Get Bronzed and Get Nude

That sun-kissed look is back in style. Our favorite rendition was on the runway at the Milly by Michelle Smith show. They brought back all the high-glam of the eighties retro look without any of the long tanning sessions that brought skin cancer potential with the original.

Get Your Tools In Order

A great Kabuki brush is a necessity. The short handle allows you to have full control over what’s happening on the other end of the brush, leaving little room for mistakes. The full, thick bristles hold the right amount of bronzer (after tapping off the excess, of course) and allow for even coverage. For areas that need a little fine-tuning, like accentuating cheekbones or under-chin definition, an angled brush allows you to add a little extra bronzer in a specific area that can then be blended into the overall look.

Directions for a Stunning Bronze Look

For the Milly by Michelle Smith look, bronzer should be applied lightly and evenly over the entire face. Then, using a Kabuki brush, apply a light bronzer color on top of the cheekbone and with a contour brush apply a deep golden bronzer in the hollow area of the cheeks. This creates the contrast that the eighties was all about while still keeping the look timeless and healthy-looking instead of overdone and overpowering.

Subtle, Kissable Lips

The next part of the look is a simple clear lip gloss or balm. Some runways are showing off a super-shine gloss and others are opting to stick with a simple clear lip balm. Whichever you choose -- high gloss or simple balm -- you'll maintain the natural look of a sun-kissed beach babe.

Where’s the Drama?

For the eyes, shadows are passed over entirely and all the eye attention comes from a heavy layering of dark mascara – preferably black, but black-brown will work almost as well - to really bring out the eyes as the focal point of the look and to create a sense of drama without overpowering the subtlety of the overall look.

Don’t Forget the Polish

Even the nails are subtle with this look. Nude polish is always the number one choice so the outfit you’re wearing can speak for itself. Nude polish matches anything and a small chip isn’t as noticeable as it is with some of the other bright, retro eighties colors available. If you’re wearing a bright outfit, it’s a sure bet that a nude or clear nail polish won’t be competing or clashing with your outfit.