To find your skin tone, hold the underside of your wrist up to natural light. If the veins look green, you have a warm skin tone. Blue or purple veins mean a cool skin tone, while blue-green means a neutral skin tone.

A special bronzer blush provides the most control. [4] X Research source In a pinch, you can use a blush brush or clean fingers (for a cream bronzer), but don’t use the brush for other products. [5] X Research source When using powder, tap the brush to shake off the excess before applying.

Think of it like making the shape of a banana running from your temples down beneath your cheekbones. [8] X Expert Source Alana SchoberPout Pro Makeup Artist Expert Interview. 15 June 2021. Now that you see the overall effect, you can experiment a little in future. Applying bronzer at a straighter, less severe angle makes your face look wider, while a slightly sharper angle makes your face look longer. [9] X Research source If you follow your cheekbones exactly, it may add even more length.

If you’re not sure which color to choose, pinch your cheeks and try to match that flushed color. [10] X Research source In general, fair skin calls for peach or pink blush; olive skin calls for blush with blue undertones; and dark skin can pull off bright pinks or oranges. [11] X Research source

If you don’t have a highlighter, you can improvise with a pearly nude eyeshadow.

Powder highlighters are best applied with a small blush brush. You can use a sponge for liquid highlighter, but for best results, put a few drops on the back of your hand and dab it on with your fingers. Dab a little highlighter above your brow bone or to the inner corners of your eyes to add even more light to your face. [13] X Research source To make your darker contour stand out more, apply your highlighter right inside the first line you drew, then blend the two together. [14] X Expert Source Alana SchoberPout Pro Makeup Artist Expert Interview. 15 June 2021.

If you can’t get the makeup to blend with your fingertips, softly brush your cheeks in a circular motion using a clean, fluffy brush. To blend liquid products, use a makeup sponge. If you need to remove some of your makeup, use a scrunched up tissue to lightly buff your cheeks.