The secret to the perfect bronzer placement for mature skin is out. Celebrity makeup artist Val Garland has shared her technique for a quick and instantly flattering result on older women, describing it as a ‘facelift’ effect. And having worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including the fabulous Helen Mirren for L'Oréal Paris, Val’s expert beauty secrets are definitely worth taking note of.
For mature skin, bronzer can be transformative when applied correctly, adding warmth, definition and a sun-kissed glow. However, a heavy application can lead to a harsh and muddy finish. Val’s bronzer trick is particularly effective for mature skin because she uses a light hand and clever placement, which refines contours rather than simply adding colour to the face.
‘What I like about this placement is that it feels like a facelift,’ says Val, sharing her technique in an Instagram tutorial. You can absolutely see how her method not only adds a sun-kissed warmth but also beautifully defines the face.
Want to try Val’s ‘facelift’ bronzer trick at home? We’ve broken it down so you can recreate it in three simple steps…
To kick off, you’ll need a flat-domed brush to recreate the sculpted look. Val’s go-to is the SUQQU Face Color Brush – a bit of an investment at £110, but keep reading to shop a fantastic alternative.
A soft brush is essential. As Val explains, ‘When I apply the bronzer, it splays out, preventing hard edges and picking up only the lightest amount of powdered bronzer.’
Now for the main technique. ‘I apply bronzer on a mature skin in a C shape. I’ll start here, on the temple, and I’m just cutting that round,’ she says, swooping the brush along her cheekbones and finishing on the apple of the cheek, then going back and forth in the same curved motion. ‘It’s almost more like a blush placement and that way, I’m getting the lift to my face.’
Using a powdered bronzer with a subtle, diffused finish is also key for mature skin. In the comments, Val reveals that she’s used a product by a fellow makeup artist: Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Bronzer.
However Val’s bronzer lift doesn’t end at the cheekbone. She also uses the powder to gently contour her jawline, leaving no obvious telltale lines. ‘I’m going to “tuck” the bronzer,’ she explains, buffing it into her skin using circular motions and running it all along the edge of her jaw.
The clip has already gained more than 10,000 likes and hundreds of comments, including one from Stacey Dooley, Val’s ex-colleague on BBC3’s Glow Up makeover show.
RECREATE THE LOOK
