Can You Use Bronzer as the Perfect Neutral Eyeshadow?

We’re letting you in on a little secret — your powder makeup products like eyeshadow, bronzer and blush have the same powder texture and they aren’t all that different. This means you can use them interchangeably and one of the most underrated makeup hacks is using bronzer as a neutral eyeshadow. Neutral eyeshadow and bronzer have a lot in common, both being nude-colored powders that aim to add dimension and create shadows.

Your shade of bronzer is a foolproof shade of neutral eyeshadow because you know it matches your skin tone and can suit a number of different looks. Plus, bronzers tend to have a long-wearing finish, making them a great canvas for bold eyeshadow looks — a single swipe on the lid creates the easiest monochromatic makeup look. Ahead, learn how to use bronzer as a neutral eyeshadow and the best tips for applying it. 

What Type of Bronzer Can I Use as Eyeshadow?

Matte bronzer with a neutral tone that doesn’t lean too warm or too cool serves as a great neutral eyeshadow. Bronzer with an overarching cool or warm undertone can read as gray or orange on the eyes. A matte formula is ideal because shimmer can lead to uneven application and it can be harder to blend with other eyeshadows.  

The perfect bronzer to use as eyeshadow is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer. With eight shades that feature a neutral tone for bronzing or contouring, this lightweight bronzer adds natural definition to the lids. It blends seamlessly, blurring redness or veins on the eyelids and it’s waterproof, sweatproof and transfer-proof. In other words, it goes on with ease and lasts all day without budging. 

How to Use Bronzer as Eyeshadow

Using bronzer as eyeshadow is pretty straightforward, but there are some things to avoid when it comes to application for a long-wearing finish. Check out these tips to keep in mind when using bronzer as an eyeshadow.

1. Always Use a Matte Bronzer

As we mentioned, matte bronzer over shimmery formulas are better suited as eyeshadow. Think of bronzer as a base for your lids, priming them for the rest of your eyeshadow so everything can blend seamlessly. 

If the goal is a shimmery eye look, you’re best off choosing a shimmery eyeshadow like the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup and layering it on top of your matte bronzer. This is especially important if you’re creating a smokey eye or a bold eyeshadow look and you’re layering eyeshadows. 

2. Use a Fluffy Eyeshadow Brush

Using a small, fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply bronzer to your lid works best. Treat your bronzer as you would an eyeshadow and blend it onto the lid using windshield wiper motions. While your fingers may work in a pinch, (especially if you forgot eyeshadow and all you have is bronzer) it’s not going to be as precise as it would be if you used a brush.

Once you’ve applied an even layer of bronzer to your lids, proceed with the rest of your eye makeup or, leave it as is for a natural eye makeup look. 

3. Avoid Cream Bronzer

Cream bronzer is gorgeous on the cheeks but this does not translate to your eyelids. It’s not going to have the long-lasting abilities that a powder has, especially if you have oily eyelids and it’s going to be more prone to smudging throughout the day. 

Next: 7 Unconventional Ways to Use a Nude Eyeliner

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn