Why you should reach for a matte bronzer more often

We're all about having a multitasking makeup product in our arsenal, such as a tinted moisturiser to hydrate and even out the skin tone on our faces, and lip and cheek tints to bring our features to life. As for our complexion, we've become accustomed to reaching for a shimmery bronzer; they're basically the lovechild of a highlighter and bronzer in one, made famous by brands like Becca and Bobbi Brown. However, we think that matte bronzers come out on top as being the more adaptable in your makeup routine. Yep, not only will you use it way more than your glitter-flecked bronzer, but it can make you look like you've been tanning all year round, even when we're in the dead of winter. “Matte bronzers have been a staple in my kit for years,” says leading Australian makeup artist Rae Morris. And if it’s good enough for Morris, it’s certainly good enough for us.

Here are three reasons why you should always keep a matte bronzer in your makeup bag.

#1 / Matte bronzers give you instant cheekbones

The number one most redeeming feature about a matte bronzing powder is that it’s really good at sculpting your features (read: contouring with ease). “These matte bronzer shades are amazing at carving out your features - a technique I use to softly contour and warm up the cheekbones,” says Morris. We recommend using a large fluffy brush, swirling it in your matte bronzer compact, dusting off any excess, and sweeping it right under your cheekbones to visually lift the area.

#2 / Matte bronzers are really versatile

If you’re a big fan of Bella and Gigi Hadid’s naturally-bronzed style of makeup, then you’ll notice this one thing: they usually wear the same shade of matte powder bronzer on their eyes, cheeks, and generally all over. “Matte bronzers can blend easier than eyeshadows as they have a more diluted pigment," explains Morris. "Imagine an eyeshadow that’s been mixed with a translucent powder; the [powder will have a] more sheer effect.” Use a larger brush for your complexion, then switch to a smaller eyeshadow brush to sweep the bronzer across your lids.

#3 / Matte bronzers can complement your features

Illuminating bronzers definitely have their place, but there’s also a downside when it comes to shimmer: “when a product has reflective particles, each individual shimmer particle either goes light or dark. Try this trick… pop a shimmery bronzer on the back of your hand and tilt your hand back and forth - you will notice a huge difference in colour,” explains Morris. “The darkening can make your skin look dull and muddy.” Matte bronzers, on the other hand, will look consistent on your face, no matter what lighting you’re in.

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What do you think is the best bronzer on the market right now, and why? Tell us in the comments below.

Main image credit: Sevak Babakhani featuring CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder, Dior Diorskin Mineral Nude Bronze Wild Earth, Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Bronzer and Sportsgirl Bronze Me Jumbo Bronzing Powder.