Jennifer Lopez

Get your glow on this summer like the ultimate bronzed babe, Jennifer Lopez. Photo: Francois Durand/Getty Images



Face bronzer is the must-have beauty product for achieving a healthy, summer glow.

The instant skin illuminator is the secret behind Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Beyoncé's "day at the beach" look, as well as, the trick backstage for the Spring 2010 fashion shows of Elie Tahari, Christian Siriano, and Erin Wasson x RVCA.

And you can achieve this youthful, fresh-faced look -- as long as you use the right bronzer for your skin tone.

If you are fair to light skinned, select a bronzer that is pale beige with rose-gold undertones. And if you are medium to dark skinned, go for a bronzer that is truly brown with golden undertones.

"Try to avoid bronzers that look too orange," advises NARS Cosmetics International Lead Makeup Artist Uzo, "as they will make any complexion appear unnatural."

But before you make a mad dash to the nearest beauty counter, read on for Uzo's simple tips on how to nail the application.

For acne-prone and/or oily skin, Uzo suggests powder bronzer. "This type of complexion (which has the tendency to appear coarse because of enlarged pores) will look smoother and more polished particularly with formulas that are matte such as NARS Loose Powder or Pressed Powder," she says. "Shine will be kept down to a minimum as most powders also contain oil-absorbing ingredients. Apply with a powder brush and lightly dust entire face. For extra staying power, use NARS PRO-PRIME Skin Smoothing Face Prep."

If you have dry skin, its best to work with a cream or liquid bronzer. "It gives dry skin the much-needed appearance of suppleness and radiance especially when the cream bronzer has shimmer like NARS The Multiple in Lamu," says Uzo. "Most cream bronzers are enriched with ingredients such as anti-oxidants and humectants which protect and nourish drier skin. Apply a small amount of cream bronzer with fingers to cheekbones, temples and forehead."

For women with aging skin, the makeup artist believes you would benefit from the use of liquid bronzers. "They are more lightweight and do not settle in fine lines," she says. "To warm the entire complexion, mix a small amount of liquid bronzer with foundation and with fingers apply to cheeks and forehead blending to a smooth finish over entire face. Dab a bit of NARS Orgasm Illuminator to highlight."

On a quest for that sun-kissed shine, we've rounded up the hottest bronzers of the season. From golden, cream-to-powder formulas to shimmering, mineral powders with cheek contouring blush to water-proof, non-smudge finishes, click through the gallery below for summer's go-to glows.




Round out your bronze makeup look with these sizzling summer hairdos!