Oh goodness, oh goddess!
Start with primer, foundation, concealer, and powder to set the stage for golden gloriousness.
Next, apply powder bronzer on the sides of the forehead, along the temples, and under the cheekbones. This frames the planes of your face. You can blend a slight amount onto the center of the forehead and across the bridge of your nose, but take extra care to blend it well.
I never apply bronzer over the entire face or on the chin; it tends to look a bit dirty, so be strategic! Keep your cheeks free for blush that will later complement the bronzer.
If you use spray or cream bronzers, apply them before face powder to keep the skin looking clean, fresh, and natural. For spray bronzer, first spritz it onto a nonlatex sponge, then apply; for cream bronzer, use a nonlatex sponge, your fingers, or a bronzer brush.
Bronzers vary in their level of sparkle. Younger women can choose bronzers with a bit of shimmer, and mature gals should stick with nonsparkling formulas.