From powders to creams and everything in between, bronzers are a must-have in your summer beauty bag.

Doubling as a sun-kissed glow-giver and a contouring product in a pinch, this makeup staple is a versatile pick that can work across a variety of skin tones.

For the most natural bronzed look, apply to areas that would naturally darken in the sun – think the bridge of the nose, across the top of the forehead and cheeks.

One fool-proof application method is to trace the number ‘3’ on both sides of your face – begin at the top of your forehead, sweep downwards in a curving motion (following your hairline) along your cheeks and finally, finish with a light sweep across the jawline to mimic a natural tan.

Benefit Hoola Bronzer, $54, L’Oreal Paris Wake Up And Glow Bronze Powder, $24.99 and Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer, $52, from Life Pharmacy.

Choose a large, fluffy, tapered blending brush to apply, tapping off the excess before sweeping it onto the skin. To avoid a patchy result that catches in certain areas, try setting your foundation with a light dusting of translucent powder before applying your bronzer.

A cool-toned bronzer can also be used to lightly contour and add dimension to your face, by placing it along the hollows of your cheeks, your temples and the sides of your nose. Your best bet with this approach is to try a matte version without too much shimmer.

You can even use your favourite bronzer as eyeshadow, simply by applying with an eyeshadow brush. It’s an easy way to do a quick, cohesive beauty look.

To make those cheekbones really pop, you can finish with a touch of radiant highlighter on the top of cheekbones as down the centre of your nose and cupid’s bow.

Words: Megan Bedford
Photos: Getty Images

This article originally appeared on beautyheaven.co.nz.