Let’s be honest—when it comes to beauty products—are you guys even aware that there is an immensity of difference between one another? Sure, they’re customizable but in the realm of beauty each has its own purpose and product selections.

A prime example: bronzing versus contouring. If you’re confused about the difference between these two beauty products, you’re not alone. It’s extremely common for the two to be lumped together and thought of as interchangeable. That’s why you may find that many people use bronzing products to contour and contour products to bronze (us included). However, the two makeup techniques aren’t really the same.

Beauty Insider has all the answers to your bronzer vs contour questions, including how to use bronzer and how to contour the right way. 

(Source: YouTube)

Bronzer Vs. Contour: What’s The Difference? 

It isn’t totally ridiculous to assume that bronzing and contouring are the same? I thought I had mastered the art of makeup but it turns out that these two are poles apart. I mean, seeing as they both can be used to add depth to a makeup look. But truth be told, those two are functioning in a very different way, though. 

First, let’s start with the lovable contouring. Here’s something to keep in mind, the purpose of contouring is to imitate shadows on your face. These ‘’shadows’’ are meant to make your appearance smaller. In short, you contour your face if you wish to have a slimmer face, smaller nose and a more narrow forehead. Those sharp cheekbones you often see on supermodels? That’s contour. It helps enhance your bone structure. Basically, getting those glam Kardashian snatched looks. 

So, what is bronzing? Bronzing on the other hand, the technique is to help add a bit of colour to your skin—but still want to maintain that natural, dewy look. Think of a sun-kissed look, the effortless tan skin you get after coming back from a beach vacation. That’s the purpose of bronzing. In short, bronzing helps add warmth instead of ‘’cutting’’ the shape of your face.

Which Is Suitable For Your Everyday Use? 

We, as a beauty community, don’t have a proper option when it comes to doing your makeup. You do you. But if you’re the type of person who prefers to appear more natural and doesn’t really have enough time to sit around ‘’re-structuring’’ your face, then bronzer is the one for you. Just dab a minimal amount of bronzer over your forehead, cheek and jawline to beat that flat face look, and you’re ready to go. 

(Source: Pinterest)

How To Contour

Not everyone can master the technique of contouring. Not unless you’re from the Kardash-Jenner clan. So how can you achieve the perfect contour? First, you will need a contour product that is two or three tones darker than your actual skin shade. But make sure to maintain the same undertone as your skin. Next, you need to decide which texture suits your skin types. Is it powder or cream? Cream contours are known to stick longer on your skin compared to powder, btw. 

So, to begin contouring, follow the shadows of your own face shape. The key here is to feel the bones on your face. Cheekbones, jawlines and the temple around your forehead. Blend the contour at every corner of your face bones, aka, the places where you want to create a slimmer look. 

How To Bronze

Now, onto bronzing. As explained earlier, the purpose of bronzing is to fake that sun-kissed look on your skin. So, please don’t swap it all over your face. You want that healthy tan glow, not brown patches all over your face. Similar to contouring, bronzer should be applied anywhere around your cheek, forehead and jawline. However, instead of focusing on toning down your face, focus on adding warm colours onto your face. We suggest applying on the spot as your blusher. Just a perfect spot for a sun-kissed look. 

Oh and ladies, don’t forget your neck! The key to bronzing is to blend them together with your skin tones. So make sure you bronze your neck, as well. So that’s another difference between bronzing vs. contouring. 

Either Contour Or Bronzing: Blending Is Key!

You don’t want to leave the house looking like you have patches of dark makeup on your face right? So please, for the love of Rihanna, blend your bronzer and contour. It only takes a minute. Blend away all harsh edges until your makeup looks soft and natural. 

Best Products For Bronzing & Contouring

1. BBIA Last Blush

The BBIA Last Blush is a bronzer and blusher range with nine shades to pick from, their blush will smoothen your complexion with a blurring effect. This long-lasting formula is to ensure that your blush stays vibrant all day long with no hassle of touching up. It has zero fading and dullness to keep your bronzing look natural and soft.

Why we love it: 

  • Lightweight
  • Buildable
  • Long lasting 

Price: $10.90

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2. NARS LAGUNA Bronzing Powder

Are you really a makeup junkie if you never tried this bronzer before? This laguna bronzer from NARS can either be worn on its own or layered on top of any makeup of the day. It contains vanilla extract which makes them smell good enough to eat. Definitely a must-have!

Why we love it: 

  • Creates the ultimate healthy glow with a gold shimmer finish
  • Enhance radiant, tanned skin
  • Enriched with vanilla extract and nourishing oils

Price: $65.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer

All. Time. Favourite. This bronzer from the famous Too Faced brand is super smooth, blendable and easy to use. It gives you that matte-finish sun-kissed look that will leave you wanting more! Also, they smell like cocoa powder. Yummy!

Why we love it: 

  • Buildable 
  • Leaves a natural matte finish
  • Infused with 100% real cocoa powder

Price: $48.00

Where to buy: Sephora

4. FENTY BEAUTY Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

Legend says Rihanna dedicated two years of her life to create this dreamy cream bronzer. She made sure this product will suit all skin tones despite its limited colour range. Very lightweight, non-sticky and blendable, this is definitely the cream bronzer we all can get behind. 

Why we love it: 

  • Effortlessly melts into skin for a natural-looking
  • Sweat and water-resistant formula
  • Non sticky, non greasy

Price: $50.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

Oldie but a goode. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit Palette is definitely a must-have. Especially for beginners who are just starting their way into contouring. They have a few palette ranges according to your skin colours. This palette is really worth the money.

Why we love it: 

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Buildable 
  • Light texture

Price: $72.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. KAT VON D D Shade N’ Light Contour Palette

This vegan, cruelty-free palette by Kat Von D is considered one of the best contour palettes in the world. Not only do they offer colours that are suitable for every skin tone, but also their textures are very lightweight and easy to blend. The product melts into your skin like cream!

Why we love it: 

  • Vegan, cruelty-free
  • Antioxidant 
  • Long lasting 

Price: $75.00

Where to buy: Sephora

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