When it comes to choosing the right bronzer your skin tone definitely matters,” explains James. “It's important not to go too dark when selecting your bronzer,” he says. Medium or Olive Tones : Most shades will work well with these complexions, says James. “Copper and earthy tone will compliment your natural tan.” Defined cheekbones: Apply several layers under your cheekbones and blend upward toward your ears using a blending sponge. Repeat as needed. Take into consideration your undertone—this could be cool, warm, or neutral,” says Ono. “To figure out your undertone, look at your veins on your arm: if they are blueish, you have a cool undertone; if they are more green, you’re warmer; and if you can’t really determine which shade you are, you’re more likely a neutral undertone,” she says. For more dramatic sculpts, Greenwood and OCool both recommend using a dense brush (like the Morphe M6 Pro Flat Dense Buffer Brush or the Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush) to buff the contour into the skin in upward strokes. This creates a more targeted effect and allows you to easily build up intensity.

Neutral Undertones : According to Ono, more neutral tones should opt for a color that is a true brown-base. Deeper Skin Tones : “Look for chocolate or espresso shades with warm or blue undertones,” recommends James. Take a look at the ingredients list. Is it infused with moisturizing ingredients? Many formulas on this list, including the options from Westman Atelier, Rare Beauty, and EM Cosmetics, tapped skincare-quality ingredients for their formulas. Hydrating squalane, berryflux vita and jojoba seed oil help the bronzer melt into the skin easily, while also offering a natural, skin-like look. Slimmer-looking nose: Apply several layers along both sides of your nose, blending outwards using a blending sponge. Repeat as needed. Though it blends like a dream when using a brush, it doesn’t blend as seamlessly when using your fingers.The formula is creamy, but light as air, which is really important so you can be versatile with your application—you want to be able to apply bronzer and contour to the cheeks, forehead, side of nose, jawline, sometimes even your eyes,” she notes. And the formula has a matte finish, a must for Ono, who prefers to keep her bronzer and contour shimmer-free (but can layer highlighter on top, if desired) to prevent looking too shiny. You can blend out contour in a variety of ways, but you will get a different result depending on the tool you use. When you want a more subtle contour, Greenwood suggests starting with your hands. “Using your fingers to blend melts the product better, whether you have mature, textured, or youthful skin,” she says. Fair or Light Skin Tones: “Opt for lighter hues of rose or peach, and consider beige taupe and pink rather than orange and red tones,” notes James, who suggests imagining how your skin reacts in the sun, then mimic similar results with your bronzer. Aside from the next-level creaminess and blendability, we also love that it lasts all day on the skin. While there are only four shades in the line-up (and two of them lean warm in tone), the two true contour shades really do work across a wide range of skin tones. We would love the brand to extend the range, but if you can find a shade that works for you, we know you'll fall in love with the formula. Ideally it should be two shades darker than your skin tone and with the same undertone for a natural look.” Here are a few tips for uncovering your undertone and then selecting a bronzer color based on your complexion.

Harold James is a Paris-based editorial and celebrity makeup artist and is represented by The Wall Group. Though the formula blends like a dream, we especially love that the product is essentially a two in one: You’ll find a gorgeous matte cream on one end, and a built-in buffer brush on the other. When used together, the contour and brush beautifully sculpt your features. If you’re one of those people who likes to bypass makeup tools to use your hands, you may want to skip this product — surprisingly, the formula doesn’t melt into skin as nicely when using your fingers.