Bronzing can go so right — and so very wrong.

From the horiffic orange colour seen on the  Jersey Shore cast to that friend who looks like she's wearing a shiny mask, it's clear that bronzing is an art to be mastered. Despite those cringe-worthy mistakes, bronzer is the MUST-HAVE summer product if you want some natural colour without the sun damage. (Check out our  favourite bronzers of the summer.) Fear not pale and ashy ones, we've got pro tips to help you figure out how to make this look a DO: How do you apply bronzer? Here's some tips from Marie-Claude Brault,  Guerlain's national makeup artist:

1. She recommends using a proper bronzer brush to start. ( We agree: They're much bigger than your regular blush or foundation brush so you don't deposit too much colour). 2. Apply the powder in the shape of a number 3 on each side of your face. Start from the forehead to cheekbones, then cheekbones to chin and then along the jawline and the neck. This generally applies to a matte bronzer in my opinion. More pro tips: Apply a shimmery bronzer where the sun naturally hits — the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and the centre of your chin to get that luminous look. Don't forget: Sweep your bronzer  along your neck, jawline and along your hairline and up onto your ears. I know weird right?  Physician's Formula's makeup artist Joanna Schlip recommended this to me years ago and I've never forgotten it. Dusting it evenly all over (and into the hairline/ears) helps avoid that demarcation line so the colour looks all natural. What should you look for when choosing a bronzer?  If you have oily skin: Stick with a powder formula that will stay put all day. Try a matte bronzer like Guerlain's bronzer (the Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder in Nude, $82) above. It won't add any shine but you'll be able to dust on some colour where you need it. Nars also has an amazing matte bronzing powder.

If you're very fair: Dust on one with a bit of  shimmer (like this one from  Rimmel) so that you don't get streaky, obvious colour deposits. Plus, I find a slight shimmer makes it easier to blend. I also love the classic  Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Bronze because the multiple tones won't overwhelm your complexion.

If you have acne-prone skin: Use a powder that's oil-free and non-comedogenic like this one from Estee Lauder. (They have a great powder and a liquid formula depending on what you prefer.)

What's your favourite bronzer or bronzing tip? Share it with us on Facebook or Twitter!