
Let's Talk: Bronzer/Contour Isn't the Problem. Colorism Is.
I've been obsessed with makeup for years. I talk about makeup constantly, and I actually worked at Sephora and Ulta while I was in college. One thing I've noticed over and over, especially when talking to Black women, is that so many of us are hesitant to use bronzer and contour.
A lot of people tell me they're scared it's going to make them look "too dark," so they either choose a bronzer that's barely deeper than their skin tone or skip bronzer/contour altogether.
That honestly makes me a little sad.
As a community, I think we still have some work to do when it comes to unpacking the idea that looking darker is somehow a bad thing. Looking deeper in tone is not something to fear, and it definitely isn't something to avoid in your makeup.
The goal of bronzer is not to make you look darker.
Bronzer is meant to mimic the warmth your skin gets after spending time in the sun. It's what gives you that healthy, sun-kissed, just-got-back-from-vacation glow. I'm a medium-deep girl myself, and I love that warm summer look.
Contour is different. It's about creating shadows and adding dimension to your face. Your contour should absolutely be deeper than your skin tone because shadows are naturally deeper than the areas of your face that catch the light. A good contour can define your cheekbones, jawline, nose, and forehead in a way that still looks natural.
If your bronzer or contour looks intimidating in the pan, don't panic. Makeup is buildable, and there are techniques that make deeper shades much easier to wear.
One of my favorite techniques is underpainting. Apply your contour and bronzer first, then go over it with your foundation. It softens everything while still giving you beautiful dimension. You can also start with a light hand and gradually build the intensity until you find what works for you.
Here are some of my favorite beginner-friendly products:
Bronzer
Contour
- MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Cream Contour & Bronzer Shaping Stick (my top recommendation for beginners)
- Made By Mitchell Curve Case Palette
So lets talk about it!
- If you use bronzer and contour, drop your favorites below
- If you've got techniques that work for you, share them, it might be exactly what someone else needs to finally try it