glow.
If you have oily skin, you might want to avoid cream and liquid bronzers, which can make your skin look even oilier. In this case, a powder bronzer is your best bet.
Bronzers come in matte and shimmer formulas, so if you want a natural look, choose a matte bronzer. Shimmery bronzers can look muddy if not applied correctly, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re a makeup beginner.
TIP: Make sure you pick a quality bronzer, regardless of your chosen brand. Many bad powder bronzers have a thick and heavy formula that might look cakey or muddy on the skin.
Related: Glitter Vs Shimmer
Set The Foundation
Before you apply bronzer, it’s important to set your foundation with powder so that the bronzer goes on smoothly and doesn’t look patchy.
A bronzer can blend more easily on top of a matte foundation, but if you use a dewy one, it’s best to set it with a mattifying powder before applying bronzer. When applied on top of a luminous foundation, a powder bronzer can stick and never really blend in, which will give you a bad look. The powder will act as a base for the bronzer and help it stay in place longer.
If you have oily skin, you should set your foundation with a loose or pressed powder to control shine and make sure the bronzer goes on evenly.
I know many people like to apply bronzer without foundation. While this can work if you’re careful, I prefer to always use bronzer over a base (foundation or powder) so that the product blends more easily and lasts well on the skin.
When using a cream or liquid bronzer, apply it BEFORE any powder products. Creams might not perform well on top of powders, and your bronzer might look patchy.
TIP: If you’re in a hurry and can’t apply foundation, use a translucent powder to set your entire face before applying bronzer.
Use The Right Tools
The brush you use to apply bronzer can make a big difference in the final result. A dense brush with stiff bristles will pick up more product and give you a dirty and unnatural look. Opt for a soft fluffy brush since it will help you blend the product evenly. If you want a more natural finish, use a fan brush like this soft and affordable fan brush.
For a more sun-kissed look, you can use a large fluffy powder brush. It has soft bristles, and it blends the bronzer easily without leaving any streaks. Just tap off the excess product before applying it to your face.
If you find that big brushes give you a muddy and dirty look, try a small angled brush like this synthetic angled brush. It’s the perfect size for applying bronzer on the cheekbones, and it will help you get a more natural and sun-kissed look.
For a lightweight application, duo-fibre brushes are also a great option. i like to use this duo-fibre brush with pigmented bronzers to get a natural look.
If using brushes is not your thing, you can apply a stick or liquid bronzer instead of powder and blend it with your fingers or a beauty sponge. Just make sure to dampen it slightly before using it to apply the bronzer.
Apply Bronzer In The Correct Places
When applying bronzer, it’s essential to use it correctly. The goal is to create a natural and sun-kissed look, not to look dirty or orange.
Start by applying bronzer on the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit it: your forehead, your cheekbones, your nose, and your chin. You can also apply it to the neck and décolletage.
TIP: If you have a big forehead, you can use bronzer to create the illusion of a smaller forehead. Just apply it along your hairline and blend it well.
Less Is More
Bronzers tend to be highly pigmented, so it’s always better to start with less product and build up the color gradually. Applying too much will make you look muddy, so it’s essential to be careful.
If you find the bronzer you’re using difficult to blend, it’s probably too heavy, and you should try a different one. Choose a formula that is easy to work with and doesn’t look cakey when layered. A good bronzer should give the skin a natural finish without emphasizing imperfections.
To avoid over-applying bronzer, start by dipping your makeup brush in the compact and swirling it gently. Tap off the excess and begin by applying the product to the skin. Hold the brush from the back so you don’t use too much pressure on the skin.
Where you first put the brush down, that’s where most of the product will be. You can start on the temples and forehead, blend down to the cheekbones, and then finish on the jawline.
Add more if needed and blend well until there are no harsh lines. Complete the look by applying blush on the cheeks to contrast with the bronzer.
Read More: Blush Vs. Bronzer
Apply Makeup In The Correct Lighting
Lighting plays a significant role in makeup application. If you want to make sure you’re not overdoing it, apply your bronzer in natural light to see how the product looks on your skin.
You can apply your makeup in front of a window to get the best lighting. This will help you see areas that need more blending and avoid over-applying bronzer.
Take a selfie in natural light to see how your makeup looks and this is a great way to check if you need to add more bronzer or if the color seems dirty.
Nothing Seems To Work? Apply Bronzer Under Foundation…
If you find bronzers challenging to work with and you can never seem to get the perfect sun-kissed look, try applying a stick bronzer under your light-coverage liquid foundation.
This will create the most natural and beautiful sun-kissed look as it will let the bronzer show through your foundation.
You can also use a liquid or cream bronzer as a contour shade. Just make sure to blend it well, so it doesn’t look muddy.
Apply A Setting Spray (Optional)
If you want your bronzer to melt into your skin and last all day, finish with a setting spray. This will help set the makeup and prevent it from fading or looking cakey.
A setting spray will also help to give you a natural and dewy finish.
Choose a good one that doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry or tight. I like to use this setting spray on days when I wear a lot of makeup, and it has a fine mist that distributes the product evenly without ruining your makeup.
How To Fix Muddy Bronzer?
If your bronzer looks muddy after application, don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to fix it.
First, dab a cotton pad or a makeup remover pad on the area to remove any excess product. Then, use your foundation brush or makeup sponge and dab it over where you applied the bronzer. This will help blend the color and make it look more natural.
Next, you can apply a light layer of setting powder on top to tone down the color. Get a soft and fluffy brush and blend more to eliminate any harsh lines. You can also apply a setting spray on top to give the skin a natural finish.
If you’re still unhappy with the results, try using a different bronzer shade or formula. Experiment with other products until you find one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Bronzers are a great way to add a bit of color and warmth to your skin, but it’s essential to use them correctly. Sometimes bronzers can look muddy, and the main reasons for this are over-application and choosing the wrong shade.
It’s essential to start with less product and gradually build the color. Focus on the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. Use a light hand and use a fluffy brush to blend well until there are no harsh lines.
Lighting plays a big role in makeup application, so applying your bronzer in natural light is best.
That’s it! These are my tips on how to avoid bronzer from looking muddy. Do you have any tips to share? Leave a comment below!
