Bronzer vs Contour vs Highlighter vs Blush

It can be really confusing figuring out where all these different face products go. Which ones do I really need? What purpose does each of them serve? In this post, we’re going to explore the differences between bronzer vs contour, vs highlighter, vs blush to help you determine which will be best for you, or if you want to try them all!

What is Bronzer?

The purpose of bronzer is in its name: to add a bronze glow to the skin. Have you ever wanted that “I just got back from vacation” look in the winter? Bronzer is a great way to achieve that!

Typically bronzers lean toward the warm side, so they do a great job of adding a warm glow to the skin.

Bronzer is typically applied on the high parts of the face that see the most sun. Think about where you’d normally get a sunburn: the tops of the forehead and the cheeks. I’ve also found that popping bronzer on the tip of the nose adds a realistic-looking warmth.

Favorite Bronzers

Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite bronzers:

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

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Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

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What is Contour?

Contouring is meant to add shadows to the skin. If you think of a shadow, its going to be a lot more cool-toned than the look you’re going to get with a bronzer.

Typically, you’ll find a cooler-toned matte contouring powder to achieve this look.

The areas of the face you’re looking to add a shadow to are also going to be slightly different than where you’d want to apply your bronzer.

Instead of applying at the high parts of your face, you’ll want to apply them in the parts you want to recede.

Instead of the high part of your cheeks like you applied your bronzer, you’ll apply contour under the cheekbones. This will make your cheekbones really stand out!

I also like applying under my jawline for a more chiseled look there.

Lastly, you can apply contour around your hairline, which will give more structure to your forehead.

Favorite Contours

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

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Can you use bronzer and contour together?

You can! Because they serve different purposes and are applied in different areas, you can absolutely use both.

This is going to give you that sculpted look from the contour, along with the glowy, sun-kissed look of bronzer.

Typically I apply my contour first and layer the bronzer over top of that to get a sun-kissed glow.

I’ve also used bronzer as a contour in a pinch and it honestly works out pretty well, as long as I use a matte bronzer.

What is Blush?

Blush is used to add a flush of color to the cheeks. It adds a healthy, youthful glow to the skin. I’ve noticed when I apply foundation and concealer, my skin looks really flat if I go without blush.

Blush has many different shade ranges, so it makes it really fun to pick out! They come in all different shades of pink, mauve, reds, and peaches. I just find them so fun to work with.

Blush placement, on the other hand, can be a lot more complex than the other types of face powders. In all honesty, I think blush placement needs its own tutorial, so be on the lookout for that!

For a quick run down, blush can be applied:

• To the apples of the cheeks
• Along the cheekbones
• On the cheekbones, swept up to the temple
• On the cheekbones and sides of the face

Favorite Blushes

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

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MAC Powder Blush

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What is Highlighter?

Highlighter is the opposite of a contour. Instead of making a shadow that sinks into the background, it draws the eye toward whatever part of your face you’re highlighting.

Highlighters are typically light, shimmery powders that will attract a lot of attention to them.

I have seen some highlighters that have a more satin finish, which I prefer because, while it attracts attention, it doesn’t scream LOOK AT ME! Some of the more glittery highlights I find to be for more glam looks, while I tend to stay more natural day-to-day.

So, where do you apply your highlighter?

You want to apply it in places that you want to draw attention to. That could be your cheekbones, the center of the forehead, the tip of the nose, and under your brows. I’ve also really loved the look of highlighting the cupid’s bow.

Tip: For oily skinned gals, you might steer clear from highlighter on the forehead, as it can cause more attention to the area.

The combination of contour under the cheekbone with a highlighter placed right on top of the cheekbone really makes them stand out! I have a more round face and it really makes a difference to make my face look a little less round. I’m definitely a fan!

Favorite Highlighters

Nars Highlighting Blush

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Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

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Final Thoughts

I hope this post was helpful to you in determining the differences between bronzer vs contour vs highlighter vs blush. Stay tuned next week to learn more about the different types of blush placement so you can learn all about where’s the best place to apply blush for your unique face shape.

Until next time!