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8 Bronzing Hacks for Women With Dark Skin

These essential products and bronzing techniques give complexions of all colors that next-level glow
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Natural Contour
Though the contouring you see on Instagram may seem severe, you can also use this technique to play up your features in a natural way.

Dark-complected women typically have different tones throughout their skin, and these shades tend to be lighter toward the center of the face, explains Chinchilla. Framing the face with a matte bronzer mimics the skin's natural gradient.

To achieve a flattering contour like Tyra Banks', use a matte bronzer, such as Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Clay, $16. Apply it with a tapered powder brush, like Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush, $33. "Bronzer around the forehead gives the illusion of a smaller forehead," says Chinchilla. "Bronzer was also applied under the cheekbones for definition and to warm up the skin."

Finish by balancing out the dark colors with a highlighter two to three shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Sweep a product like IllumiNaughty Highlighting Powder, $24, on top of the brow bone, down the center of the nose, above the cheekbones and in the center of the Cupid's bow.

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Instantly Sun-Kissed
Even if you're not trying to look tanner, a quick sweep of bronzer can give skin a healthy, sun-kissed appearance. "This is great for the girl on the go," says Chinchilla. "Here, Rihanna has a warm bronzer around her forehead and on the apples of her cheeks."

Chinchilla recommends a bronzer with a slight shimmer. We suggest Physicians Formula Argan Wear Bronzer in Bronze, $14.99. Use it with a dense blush brush, such as Real Techniques 300 Tapered Blush Brush, $24.

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Liquid Dimension
In search of a more defined contour? Toss the powders. "When fully contouring dark skin, I recommend cream or liquid products, since sometimes mineral powders appear chalky," says Duke.

Emulate Kelly Rowland's contour with a cream or liquid foundation two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone. Take a small rounded brush, such as M.A.C. 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush, $42, and paint a stripe of dark foundation under the cheekbone, on the sides of the nose and around the forehead. Then, stipple on your foundation with a large, round brush. This will blend in the two shades for a more natural appearance.

Last, brighten the center of the face by applying your lighter shade to the bridge of the nose, under the eyes, around the nose and chin. We recommend Iman Second to None Cream to Powder foundations, $16, which come in a variety of shades.

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Slimming Effect
Strategically applied bronzer can create a flattering illusion that shaves off pounds -- no sweat required.

"Women of all skin tones can use bronzer on the jawline and neck to look thinner and more feminine," says Duke. "Sweep bronzer along the jawline to soften it, and down onto the throat for a slimmer face. Use it on either side of the neck as well, and highlight down the front of the neck to lengthen." Try Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette, $46.

You can use a similar technique to slim the nose, as seen here on Kimora Lee Simmons. Spotlighting the cheekbones with a shimmery warm color can also create a more svelte appearance. Try Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer, $30, used with the Too Faced Retractable Bronze-Buki Brush, $34.

BY AMANDA MONTELL | MAY 4, 2015 | SHARES
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