emirates7 - By now, bronzer and contour have become staples in almost every beauty enthusiast's collection, thanks to the popularity of radiant, sun-kissed looks that have been trending in skin-focused makeup.

Though both bronzer and contour are used to enhance the face, they serve different purposes. While they both add depth and dimension, bronzer is designed to bring warmth to the skin, whereas contour is meant to define areas where shadows would naturally fall.

Whether you're aiming for a full-glam appearance or just a subtle glow, there are easy ways to incorporate these products for added dimension. We spoke with expert makeup artists to clarify the differences between bronzer and contour and how best to use each. Keep reading to find out more.

**What Is Bronzer?**
Bronzer is essentially like a sun-kissed glow in a bottle. “Bronzers tend to have warmer tones and are used to add color to the face,” says an expert.

Bronzers come in various forms, including creams, powders, serums, and sticks. Cream bronzers are ideal for fuller coverage, while serums provide a soft, radiant glow across the face. To apply bronzer, choose your preferred product and sweep it across the “apples of the cheeks, blending it back up along the cheekbones,” advises Kassajikian. “Then, apply it around the perimeter of your face and jawline to add warmth. Use a fluffy brush for a seamless blend.”

“Typically, bronzer is applied after foundation and before blush,” a makeup artist explains. “I use bronzer to add color to the skin. For a healthy glow, you can mix it with your foundation.”

**What Is Contour?**
Contour products, in contrast, are usually cool-toned to replicate the natural shadows of your bone structure. “Contour can be used to sculpt the face, helping to redefine and enhance facial features,” says a celebrity makeup artist.

Like bronzer, contour comes in different forms, with powder and cream being the most popular. Both types can help you achieve a chiseled look when applied where shadows naturally occur. How you apply contour depends on your personal style and the degree to which you want to accentuate your facial features.

The artist recommends applying contour right after foundation and before any powder products to shape and define your features. For a simple, everyday look, Riddle suggests applying contour from the “hairline to the cheekbone, blending out and upward—this will elongate and lift the face,” says Riddle. “You can also apply it to the temples, bridge of the nose, jawline, and chin to enhance definition and dimension.”