“Don’t be afraid to embrace the power of bronzer,” says Dame Pat McGrath, who emphasizes it can elevate a look effortlessly year-round. For proof, look no further than the fall runways. “I couldn’t go through the season without including some secret debuts,” says McGrath of using her The Divine Bronze Collection, to create more subtle “bare bronzed effects”. Beyond the runway, in real life, her hero Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer is designed for “mistake-proof application,” arriving in eight blendable shades that help skin glow – without glitter. “One of the things I love most about bronzers is that they are so easy to use!” McGrath enthuses, noting the tawny product’s ability to brighten up complexions without stressing over perfect placement. Dust it over “cheeks, temples, on the chin – really anywhere you want to add a little warmth and a glow-from-within,” she says. Beginners can “start with a light touch and build up gradually” based on personal preference, and whether warming the skin, adding a sun-kissed effect, or bringing definition to the face, “the possibilities are endless,” says McGrath. “I like to think of it as ‘the art of bronze!’”

Choose the Right Shade
While it’s always wise to “consider your skin’s undertone to determine what would be the perfect shade,” says McGrath, she made sure to formulate pigments that “balance red, golden, and neutral tones” to help make finding your shade (and flattering all skin tones) easier. For light to medium “shade families,” she suggests Naked Desire and Nude Honey; for medium, Bronzed Dawn and Bronzed Nirvana; and for medium deep to deep, Bronzed Divinity, Burnished Honey and Bronzed Mahogany are ideal. “One of my favourites is Desert Glow,” says McGrath. “It has a hint of sparkling golden pearl, which makes it an accessory to add a touch of bronzed glow.”

Prep Your Skin
Whether just warming up the skin or sculpting and contouring, McGrath emphasizes that “any exquisite makeup look always begins with perfect skin” and requires a combination of skin care including “exfoliation, hydration, and sunscreen,” as well as key products before applying bronzer. “I always recommend prepping the skin with Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence,” she says. “Hydrated skin is the first step to unlock radiance.” Next, foundation and concealer can be applied “to create a smooth canvas for the bronzer to blend seamlessly, achieving the most flawless finish.”

Brush on Sun-Lit Radiance
To create a straightforward sun-inspired glow, McGrath suggests applying bronzer “lightly on the high points of the face where the sun would naturally hit” with the Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer Brush. “Its soft bristles and shape allow for easy blending and precise placement,” she says. Or, “if you prefer a fuller brush, the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Powder Brush is also major!” To level up luminosity, add a touch of Skin Fetish: Highlighter + Balm Duo for what McGrath describes as “multidimensional sun-lit radiance.”

Experiment with Sculpting and Contouring
Adding definition to the face (without hard lines) is what McGrath describes as a “more structured, sun-sculpted” effect that can be experimented with in areas like cheekbones, temples, and jawline. For subtle contouring, “intensify your bronzer by applying below the cheekbones and temples” as well as the “perimeter of the face” and then “diffuse with the tapered edges of the brush,” says McGrath. “This enhances bone structure and creates a sun-sculpted effect.”

And, of course, even mistake-proof products can have a learning curve. “I always say with any of my products, ‘use without caution,’” she notes. “Bronzer is no different!” Its permission to play with it and test new looks. “You get to define your bronze and what that means for you,” says McGrath. “I can’t wait to see how everyone activates the heat in their summer glow!”