The key difference between bronzer and highlighter is that bronzer adds depth to the skin, whereas highlighter adds glow to the skin.
Both bronzers and highlighters are very popular makeup products that give dimension to the face and enhance its features. You have to use them after you apply foundation, concealer, and contour because they only give finishing touches to the makeup. They also contour the face and can act as a blush.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Bronzer
3. What is a Highlighter
4. Bronzer vs Highlighter in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Bronzer vs Highlighter
What is a Bronzer?
A bronzer is a makeup product that adds colour and warmth to the face. It illuminates the skin and gives a sun-kissed, healthier, and radiant-looking skin without having to bear the heat of the sun. Bronzers come in different shades of brown, from light to dark. Usually, they are two shades lighter than your foundation shade. Some bronzers are matte, while some are shimmery with warm or cool undertones.
There are mainly four types of bronzers: cream, powder, liquid, and gel. Cream bronzers are ideal if you have dry skin because they help to hydrate the skin and give a natural bronzed look. They can be applied with fingers or a brush. Powder bronzers are good if you have oily skin. They are lightweight and blend easily into the skin. If you want a sheer look, liquid bronzers are ideal for you. This is weightless, blends easily into the skin, and gives a natural sun-kissed look. They can be applied with a sponge, brush, or fingers. Gel bronzers are thicker than liquid bronzers and are long-lasting.
Generally, bronzers are not applied on the whole face. Instead, they are put on areas where the sun would naturally hit the face: cheekbones, bridge of the nose, temples, and foreheads. They are applied in circular motions. You can also apply it on the chin or neck. If you like a slimmer look, they can be used to outline the jawbone as well. When applying bronzers, you should remember that less is more. You should start with a small amount and then build up the colour until you get the preferred look. Bronzers can cover the blemishes on the skin, add definition and give a tanned look to the face. At present, there are bronzers for the body as well.
What is a Highlighter?
A highlighter is a makeup product that adds a glowing look to the face. In this case, you use a colour that is lighter than your skin colour, so it catches the light and highlights the features. However, you should avoid using very light highlighters to prevent them from looking grey. Highlighters can also lift your face and make it brighten but only with the correct shade and tone.
Highlighters add depth to the skin and give a youthful look. There are different shades in highlighters, such as yellows, golds, champagnes, peachy oranges, and pale pinks. They are shimmery, matte, or satin and have warm or cool undertones.
There are different types of highlighters, such as powder, liquid, cream, and gel. Powder satin highlighters are ideal if you have oily or combination skin. They can be applied with a brush. If you want a sheer look, liquid highlighters are the best. These can be applied with a brush, fingers, or a damp sponge. If you mix them with a foundation and apply them, you can get a full glow on your face. Cream highlighters are best if you have dry skin. They give a glowing look without looking heavy. Fingers or a brush can be used when applying this. Gel highlighters have a thick formula and are long-lasting. They can be applied using fingers.
Highlighters are applied only on high points on the face like the tops of cheekbones, brow bones, inner corners of the eyes, cupid’s bow, and bridge of your nose. Remember, it is crucial to consider the lighting in your destination when applying a highlighter.
What is the Difference Between Bronzer and Highlighter?
The key difference between bronzer and highlighter is that bronzer adds depth to the skin, whereas highlighter adds glow to the skin. Bronzers darken the skin, giving you a sun-kissed, healthy look with depth, while highlighters reflect the light, giving you a glowing look, brightening and lifting the face.
The below infographic presents the differences between bronzer and highlighter in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Bronzer vs Highlighter
A bronzer is a makeup product that adds colour and warmth to the face. This gives you a tanned, sun-kissed, healthy look plus depth on your face. A bronzer should be two shades darker than your foundation. A highlighter is a makeup product that adds a glowing look to the face. Highlighters reflect the light and enhance the features of the face. Highlighters should be about two shades lighter than your foundation. So, this is the summary of the difference between bronzer and highlighter
Reference:
1. “The No-Fail Guide to Applying Bronzer.” Byrdie.
2. “Highlighter.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Make Up Brushes and Bronzer – 50888164487” By geehairimages – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Close up of a Highlighter” by Sobia Akhtar (CC0) via Pexels