Bronzer is another product that has stormed the male cosmetics world with most fashion and cosmetics houses offering ‘For Men’ bronzers in their lines. Bronzer is an excellent tool to add subtle definition and depth to your face as well as to strengthen a tan. It can accentuate cheekbones, define your jaw, slim down your nose…

The difficulty lies in which bronzer to buy and how to apply it once you have it! Bronzers can often be too heavily pigmented, too orange or too shimmery to wear confidently on your skin. When buying a bronzer it’s key to look for a true bronze matte formula that allows you to build sheer coverage rather than offer heavy coverage from the get-go. This allows you to control how much you have on.

Try one of these:

Jean Paul Gaultier Monsieur – Bronzer

Jean Paul Gaultier has quite an extensive cosmetics line which I hope to be reviewing soon, but for now lets focus on the bronzer. It’s a one-colour-fits-all but thankfully the colour offered is a forgiving bronze colour that will fit all skin tones apart from, perhaps, really dark skin. This doesn’t contain shimmer but leaves a nice sheen on the skin so not true-matte but not sparkly/shimmery in the slightest. This comes in a sleek compact with a brush.

Jane Iredale Bronzer for Men.

This is a nice matte bronzer that comes in varying shades perfect for the lightest skin, darkest skin and everything in between. The packaging is pretty uninspired with a screw top lid but the formula is excellent. You’ll have to buy an application brush with this one.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

This is a fantastic bronzer that comes in a non-assuming compact, the colour range is excellent and website provides an excellent guide for those who want to order online. The bronzer starts off sheer but you can build the colour up, this is completely matte. You’ll have to buy a brush to apply this but it’s worth it.

Biotherm Power Bronze Matt Powder Brush

Another great product from Biotherm Homme. This provides sheer, totally-matte colour that’s buildable in a sleek container. The main draw is that this one contains an in-built brush – you jut have to shake it slightly to get the perfect amount of product on your brush. This is an excellent product with a nice colour and finish, the brush is great.

Now in order to correctly apply bronzer it’s probably better to watch the application rather than read it so here’s an excellent video from Youtube Makeup Guru, gossmakeupartist. He specialises in a very natural look and the video below is aimed specifically at men applying bronzer. Stay tuned for my interview with him where we talk male skincare, cosmetics and must-have products for every man.

Liquid Bronzer

Liquid bronzers are great if you want an all-over facial tan without having to commit to a self-tanner. I would recommend buying a ‘for men’ liquid bronzer as they tend to have slightly more sheer and natural colours. Remember to apply to your neck, too! My favourites are:

Clinique for Men – Non-Streak Bronzer

This is lightweight gel forumla is great for normal to oily skin. It won’t break you out, feels light and fresh on the skin and gives you a natural boost of colour. It’s also waterproof for you sweaters and swimmers!

Giorgio Armani Skin Minerals for Men – Moisturising Bronzer
This is a moisturising formula, better for dry to normal skin. The colour is natural, a shade darker than the Clinique one.

Bronzers are a great investment for warmer months so take plunge and try one out!