Get Your Summer Glow on With These Bronze Makeup Looks

Nothing says summer quite like a wide-brimmed hat, scheduled out-of-office messages, and bronze makeup looks to match your new summer skin glow. Pair your summer bronze body with an equally bronze makeup look that’ll have you looking like you just got back from partying in Ibiza. This summer, we want to challenge you to create a bronze summer look without the damaging UV rays. For a bronzed body this summer, spritz on a few coats of self-tanner (we like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist in Medium Natural Tan) for a natural glow. 

And for a bronzed makeup look, get ready to pick up orange blushes, warm-toned eyeshadows, and bronzer (obvi). Below, we’re answering your most asked questions on bronze summer makeup along with step-by-step tutorials on a few bronze makeup looks — from face makeup to eye makeup to lip makeup — that are perfect for summer.

How Do You Get a Bronzed Makeup Look?

A bronze summer look is all about the makeup products you use to replicate a sun-kissed glow — without the sunburn. Think of the warm-toned colors you’d see during a sunset in the middle of July: That rising heat that might make you sweat a bit, and the shadow of the sun giving your face that “golden hour” look. Grab some orange and brown-hued eyeshadows, highlighters, and blushes for a bronzed flushed base that’ll mimic this perfect summer look. You’ll want to keep the bold colors of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush on hand for these looks. Below, discover the areas to highlight for a bronzed summer makeup moment.

Focus on the Face 

Any good makeup look starts with the right foundational base. To create a bronze summer look you’ll want to use a hydrating primer, a lightweight foundation, and deep toned bronzers and blushes. Follow the steps below for a summer-proof makeup look that’ll leave your face glistening like golden hour was every hour. 

Prep your Skin

First things first, you’ll want to prep your skin by using a makeup primer. Opt for one with a radiant finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer, to complement your soon-to-be bronze complexion. 

Perfect your Base

Next, create a flawless base by applying a full-coverage, lightweight foundation. We love that the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation resists sweat, water, and transfer and has a natural finish.

Bronze it Up

It’s time to bring on the bronze(r). Choose the water-proof and sweat-proof wonder that is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer, which comes in eight lightweight shades ranging from Dark to Medium to Fair. Apply it to your temples, jawline, the hollows of your cheeks, and the sides of your nose for a golden bronzed hue that’ll glow at every angle. Using a matte bronzer like the one above during the sweltering heat of the summer is the ultimate hack to long-lasting makeup. The buildable bronzer is humidity-proof and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores).

Use a Bronze Blush

Who says blush has to be pink or peach? Instead of reaching for a traditional blush shade, opt for one that will enhance your bronze makeup look. Think warmer hues that fall somewhere between blush and bronzer. 

Apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in the shade Daring Rosewood to the apples of your cheeks, then it’s onto your next step. If you prefer a more fiery bronze blush, try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in the shade Marigold.

Reach for Some Highlighter

What’s a bronze makeup look without some bronze highlighter? Apply the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer to your cheekbones, Cupid’s bow, and the tip of your nose for the perfect dose of bronze shimmer.

Set your Complexion

Set your look with a radiant setting spray over a powder to guarantee that the bronze makeup you just spent time doing stays glowy. Spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray for a natural, dewy bronze that lasts. 

Focus on the Eyes

Don’t let the summer heat keep you from wearing a stunning bronzed eye makeup look. Swap out your eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadows for pigmented water-proof formulas that’ll last through any humid temperatures. Follow along with the below steps to achieve and eye look that utilizes neutrals and warm colors for this easy bronzed summer makeup look. 

Prime Your Lids

Before we get into your bronze eye makeup look, begin by prepping your lids with an eye makeup primer. This will create an even base for your eyeshadow to have maximum pigment and lasting power.

Grab your Shadow

Your eyeshadow will serve as the base for your bronze eye makeup look — so take your time perfecting it. First, coat your lid with a shimmery light brown eyeshadow like the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 HR eyeshadow in Bottomless Java. Then, blend the color into your crease using a matte nude shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mix and Matte.

Line your Eyes

Start by lining your upper and lower lash lines with a brown pencil liner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim, and gently smudge the line with the sponge on the opposite side of the liner for a smoky look. Lastly, line your waterline with the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Charcoal Shimmer for a pop of glitz.

Boost your Brows

This bronze makeup look might be centered around your eyes but that never means to neglect your brows. Create a fuller brow shape with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in the shade that closest matches your brow hairs. Available in 10 natural shades ranging from Auburn to Blonde to Black, the thin pencil allows for more detailed featherlike strokes. Top your brows with the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-brow Longwear Brow Topcoat, Waterproof Universal Transparent for smudge-proof, transfer-proof brows that keep all hairs in place, even after long sweaty commutes. 

Coat your Lashes

Finish your bronze eye makeup look with a few coats of brown mascara to darken and lengthen lashes. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable in Black Brown for an instant lash-lift effect.

Focus on the Lips

Our final bronze makeup look is all about your pout! This lip moment adds a twist on the glossy lips of summer with a golden hue for a bronze-sculpture-like look. Here’s how to create it yourself. 

Line your Lips

Outline your lips with a nude lip liner that fits your skin tone. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner is available in 12 neutral shades ranging from a dark brown to a flushed mauve. After you’ve outlined their shape, fill in your lips. By using it to fill in the shape of your lips completely, you create an even base for your lipstick that will help fight fading. 

Grab your Lipstick

Next, color your lips with a bronze, brown, or orange-based color that’ll emphasize the bronze makeup look. We love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Cinnamon Toast for those with darker skin tones and the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Golden Splendor for those with lighter skin tones. The hydrating formula is infused with vitamin E, argan oil, and sesame seed oil.

Top it Off With a Gloss

It’s only natural to top off your lipstick with a glittery lip gloss. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Sunlit Shimmer to take your bronze lip look up a notch. If you prefer a glitter-free look, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint in the peachy shade Etheral Blush. 

Which Type of Makeup Is Best in Summer?

Always go for a melt-free or transfer-proof makeup product for the summertime. Summer means increased temperatures and more chances to — unfortunately — sweat out whatever makeup product you’re wearing. Waterproof products that won’t run down your face or clog your pores are a must. 

Try the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel, the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara, and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation for everyday basics that you’ll want to stash in your makeup bag over the next few hot months. 

How Can I Make My Face Look Bronze?

Above, we broke down the individual looks that you can create to have a bronzed summer makeup look that you’ll want to carry on into the winter. However, if you’re looking for a long-lasting option, try using a facial self-tanning mist spray like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist, Vitamin E, for a subtle, natural-looking bronzing. 

How Do You Get Bronzed, Dewy Skin?

Whether it be your entire body or your face, the right products (again) are vital. To achieve bronzed, dewy skin, apply a self-tanning lotion like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer all over your body — neck down — like you would any lotion. The results are a long-lasting, dewy finish with the illusion of a sun-soaked glow thanks to the light-reflecting micro-pearls in the formula. Match that dewy sheen to your face with the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops, Fragrance Free for a more controlled, natural-looking tan. 

Next: L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanner Reviews 

Photographer: Nelson Huang, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Producer: Becca Solovay, Beauty Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Digi Tech: Jacky Jiang, Photo Assistant: Tyler Andrews, Model: Mecca Allah