Want to be a bronzed babe? Word’s going around that that’s the look of Autumn-Winter 2002. Here are the golden rules to get that glow.
Sultry and sexy - as if you’ve just stepped out of a Latino music video - that’s the look we’ve got for you this season. There’s something undeniably appealing about skin that has a healthy sun-kissed look. And although we all know that too much sun is a bad thing, you can still achieve the golden glow of a summer tan without sacrificing your skin.

Just fake it with bronzing products that mimic the sun’s effects. Use a bronzer right and you’ve got a new beauty trick to flash.

Follow these easy bronzing guidelines to safely maintain your sun-goddess status.
* When choosing a bronzer, make sure it doesn’t appear too orange or frosted. A little shimmer goes a long way; too much shimmer can make your skin look unnatural and harsh, especially with mature skin. Never go more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone; bronzers are meant to ‘warm’ your skin tone, not colour it.
* Keep your make-up simple. If you’re using a bronzer, don’t apply a coppery eye shadow and lipstick. You don’t want your entire face awash in a sea of bronze. Instead, opt for contrasts that enhance skin tone. Simplify eye make-up with a warm brown or black liner and a few coats of mascara. On your lips, use sheer, clear colours such as corals, reds or russets.
SLAP ON COLOUR * When using bronzers, apply little or no foundation. Keep colour as natural as possible. Too much foundation can leave your bronzer looking muddy and artificial, ruining the effect. If you feel you need foundation, try a tinted moisturiser or sheer finish make-up instead.
* Powder bronzers are best for oily complexions. If your skin is dry or if you like a dewy finish, choose a cream, stick or gel to achieve your colour.
* When applying a powder bronzer, it’s important to have the right brush. A wide, fluffy powder brush is your best bet. To begin, dip the brush into the colour and tap it on the back of your hand to remove any excess.
Apply colour to the areas of the face the sun would naturally hit - cheeks, forehead, chin and the bridge of the nose. Blend well. For lighter complexions, follow up with a touch of pink or rose blush on the apples of the cheeks for a natural-looking flush. * Cream, stick or liquid bronzers should be applied using your fingers. First, apply the bronzer and rub fingers together to even the colour. Then dab the bronzer onto the apples of your cheeks and blend using circular motions. Work the colour back toward the hairline. Leftover colour can be dabbed onto the bridge of the nose, forehead and brow bones to warm the rest of the face.
* The best rule of thumb for bronzing is to start light and build colour slowly. If you happen to accidentally over-bronze, either use a dry cotton pad to wipe some off, or dust your face with a little loose powder to lighten the colour.
ON YOUR BEAUTY SHELF The new multihued bronzers are a godsend. Their mix of dark and light tones creates a natural-looking faux glow and avoids the muddy effect of some single-tone bronzing powders. Brush the deep tint where your face usually tans the darkest, says make-up artist Jojo.
Then sweep the lighter hue around the edges of your face. Or try a bronzer that is a mosaic of colours, which will evenly distribute a range of golden shades.
Try Prescriptives Sunsheen in So Warm; Clarins Bronzing Duo; Guerlain Terracotta Duo in Terre du Desert; Revlon Sleek Cheeks in Skinlight; Victoria’s Secret Sunny Cheeks; and Laura Mercier Bronzer.
GOT COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? E-MAIL US AT femina@timesgroup.com WITH ‘bronze it.’ IN THE SUBJECT LINE.