Can bronzer give me the glow of youth?
I LOVE being tanned, but have always struggled to achieve a natural effect using bronzing products. Could you give me some tips on how to get a natural-looking, youthful glow with bronzer?
Nikki, 54, essex. IT CAN be difficult to get bronzing right at any age, but it becomes especially challenging for those with mature skin, as the products can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.
Nikki has been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma, so she must stay out of the sun as much as possible. But as a lifelong sun worshipper, she is missing her bronzed glow.
With six grandchildren, Nikki doesn ’t have much time for make-up and is unsure of where to apply bronzer, so she sticks to the basics: a tinted moisturiser, lip balm and lots of mascara.
We asked make -up guru Rupert Kingston, co-founder of Delilah Cosmetics, for tips on achieving a natural bronzed look with the right products.
First, for best results, he recommends Nikki swaps her tinted moisturiser for foundation, as this provides a better base for powder bronzer. ‘You need to create an even canvas that looks like skin, but better,’ says Rupert.
To ensure her skin is protected at all times, a foundation with SPF is essential. Rupert uses Delilah Time Frame F uture Resist F oundation SPF 20 (£34, uk.spacenk.com). Other good alternatives with SPF 20 include bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Foundation (£26, bare minerals.co.uk) and Collection Colour Match Foundation (£5.99, Boots).
Rupert shows Nikki how to apply her foundation with a brush. ‘Many women buy brushes then never use them,’ he says.
‘However, brush technology has developed and there are now some great ones designed for buffing foundation on, which creates a natural effect.’ Try Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection 101 Triangle Foundation Brush (£22, Boots).
Next comes the bronzing . For Nikki, Rupert recommends a product with a matte, velvety texture to produce a smooth look. (Our tried and tested selection below will help you choose which one will suit you.)
Rupert applies this using a large, fluffy brush. ‘Swirl it around the bronzing palette just once: that should be enough product for the whole face,’ he says. ‘That way , you won’t use as much and your bronzer will last longer.’
It’s worth investing in a good brush you can use for both bronzer and powder. Rupert recommends the Delilah Large P owder Brush (£48, uk.spacenk.com). Eco Tools’ Bamboo P owder Brush (£9.99, Boots) is a good alternative.
‘The idea is to create warmth, not dark patches,’ says Rupert. ‘Apply the bronzer from the hairline and take it down the forehead, blending into the face and along the cheekbones.
‘Sweep whatever is left on the brush through the middle of the face. This gives an even look, which is especially important for mature skin.’ To make sure it all stays put, Rupert applies translucent powder all over the face and a tiny amount under the eyes.
When bronzing, it is important to also use blusher to enhance the cheeks, adds R upert. Nikki has a medium skin tone, so a coral or peach blush is more flattering than a pink one.
Rupert chooses Delilah Colour Blush Compact P owder Blusher in Clementine (£26,uk.spacenk.
com) and applies it along the top of Nikki’s cheekbones. Or try Max Factor Flawless P erfection Blusher (£6.99, Boots).
Finally, he applies a few coats of Nikki’s make -up must-have — black mascara. NIKKI’S VERDICT: ‘I love it! It looks so natural — I will definitely be faking my tan from now on.’