The Difference Between Bronzer and Blush

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The first face makeup applied is usually a foundation. Whether it’s liquid or powder, light or full coverage, foundation is monochromatic and creates an even canvas for the rest of the makeup to be applied to.

Even though foundation or even a CC cream evens out skin complexion and covers undesirable blemishes, pimples, scars, texture or fine lines, it also removes that natural pigments that make skin look healthy.

Bronzer and blush are two essential parts to a makeup look. They bring life and color back to your face.

Bronzer is used to create dimension, warmth, and glow.

Blush is used to create a subtle, natural flush to cheeks.

The difference between bronzer and blush can be seen in how it’s applied and the purpose they serve. But can they be used in tandem and are they interchangeable? Let’s find out.

When to Use Bronzer

Bronzer comes in shades of natural tans and deep browns with variations in undertones. Commonly placed on the cheekbones, brows, nose, and jawline, bronzer can be used to shape the face. Bronzer is lighter that contour but darker than blush. Its pigment reflects your natural skin shade but with a tan.

Like what painting art, the darker the color the further away something appears, and using a bright color makes something appear nearer. When using bronzer, those areas of your face will be pulled in or back while the brighter areas (where concealer and blush are applied) are brought forward.

Therefore, bronzer can be used to make the jawline appear sharper, cheekbones deeper, dimples more dramatic and can even shorten the forehead. But bronzer isn’t limited to the face it can even be used as a subtle or shimmery contour on the neck, color bone, and cleavage.

These aren’t just summertime secrets. Even though bronzer can give you a tan look without you having to spend hours in the UV rays, it’s still appropriate to wear in winter. As the seasons change, it’s safe to just adjust how heavy-handed you go with bronzer.

Bronzer Application Tips

Another difference between bronzer and blush are how they’re applied.

Applying bronzer is all about applying with purpose and allowing a quality product to do the work. Blending is your friend, so if you notice any harsh lines or your bronzer looks like a brown streak, uses a damp makeup sponge or brush and in upward, circular motions, blend the product until you application appears seamless.

The Lily Lolo Bronzer Brush is an ideal way to perfect your makeup and is suitable for liquid or powder bronzer. The bristles are super soft making blending a breeze but they’re also densely packed so you can use product efficiently without having to double dip.

Bronzer is ideal for warming up your makeup, deepening your tan, giving you that glow, and creating depth and contour.

[Read: 9 Best Organic Bronzers for a Natural Glow]

When to Use Blush

When it comes to blush, so much differs from bronzer. Firstly, the color. Blush usually has notes of pinks, purples, peaches, and red. And while bronzer shapes and sharpens whichever part of the face it’s placed, blush is a natural pop of color that will bring it forward and brighten areas like the apples of your cheeks.

Blush has traditional always been worn exclusively on the balls of the cheek or the “apple”. But, as with all things in makeup–that’s changed. From runway to your vanity, blush trends include dusting blush just above contour or bronzer on the cheekbones for added blendability. Not everyone wants to make their cheeks pop but still want a natural pink flush.

Blush can also be put on the bridge of the nose for a subtle sunburnt look–yes, it’s a thing! Blush can be subtle or dramatic but for the most part, blush always adds a natural and healthy look to your face.

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush blends beautifully on the cheeks for a healthy touch of color with a dewy finish. Luxurious, organic ingredients help enhance your natural beauty: Castor seed oil strengthens the skin, Beeswax and Jojoba Seed Oil nourish and moisturize, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil fights signs of aging, while the powerful antioxidants in Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract work as a natural preservative.

For a flawless finish use the Kjaer Weis Blush Brush. It was created as an alternative to finger-application of the Kjaer Weis Cream Blush and Cream Foundation. Ideal for covering large areas of the face and beautifully blending makeup, featuring a shorter handle for maximum control. Vegan, dermatologically-tested, and hypoallergenic synthetic fibers.

Blush can also be worn without much other makeup. If you’re not going for a full caked on mug – mascara, blush, and lip gloss can be an entire look.

[Read: Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush Review]

Watch this video for a demonstration on how to apply bronzer, blush, and highlighter:

The Difference Between Bronzer and Blush

Bronzer and blush do have quite a bit in common, they beautify, add color, brighten, and complete any makeup look. But their differences are what makes them both essential.

For the most part, it is the color contrast and placement that make bronzer and blush more like a duet performance than competing solo act. Bronzer is a touch of sun, and blush is a pinch of pink. Sure, you could undoubtedly wear one without the other…but why would you want to!?

-> See our picks for the best organic bronzers <-

What makeup combo do you find essential? Do concealer and foundation make a good team or are they just fighting for the limelight? Let us know what you think in the comments below.