Suede Bronzer is the summer glow trend Kendall Jenner’s makeup artist swears by – here’s how to get filter-like soft sun-kissed skin

Summer is knocking on the door, and it’s the perfect time to switch to makeup that gives your skin a soft, sun-kissed glow, like you’ve just come back from a beach holiday. Enter the suede bronzer trend, a beauty movement that promises a smooth, blurred, and naturally sculpted look.

With its soft, mattifying finish, suede-style bronzers create a skin effect that feels almost like a real-life filter: effortless, diffused, and radiant without looking overdone. And there’s another big plus. “Once the weather warms up, they won't melt off your skin!” explains Who What Wear.

What is Suede Bronzer?

Suede bronzer is all about achieving a velvety, soft-focus finish. Unlike overly shimmery bronzers, this trend leans towards matte or soft-matte formulas that blend seamlessly into the skin.

The result? A glow that looks like it’s coming from within, subtle, smooth, and naturally defined.

Beauty influencer Andrea Lynne, shared her first impressions while trying a suede-style product, ‘immediately obsessed with how soft and smooth this feels. it gives that effortless, sun-warmed glow without looking heavy or overdone. Sheer, buildable and glowy.’

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Celebrity take: The soft, diffused look

Even Hailey Bieber's and Kendall Jenner’s makeup artist has embraced this soft, diffused complexion style. Her makeup artist Mary Phillips told Vogue in a 2024 interview, “This is when I would go back in to add powder bronzer and blush, and I’ve been loving both from Gucci Beauty!”

How to get the Suede Bronzer look

According to Who.com, achieving this look is simple and all about technique:

• Prep your skin with a skin tint or light foundation for a breathable base
• Choose a matte or soft-matte bronzer for that velvety finish
• Apply using a large, fluffy brush in soft, upward strokes
• Blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines
• Build the product gradually instead of applying too much at once
• Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let the bronzer stand out

The key is seamless blending and subtle layering. These formulas are designed to melt into the skin rather than sit on top, giving you that effortless warmth.

If you’re looking to upgrade your summer makeup routine, suede bronzer is an easy win. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and delivers a polished glow without the heaviness of traditional contouring.