Bronzer vs. Contour: What’s the Difference?

Picture this: You ask your friend to borrow a contour powder, and they hand you a bronzer. Did they give you what you asked for? The answer depends on whether bronzer and contour are the same thing. 

This is the subject of a bit of a beauty debate. Bronzer and contour are sometimes referred to interchangeably, meaning it isn’t particularly unreasonable to ask for one and be handed the other. However, when it comes to bronzer vs. contour, the two are, in fact, different. Bronzing and contouring have different purposes. The products used for each often have different qualities and application methods as well. 

Ahead, we’re deep diving into the topic of contour vs. bronzer. We’ll explain what makes these makeup techniques and products distinct, and break down how to apply bronzer and contour. Read on for the full scoop. 

The Difference Between Bronzer and Contour

To understand the difference between bronzer and contour we need to address a few questions. Firstly, what is bronzer and what is bronzer used for?

Bronzer is a makeup product used to create a sun-kissed, warm glow on the skin, mimicking the effect of a natural tan. It typically comes in powder, cream, or liquid form and is applied to areas of the face where the sun would naturally hit, such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, and jawline. The primary purpose of bronzer is to add warmth and dimension to the complexion, making the skin look more radiant and healthy.

Now, what is contour used for?

Contouring is a makeup technique used to define and enhance your face shape by creating shadows and highlights. Unlike bronzer, which adds warmth and mimics a sun-kissed glow, contour products are typically matte and slightly cooler in tone, designed to emulate the natural shadows on the face. By applying contour to areas like the hollows of the cheeks, sides of the nose, and along the jawline, you can create the illusion of sharper, more chiseled features. This technique adds depth and dimension, helping to balance the proportions of the face and accentuate its natural angles. When blended properly, contouring can subtly transform the face, adding a polished and sophisticated finish to any makeup look.

When it comes to contour vs. bronzer, there are generally two key differences:

• Product: While bronzers can sometimes double as contour products, the two often are different. Bronzers tend to be warm in tone, like a tan, and may be shimmery. Contour products are usually cooler to better mimic shadows and are usually matte. 

• Application: Bronzer is meant to be applied to the high points of your face, such as the cheeks, bridge of the nose, and the center of your forehead, as these are the spots the sun naturally hits. Contour, meanwhile, is applied to the hollows of the face, including under your cheekbones, along the jaw, and the sides of your nose. Pro tip: Suck in your cheeks and apply contour to the areas that sink in and bronzer to the protruding areas.

Should You Use Both Bronzer and Contour?

When it comes to bronzer vs contour, it's important to remember one is not better than the other. Bronzer and contour serve different purposes, and you can use them to achieve different makeup looks. You can also use them together. Some even liken the two to a painter and sculptor. Bronzer is the painter, adding warmth and color to your canvas (a.k.a. your face), while contour is the sculptor, chiseling and defining your features. Combining the two makes for an extra impressive work of art. 

Can You Use Bronzer as Contour?

Bronzer can be used as contour, but it may create a different effect. Most bronzers are warm-toned, while contour is typically cool. The former will warm up your complexion but may not have the same sculpting effect as contour products. 

If you want a product that can serve double duty, we recommend picking a matte bronzer that isn’t overly warm. Better yet, you can find a formula that’s actually intended to do both, like our L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer. Available in eight shades for a variety of skin tones, the soft matte bronzer can be used as a natural-looking contour. 

Who Should Use Bronzer?

Bronzer can be used by anyone looking to add warmth and a healthy-looking glow to their complexion, regardless of skin tone or type. It's especially beneficial for those who want to enhance their natural radiance, create dimension in their makeup, or mimic the look of a tan without sun exposure.

Where to Apply Bronzer and Contour

There are many different makeup application techniques, but generally bronzer should be applied to the high points of your face, and contour should be used on the hollows. Below, find a breakdown of the prime spots to apply each type of makeup. 

Bronzer:

• Cheekbones
• Brow bone
• Bridge of the nose
• Cupid's bow
• Chin
• Eyelids (as an eyeshadow alternative)

Contour:

• Hollows of the cheeks
• Sides of the nose
• Jawline
• Temples
• Hairline
• Under the lower lip

How to Apply Bronzer vs. How to Contour

As you now know, bronzer and contour aren’t the same thing. And one of the biggest differences is in how you apply them. Below, we offer step-by-step tutorials for applying both.

How to Apply Bronzer 

A powder bronzer, like the aforementioned Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer, is a great option for beginners. Here’s how to apply it for the best results. 

Step 1. Swirl a fluffy brush into your bronzer and lightly sweep it onto your

cheekbones, moving outward and upward toward your hairline. 

Step 2. Dip your brush back into your bronzer, and apply it to your forehead where your skin and hairline meet. Applying bronzer here will add more color to your skin for a natural look while visibly minimizing your forehead. Blend it into your hair to avoid any missing patches or blotchiness.

Step 3. Dip your fluffy brush into your bronzer once more, and apply bronzer to your jawline and down your neck. Applying it down your neck will help avoid the dreaded makeup demarcation line.

Step 4. For a post-vacation bronzed glow, use your brush to apply any leftover bronzer across the bridge of your nose. 

Step 5. When you are happy with your finished look, set your makeup in place with a setting powder or setting spray. For a long-lasting look, try misting your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist.

Editor’s tip: If you prefer a dewy bronzed look, opt to use the L’Oréal Paris’ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer instead of a matte powder bronzer.

How to Contour

When it comes to contouring, everyone's face is unique and may require different techniques. With that said, we’ll share some general guidelines below. 

You can contour with the bronzer from the above tutorial, or use a concealer that’s about two shades darker than your skin. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer for contouring, and this is how we apply it:

Step 1. Generally, contouring the hollows of your cheeks starting closest to your ears and going no further than your pupils will be flattering on most face shapes. This will give you a more sculpted-looking bone structure. If you’re using a powder contour, use a smaller, dense makeup brush to keep the product concentrated and limited to areas you’re trying to sculpt. 

If you’re using a cream contour, or a darker shade of concealer, blend it out with a makeup sponge or a stippling brush. Some experts recommend using a damp sponge to blend effortlessly. 

Step 2. Contouring your jawline is a great hack to help define your face shape. Apply your contour product to either side of your jaw, then blend thoroughly.

Step 3. Contouring your nose can temporarily change its shape and the overall appearance of your face. There’s no one right way to contour your nose because it depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re trying to slim your nose, place two lines of contour or concealer down the center of your nose. The closer they are together, the slimmer your nose will look. 

Step 4. To fake a plumper pout, place contour in the middle of your lower lip, under your natural lip line. Blend it to create a shadow, and fill in your lips with a lip liner and lipstick as you normally would.

Step 5. Contour looks best when it’s paired with highlighter. You can use a lighter shade of the same concealer, or use a designated highlighter like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Highlighter Longwear Powder. Apply your chosen product in spots that complement your contour: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the center of your chin, and your cupid’s bow. 

Step 6. Last but not least, lock your look in place with setting powder or spray. 

Next up: How To Wear Matte Makeup Without It Looking Cakey

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris