Blush and bronzer are beauty bag essentials to give your complexion a bit of dimension (and accentuate those beautiful cheekbones). While they may seem to serve similar purposes, how they’re used—and the looks they achieve—can vary drastically. Depending on the occasion and your face shape and mood, it can be hard to know which to use. If you want to add warmth to your skin, bronzer can instantly do that when swiped on the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. If a pop of color is what you're after, applying blush to the apples of the cheeks can make an instant difference. When both blush and bronzer are worn together, consider them the unstoppable duo.
Ahead, we've sourced pro tips about the differences between blush and bronzer. Keep scrolling for our comprehensive guide.
Meet the Experts
- Tiffany Tarazi is a professional makeup artist and founder of Nosta Beauty in New York City
- Bob Scott is a celebrity makeup artist in New York City represented by The Wall Group
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Click Play to Watch MUA Bob Scott's Bronzer vs. Blush Tutorial
Bronzer vs. Blush: What's the Difference?
To get things started, Scott shares the golden rule to remember when it comes to knowing the difference between bronzer and blush: "Bronzer is blush, but blush is not bronzer." Tarazi explained, "Both bronzer and blush work together to bring life back to your complexion. Bronzer adds a sun-kissed warmth, while blush provides a fresh pop of color."
If you want a warm glow, bronzer can help you achieve that, but pay attention to the finish. Scott advised, "The important thing to know when you're picking a bronzer is you want to find one that has a minimal shimmer to it, if any." Lightly swiping bronzer on the face with a fluffy makeup brush can help you build warmth and color without starting with too much color too soon.
Blush, whether cream, liquid, or powder, can be used directly on the apples of the cheeks to add color to the skin. Depending on your undertones, blush colors can range from light pinks to deep mauves and come in several cool, warm, and neutral shades.
A key difference between bronzer and blush? How they’re applied: blush is made to be applied directly to the apples of the cheeks and cheekbones, while bronzer can be applied both to the cheekbones and brow, jawline, and other contours of the face and décolletage.
When to Use Bronzer vs. Blush
Choosing between bronzer and blush is a matter of mood and occasion. If you’re going for a natural look, bronzer can add a hint of color and definition. Bronzer is perfect for casual weekend events and more made-up evening looks, particularly those that include contouring.
Blush can add a softer, flushed color and is also great for daywear, but use it sparingly—blushes are often very pigmented and can go on heavy if you're not careful. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that less is more, and keep the color within range of your natural skin tone. Both blush and bronzer can be worn together, Tarazi explained, "Blush and bronzer complement each other. However, it depends on the look you’re aiming for and the amount of color you want. Blush adds a youthful glow, while bronzer defines and warms the face."
What They're Best For
Blush is ideal for adding a hint of natural color to the cheeks. This is perfect if you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh-faced look. Seasonally, blush can add a rosy glow during fall and winter, and it can also play beautifully in spring.
Bronzer is great for creating a sun-kissed glow. While bronzer can definitely be worn all year round, keep in mind that it often looks “summery,” making it a natural choice for warmer months. Bronzer is also the right choice for contouring, but be sure to use a matte bronzer that’s free from glitter when you're chiseling out your cheekbones.
Bronzer and blush can also be used in combination. To pull off the look, apply blush first, directly to the apples of your cheeks. Next, create the appearance of lifted cheekbones by gently sweeping some bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks. Use your makeup brush to blend the tones for a smooth color gradient that naturally accentuates your cheekbones.
Finding The Right Bronzer and Blush Shades
Undertones play a significant role in choosing the correct bronzer and blush shades that best enhance your complexion. When searching for the right blush, Tarazi emphasized that experimenting is key when finding your shade, "Experiment! Surprisingly, blush with red undertones is the most universally flattering. It might seem intimidating in the pan, but it works wonders on all skin types from fair to deep." If you have fair skin, mauve and pink tones are universally flattering, medium to olive tones work well with peach and coral hues, and deeper skin tones look stunning with berry and terracotta.
Undertones will also play a role in finding what works when searching for the right bronzer shade, but remember that bronzer should not be confused with contour. Tarazi explained, "The biggest confusion when choosing a bronzer is its undertone; many mistake bronzer for contour. Always opt for a warm-toned bronzer instead of a cool-toned one", as this gives that sought-after back from vacation glow." A great way to test bronzer shades is by applying them to the inside of your arm. Compare swatches of different bronzers and see which looks the most natural against your skin, avoiding tones that are too orange or grey.
FAQ
Do You Use Bronzer and Blush Together?
Bronzer and blush work quite well together. While bronzer brings warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the skin, blush adds color to the apples of the cheeks and a natural flush to the skin. Apply bronzer across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, and follow up with your favorite blush on the apples of the cheeks, applying upwardly on the cheekbones.
Should Mature Skin Use Bronzer?
Absolutely! Bronzer can enhance all skin types. If you have mature skin, using cream bronzer versus powder can affect how the product sits on the skin. Powder can sometimes settle into fine lines, whereas cream is more malleable and lasts longer.
