HOW TO USE BLONZER: THIS SUMMER’S HEATWAVE TREND
If you’ve been dreaming of that just-stepped-off-the-plane look (without the harmful effects of UV rays), we’ve got the perfect solution: blonzer!
This summer’s sultry trend combines the best of bronzer and blush into one product, making it easier than ever to achieve a radiant, flushed complexion. Whether you're looking for a natural daytime glow or a more sculpted evening look, blonzer has your complexion covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right shade to how to use blonzer the right way.
Ready, set, glow!
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- What Is Blonzer
- How To Choose The Right Blonzer Shade For You
- How To Use Blonzer
- Best Blonzers To Add To Your Basket
- How To Use Blonzer FAQs
WHAT IS BLONZER
Before we get into how to use blonzer, let’s take a moment to talk about what it actually is.
Though the term blonzer might sound like the latest TikTok beauty buzzword, the trend itself isn’t exactly new. In fact, chances are you’ve been “blonzing” for years without even realising it. The technique combines your bronzer and blusher into one seamless step — cutting down on products, effort and time.
At its core, blonzing is all about capturing an effortless glow that emulates a natural flush of a blush paired with the sun-kissed warmth of a bronzer. The result? A radiant, lit-from-within finish with no heavy layering or over-blending required.
Available in cream, liquid and powder formulas, blonzers are designed to be swept over the same areas you'd typically apply both products — think the apples of the cheeks, across the nose and up onto the temples and forehead. The goal is to achieve a soft, sculpted radiance that looks like you’ve just come back from a weekend in the sun (without the UV damage, of course).
So, whether you're aiming for a natural daytime sheen or a more luminous evening appearance, blonzers offer a versatile solution to enhance your complexion easily and effortlessly.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BLONZER SHADE FOR YOU
It goes without saying, when it comes to blonzer, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all formula. What flatters one face may fall flat on another — and that’s the beauty of it. With different skin tones and undertones in the mix, the blonzer you choose should be determined by your unique tone. Selecting a shade that complements your tone will ensure a harmonious and flattering finish.
Not sure which colour to choose? No worries, we’ve done the hard work for you. Simply follow our recommendations below:
Fair to light skin: opt for peachy or soft terracotta tones to add warmth without overwhelming the complexion. Medium to olive skin: warm terracotta or brick shades provide a natural, sun-kissed effect. Deep skin: rich cinnamon or red-toned plum hues enhance depth and radiance, making it ideal for your complexion.
HOW TO USE BLONZER
Now we know the ‘what,’ it’s time to discover how to use blonzer to its best ability. Getting a radiant flush has never been so easy...
Start with a clean, primed and prepped base before applying your go-to foundation or tinted moisturiser to create an even canvas. Next, take a fluffy, angled complexion brush as this gives you all the control you need for a seamless application and helps blend the product effortlessly, leaving you with that soft, diffused glow. - Now you’re ready for the main event. Apply your blonzer in a ‘W’ shape across your complexion. Start at the outer bridge of the nose and slowly sweep downwards to the apples of your cheeks. Then, move upwards towards the temples and connect the ‘W’ by swiping from one cheek to the other – over the bridge of the nose.
- If you want to build the blonzer’s intensity, add an extra layer and blend well in between applications.
To complete your look, add a finish touch of highlighter on the highest points of your cheekbones and pair your blonzer with your chosen lipstick, gloss or lip tint.
THE BEST BLONZERS TO ADD TO YOUR BASKET
22
28.80€
The ultimate hybrid hero, bareMinerals’ GEN NUDE Blonzer blends the best of both worlds to boost effortless, radiant results. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, this creamy powder glides onto the skin, providing a soft wash of colour that enhances your natural radiance. The flattering hues work to add warmth to your complexion while giving you that just-back-from-vacation flush. Whether you’re after a subtle sheen or a more sculpted finish, the buildable formula makes it easy to customise your look for any occasion.
28
76.84€
While Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Palette isn’t technically a blonzer per say, its trio of multi-dimensional powders works its magic to enhance your complexion with a natural luminosity that’s never too overdone. With shades that range from subtle golden warmth to rosy flushes, , it’s the one-stop-tool for sculpting, brightening and blonzing. Use it to set your make up, highlight key points, or for an all-over shimmery finish — the possibilities are endless.
749
33.90€
Buildable and blendable, Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand in ‘Glowgasm Pinkgasm’ works hard to enhance your complexion with just the right amount of colour. While the warm, peachy-bronze undertones of Pinkgasm give your cheeks that lit-from-within lustre, the pinkish hue adds the perfect flush to make your skin look healthy and radiant all night long. Plus, infused with Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic glow-inducing technology, it’s guaranteed to leave you with that goddess-like finish that everyone envies.
17
38.42€
Nudestix’s Sunkissed Blush & Bronze Kit combines bronzing and blushing in one convenient package, making it ideal for both make up mavericks and beginners alike. Featuring the warm, terracotta Sunkissed bronzer to grant a sunlit glow, the cool-toned Sunkissed Cool to create subtle contour and definition and the Sunkissed Pink blush to deliver a fresh flush, these creamy, easy-to-blend sticks are compact and travel-friendly, allowing for quick application when home, away or on the go.
54.24€
Inspired by the vibrant California Superbloom, Guerlain’s limited-edition Terracotta Sun-kissed Natural Healthy Glow Powder marries a harmonious blend of bronzing and blush tones, including a warm bronzer base, bright pink and coral accents and a fuchsia highlighter. Enriched with 96% naturally derived ingredients and infused with Moroccan Euphorbia flower honey, the ultra-fine pan hydrates your skin while granting you with a happy, healthy glow. What’s more, housed in a refillable compact adorned with Guerlain’s emblematic bee, it keeps both your complexion and Mother nature smiling.
HOW TO USE BLONZER FAQS
Do you put bronzer on before or after blush?
Now we’ve mastered the art of how to use blonzer, we know there are no rules when it comes to applying your blusher and bronzer — as you can apply it in one go. However, if you are using them separately, it’s best to add your bronzer before your blush as it sculpts your features, preparing them for a healthy flush.
How to use bareMinerals Blonzer?
If you’re using bareMinerals’ Gen Nude Blonzer hold the tip of your fluffy brush towards the outer bridge of the nose, sweep the product down to the apple of the cheek and then up toward the temple. Repeat on the other side to create a ‘W' shape across the face.
Or if you’re trying bareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Blonzer, apply a dot of product to the tops of cheeks and bridge of the nose to create the guide of a 'W' shape. On the cheeks, blend upwards towards the temples with fingertips. On the bridge of the nose, blend across and down the sides of the bridge to connect the 'W' at the cheeks. Gently tap on any additional product with fingertips to build intensity where desired.
Do you put on concealer or bronzer first?
Generally, you should apply concealer before bronzer. Why? Because concealers cover blemishes, redness and dark circles to create an even canvas before adding colour and dimension. Whereas a bronzer adds warmth, contours your face and blends better over a smooth even base. This order ensures that your make up stays immaculate and your bronzer doesn't interfere with the areas you want to conceal.
And there you have it…your ultimate guide to mastering how to use blonzer! With the right technique and product in hand, you’ll be shimmering like you’ve just spent a weekend in the sun — without a single ray of UV in sight.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
