Beauty tip

Get Beautifully Bronzed at Every Age
Top product picks and easy tips for creating a natural summer glow.

20s: Show Off Flawless Skin

"At this age, your skin isn't showing signs of aging, so don't cover it up," says Michael Pierce, lead makeup artist for Hourglass Cosmetics. Skip foundation and use a subtle bronzer like Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 with 24 Karat Gold ($32). For a flush of color, apply it where the sun naturally hits your face: cheeks, nose, and forehead. Pierce suggests completing this sun-kissed look with lots of black mascara, warm pink blush on the apples of your cheeks, and a pop of bright gloss. We like Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara in Carbon Black ($8.99), CoverGirl TruCheeks blush in 1 ($7.82), and Laura Mercier Lip Plumper gloss in Peach Glow ($30).

30s: Brighten Up with Blush

Does your fake tan look...fake? Add a glistening blush to give life to your complexion. "The key is finding a balance with shimmer and not using a powder with heavy sparkle," notes Meredith Baraf, a Victoria's Secret makeup artist. We like Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess SunBlush Illuminator ($32). "But first, apply a liquid bronzer, which has a natural sheen for a more refined tanned look, on the high points of your face," instructs Baraf. Try Victoria's Secret Bare Bronze Liquid Bronzing Brush ($22). Follow with blush, dusting it on your cheekbones toward the hairline, for an instant lift.

40s: Restore Radiance

As we age, skin gets drier and begins to lose its luster. For this reason, the pros advise that you stick with a cream bronzer versus powder formulas, which can streak and enhance dryness. Try Hourglass Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo ($40). Pierce suggests starting with the kit's illuminating highlighter and applying it to your brow bone, from the upper cheekbone down into the hollow of your cheek, and under your eyes (mixed with concealer) to diffuse darkness. Then use the bronzer to contour your cheekbones, blending it up the apples.

50s: Emphasize Your Eyes

"Adding bronze sheen — not glitter — to your eyes makes them appear bigger, brighter, and more youthful," explains Pierce. "You'll look sun kissed but not like you've overdone your makeup," adds Baraf. Look for shades of bronze, gold, and peach. We like using Givenchy Prismissime Mat & Glow Sun Face Powder 9-Colors in Sun Caramel ($53) as eyeshadow. Apply a darker shade over your entire lid and a lighter color at the inner corner for an added highlight.

60 and Up: Boost Your Pout

"You might have noticed a loss of volume in your lips," notes Pierce. "Using a bronze-tinted lip plumper will help fill them out." Start with a warm pink lip liner like Sephora Slim Lip Pencil in Neutral ($5) and apply a plumping gloss on top, "focusing on the bottom center of your lips for a poutier look," instructs Pierce. Try Dior Bronze Collagen-Activ Sun Protection Plumping Gloss ($30). Baraf adds, "Gloss makes lips look fresh and young, but if you want more color use a pink or coral lipstick underneath." We like Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Pin-Up Pink ($7.98) and M.A.C. Lipstick in Vegas Volt ($14).