Alright babes, let’s talk SUMMER GLAM and how to get that sun-kissed “Bronzed Goddess” look that literally everyone is going crazy for. The secret sauce? Contouring, of course! But not just any contouring—no, no, we’re here for that “just walked off the beach” glow-up. That bronzy, shimmery, golden tan that says, “I’ve been chilling under the sun, sipping iced lattes, and living my best life.” And guess what? I’m going to show you exactly how to do it—without baking in the sun (because SKIN CARE is still a thing, hello).
So grab your bronzer, your fave contour brush (we’ll talk details in a sec), and let’s get into these juicy bronzed contour tips for SUMMER, babe. You ready? Let’s GLOW ✨.
Why You NEED to Contour in Summertime 💁♀️
Okay, first things first. Why should we even care about contouring differently during summer? Well, it’s simple! Your skin might naturally get a little more color, which means a more subtle contour is the key here (we’re not trying to look like a TikTok filter IRL). In the summer, we’re all about glowing, bronzed skin—not harsh, heavy lines—that’s more of a winter thing. Trust me, you want those effortless, sculpted sun-kissed vibes.
So, instead of using your go-to contour routine, it’s time to BRIGHTEN and BRONZE. Lighter-hand, lighter products can make all the difference.
“Summer contouring should be about natural warmth and glow, not hard lines and heavy shadows.”
Step 1: Start with a Flawless Base
Let’s get one thing straight: YOU are stunning. But for contouring, we gotta start with a smooth base. Summer skin can get a little sweaty and shiny, so prep work is your bestie. After your skincare routine (you ARE wearing SPF every day, right?!) apply a lightweight primer.
I’m lowkey obsessed with primers that are more on the hydrating side during the summer. You want something that’ll give you that dewy finish while keeping any extra sweat and shine in check.
What to Look for in a Summer Primer:
| Primer Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Hydrating Primer | Gives that natural, dewy finish and holds your makeup without drying you out. |
| Mattifying Primer | Helps control oil production for those SUPER-hot days or oily skin girlies. |
| SPF Primer | Protects and smooths—like a bodyguard for your face. |
Current Fave: Anything with SPF + hydration for that double-duty action, like the e.l.f. Luminous Putty Primer.
Step 2: Swap the Heavy Foundation for BB Cream ☀️
Listen, nobody wants to walk around looking cakey in the heat. I’ve been there. It’s not fun. You feel like you might melt right off the face of the earth, and that’s a no from me. Summer contouring needs something LIGHT and breathable that lets your skin shine through.
This is where BB creams, lightweight foundations, or tinted moisturizers come in like a hero. They still give you coverage but leave room for that natural summer glow. It doesn’t have to be full glam every day—sometimes it’s just about enhancing what you already have.
“Less is more, baby—especially in the summer heat! Heavy foundation can feel like a mask on hot days.”
Pro Tip: Go with a BB creme that has some SPF in it. Why? Because we’re smart, sun-conscious queens, of course 💁♀️.
Step 3: Picking the Right Bronzer 🏖️
OKAYYY, now for the fun part—bronzer time! This is where things really start heating up. Picking the right bronzer for summer is key! You want something that gives warmth without making you look like you threw mud on your face.
Types of Bronzers to Choose From:
| Bronzer Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Powder Bronzer | Oily skin or matte finish lovers. Great for controlling shine. |
| Cream Bronzer | Dry skin or normal skin. Gives that dewy, natural finish. Spreadable. |
| Liquid Bronzer | Sheer and buildable for a glowy, more natural look. |
My go-to: Right now, Fenty Beauty’s “Cheeks Out” cream bronzer is my summer everything. It’s creamy, blends beautifully, and gives the perfect sun-kissed glow.
Step 4: Placement Is EVERYTHING
Now that we’re all bronzed up, it’s time to get strategic about where we apply this magic stuff. I see y’all forgetting about this step sometimes, honestly, and dollll, you gotta focus on placement. This part makes all the difference between looking naturally bronzed and looking like you messed up with a spray tan.
The best places to BRONZE it up (but in a natural way):
- The high points of the face: Think temple area, tops of your cheekbones, and jawline.
- Center of the forehead: Just a bit to give your forehead some warmth from the sun’s imaginary rays ☀️.
- Along your nose: You can also run the leftover bronzer down the sides of your nose for a sun-kissed effect. But don’t overdo it, babe. No harsh lines here!
Basically, bronzer goes where the sun naturally hits you, so you want your cheekbones and forehead to pop most.
Pro Tip: Use a bronzer that’s 2 shades warmer than your skin tone if you’re doing a natural bronze look. You don’t want to go too dark or it could feel a little fake. Remember, we want subtle sun-kissed glam, not drag race depth (unless that’s your vibe, in which case—WORK).
Step 5: Blend, Baby, Blend
Let’s chat blending. I cannot stress this enough: your bronzer should NOT look like streaks on your face. That’s not cute. 💀 You want those diffused, soft edges, so blend, baby, blend! Use a damp beauty sponge, or a large powder brush to seamlessly melt that bronzer into your face.
Blender Tip: If you’re rocking cream or liquid bronzer, blend it with beauty sponges for the cleanest finish. If you’ve gone with powder bronzer, a fluffy brush will do the trick.
Step 6: Add Some Glow ✨ (Obvi)
We can’t do a summer contour without getting our GLOW up, am I right? After your bronzer, you’re gonna wanna hit the high points of your face with a nice highlighter. This sets off the entire contour. If you’ve never glowed before, today’s your lucky day!
Highlight the bridge of your nose, tops of your cheekbones, cupid’s bow (that cute little top lip spot), and maybe a teeny bit on your brow bone if you’re feeling ~extra~. You can literally swipe some onto your collarbones and shoulders too if you’re showing some skin. I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a walking sun goddess?
Highlighter Mood: Right now, I’m OBSESSED with that soft-glow-from-within look, so something like Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector will make you feel like that. Not glittery—just glowwwy.
“Summer isn’t about sharp, hard contours. It’s softness, glow, and just enough shimmer to blind your haters.”
Step 7: Set Everything With a Mist 🌊
And we are LINKED UP. Finished. The final touch, babes, and this one’s super important: setting spray. Literally the MVP to keep all of your hard work from melting off after like 15 minutes outside. I mean, do y’all really wanna spend time perfecting your bronzed summer glow, only to sweat it out?
Absolute must-have: Go for a dewy setting spray! It locks in your makeup and keeps the glow GOING. Think of it as an extra layer of ✨ that’s also working hard behind the scenes.
My fave right now: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, but if you want hydration, I beg you, try the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Mist for those dewy vibes 🌺.
Don’t Forget the Bronzy Body Glow!
Okay, if you’re really on one (and I KNOW you are), let’s not forget about the rest of our body! Adding a bit of bronzer or body glow to your shoulders, collarbones, and even the tops of your legs will MAJORLY elevate the look.
Try this: Use a jumbo liquid body bronzer, or just mix your fave body lotion with a liquid highlight to apply on your arms, collarbones, shoulders…. basically anywhere you wanna glow ✨.
And because I love y’all so much, quick recap 💕:
- Prime baby, prime! Dewy skin starts with prepping those pores. SPF included ✔️.
- Foundation switch-up. Tinted moisturizers or BB creams—let that natural skin breatheeeee.
- Bronzer 101: Pick the right formula (powder, liquid, cream, etc.) based on your vibe.
- Placement is KEY. Cheeks, jawline, forehead. Emulate the sun’s touch.
- Blend, babe! Like, for real. Ain’t nobody got time for streakiness.
- Glow, always: Pop that highlight at the high points.
- Set it & forget it: Mist your life into place (dewy sprays preferred).
- Don’t sleep on body glow: Shoulders and collarbones are part of the glow gang too.
Let’s get out there and be the sun-kissed queens we are.
Chat in the comments, or tag me in your looks—I NEED to see all of you shining your bronzed glam this summer!
XOXO,
Su 💋
