Makeup can help you look like the beachy version of yourself all year long, giving you a sun-kissed glow without the beach trips or poolside lounging. To achieve this post-vacation afterglow (with or without an actual vacation), you're going to need two trusty tools – bronzer and blush makeup. However, because we know how well these two products work together, we’ve taken the liberty of combining them to help you boost your natural radiance wherever you wander.

Let's take a look at the type of blush and bronzer available and which is best for your skin type, how to apply bronzer and blush like a pro, and some steps to a summer makeup look.

How to choose a blush and bronzer

There's more to blush and bronzer than just color. Just like your foundation, these products come in two primary forms – a cream formula and a powder formula. When choosing which to purchase, you’ll need to look at your skin type to determine which formula will work best with your skin and give you your desired look.

Cream formulas work well for people with dry skin, as well as those who prefer a more dewy look. On the other hand, powder formulas are favored by those whose skin tends to get shiny throughout the day, and who value a mattifying effect to balance out excessive shine. To get the best of both, you can always combine the two – starting off with a cream formula and setting it with a similar-colored powder for longevity.

How to apply blush and cream bronzer

Cream-based formulas provide some moisture to the skin to add a dewy luminosity to the face and body. We recommend using the best cream blush and illuminator to streamline your beauty routine. After having applied your foundation and before doing your lips and eyes, you’ll be ready to apply blush color.

To do this, dot your blush on the apples of your cheeks, then blend using either your fingers or a bronzer brush in small tapping motions. For bronzer, glide your stick applicator along the hollows of your cheeks, to your temples along the hairline, along your lower jawline, and on the sides of your nose, blending again, as you did with the blush. This will give your face a summery warmth and natural depth.

How to apply powder bronzer and blush

Powders provide a more matt finish, though they can still contain moisturizing ingredients such as mango seed butter and lotus flower extract, present in our best bronzer and blush duo. This makes a powder formula ideal for all skin types, not just those with oily skin. Powders provide enhanced color and greater staying power.

Using a bronzer or foundation brush, make a small circular motion in the blush pan, then gently tap off excess powder. Apply the blush to the apple of your cheeks, blending the color upwards towards the ears in small sweeping strokes. This will add a pop of color, delivering a natural flush to the cheeks. Next, you’ll use the bronzer to add warmth and contour. Apply the brush to the bronzer pan in the same way, then sweep it across the hollows of your cheeks, blending it upwards into your temples in small circular motions. Next, create a “3” shape on either side of your face. Start at the center of your forehead along your hairline, move towards your cheekbones and back out under your jawline. Gently dust any excess on the tip of your chin, nose, and in the center of your forehead, where you're most likely to get sun exposure, for a natural finish.

Your year-round sun-kissed makeup routine

For a natural makeup look that gives you a gentle glow, you’ll need a priming sunscreen, your go-to foundation, a blush and bronzer of your choice, a powder brush, some lip color, and mascara. The Getaway Eye & Face Palette will cover most of your bases, as it contains four expertly selected shadows, a highlighter, blush, and bronzer. This routine will act as a simple foundational makeup look that can be used daily or built on, depending on the occasion.

Following your usual skincare routine, apply a priming sunscreen, then wait a minute or two to apply your foundation. Next, add a pop of color to your cheeks using blush, and create depth and radiance with bronzer, using the application method described above. For a sun-kissed look, you’ll want to use a nude, pink, or peach lip color. Our On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator can be used not only as a pink blush, but also to add color to the lips and eyes. Add some eyeliner and mascara before finishing your fresh-off-the-beach look with an illuminating glow. Swipe the cream illuminator along the collar bones and blend in a circular motion at the highest point of your shoulders to add a natural glow.

Achieve a year-long glow with Wander Beauty