The MUA-Approved Method for Flawlessly Layering Your Cream Blush and Bronzer
Main image – Katarinaradovic/Stocksy
Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on how to layer cream blushers and bronzers.
I’ve just found out I’ve got melasma so I’m using tons of SPF 50 and am now currently super fair. I’d like to start using a bronzer to get a bit of a healthy colour and I want to try a cream formula but I don’t understand how I’m supposed to layer this with my cream blusher. Does it go over or under or in a different place completely?
Ruby says:
Firstly, melasma is complex, and it’s good you’ve identified it early. It’s often triggered by hormones, heat, and UV exposure, so your commitment to daily SPF 50 is absolutely the right foundation. Prevention is key.
Now, onto makeup: If you’re feeling washed out under high-protection SPF, that’s common. A cream bronzer can reintroduce healthy tone without disrupting skincare underneath.
Layering order:
- Skincare and SPF: Allow it to absorb fully before makeup.
- Cream bronzer: Apply where the sun would naturally kiss the skin: hairline, temples, cheekbones, nose, and jawline. This adds dimension and warmth.
- Cream blush: Tap lightly onto the apples of the cheeks and blend upward. Blush adds freshness, not just colour.
- Gently blend bronzer and blush where they meet – this avoids any harsh separation or muddiness between the two.
- Always choose creamy, light-textured formulas, like my Cheek Colour, that melt into the skin. If you still want to add more warmth opt for a good self-tanner, like James Read’s gradual tan or facial mist. It can help balance unevenness subtly.
- Choose one with a golden tone rather than anything too olive or orange, and apply lightly, building gradually. It’s not about going darker – it’s about creating a veil of tone.
Get Glowing!
