Bronzer & contour

Choosing it for deep skin

• For contour, choose 2–3 shades deeper than your skin, neutral or cool, not orange.
• Many "deep" bronzers are too light for deep skin and look grey. Swatch on the jaw.
• Cream contour lasts better in heat when set lightly with powder.
• Choose matte for contour. Glitter in bronzer catches flash.

How to apply

1. Map the areasUnder the cheekbones, along the jaw and at the temples.
2. Cream before powderApply cream contour after foundation and before powder.
3. Use a light handStart with a little. Deep shades build fast.
4. Blend wellBlend until there is no line. Shadow should look soft.
5. Set and checkSet lightly, then check in daylight or a flash photo.

How long to wear it

• It lasts most of the day; sweat can move cream contour. Blot, do not wipe.
• Remove it every night with your makeup.

Safety and the evidence

• Cosmetic talc must be asbestos-free; buy registered, labelled products.

  Evidence D — regulator status · FDA — Talc in cosmetics

• Natural mica can carry child-labour risk; synthetic fluorphlogopite avoids it.

  Evidence C — NGO report · SOMO 2018 — global mica mining

• Very light powder down the nose flashes back in photos.

  Evidence D — expert opinion

Evidence grades: A systematic reviews or several trials; B at least one trial or consistent controlled studies; C observational studies, surveys or case reports; D expert opinion.

Keep it clean

• Wash brushes weekly; cream contour sponges after every use.
• Keep cream products out of heat; they melt and grow germs.
• Cream products keep about 6–12 months; powders about 12–24.