For a tanned look worthy of the sunniest summer day, nothing could be easier: just apply a bit of bronzer! But you have to know how to apply it for natural results that don't look caked on. Here are some tips.

Where to apply bronzer?

To avoid coverage that is too thick and orange-looking in the cold winter light, follow this cardinal rule is : never put bronzer all over your face! For a blended, natural look, it's better to apply it based on the shape of your face, in small amounts that highlight its angles.

For round faces: slim your face by applying the powder on your cheekbones, eyelids, the arch of your brows, the bridge of your nose, and your chin.

For oval-shaped faces: focus on your cheekbones, the sides of your jaw, and the your hairline, emphasizing the middle of your forehead.

For square faces: to soften angles, apply bronzer to your temples and lower jaw. You can also put a bit on your cheekbones.

Pro tip: before applying bronzer, it's a good idea to exfoliate, clean and moisturize your face. If needed, cover up any imperfections with a corrector pencil. If you want a more intense tan, apply a tinted moisturizer before applying the bronzer.

We like:

• Shiseido's Corrector Pencil, a magical pencil that, in addition to blending with your skin tone, erases all small imperfections, including brown spots, pimples, wrinkles and scars. Keep this in your beauty kit.
• Clarins tinted moisturizer, which hydrates and colours your skin, giving it a healthy glow in addition to protecting it from UV rays. This moisturizer comes in several shades.

The right steps

Apply bronzer with a blush brush (for example, the Pro blush brush from Personnelle). Go very lightly, making circular motions.

Choose the right bronzer

Those with paler complexions should opt for a more iridescent, pearly powder, in pink, golden or caramel tones. Women with darker skin should go for a powder with darker pigments, in shades of brown, red or copper.

We like:

• For pale complexions: Havana Light Bronzing Powder by Lise Watier. For all the sparkle and warmth of the summer sun, with a natural finish.
• For darker complexions: Star Bronzer Matte Sunkiss, by Lancôme. A long-lasting powder that adds brilliance and radiance to your complexion.