Bronzer is a makeup staple. Once upon a time (read: the early 2000s, the 90s, the 80s), an incredibly generous application of five-shades-too-dark powder was standard practice. But that's no longer the case today. The best bronzers—available in liquid, cream, and powder formulas—are now used more subtly. Proper application can define facial contours, double as eyeshadow, or provide a healthy glow to the skin. “Once you figure out what you’re trying to accomplish, you can easily narrow down what products to look for,” says celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha.
Want a bronzer that doubles as a contour? Fenty’s Match Stix, which varies in intensity depending on your pressure, might be in your future. A soft, all-over tan? Rest assured, Giorgio Armani’s Liquid Bronzer is hyped up for a reason. You can even layer different bronzers to achieve a longer-lasting finish (read: Patrick Ta's Cream Contour and Powder Bronzer Duo).
There are many options on the market—Sephora has nearly 150 to choose from and Nordstrom sells upward of 70 skus, for context. I’ve tested dozens of formulas myself, and tapped some of the best makeup artists in the beauty business for their recommendations. Ahead, find the only bronzers worth your money.
Shop the Best Bronzers
- The Best Bronzer Overall: Dior Forever Natural Bronze
- The Best Bronzer for Oily Skin: Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Skin Enhancer
- The Best Bronzer for Dry Skin: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
- The Best Bronzer for Fair Skin Tones: Armani Luminous Silk Liquid Glow Bronzer
- The Best Bronzer for Deep Skin Tones: Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo
I historically avoided matte bronzers in favor of dewy creams or liquids—until I was introduced to this Dior product. Despite being a powder with no shimmer or glitter undertone, it can provide a radiant glow to the skin. The shades are incredibly flattering on cool and warm tones, while the powder is so finely milled that I can guarantee you won’t look blotchy.
Pros: Elegant; Editor-recommended; Great undertones
Cons: Small shade range; Limited-edition packaging
Whether you’re a pro or keep your makeup routine to the bare minimum, this balmy bronzer will add instant warmth to your skin with minimal effort. It has a luminous finish that adds depth to the face in seconds. It doesn’t matter if you apply this with a brush, your fingers, or a sponge—the end result will sink right into your skin for a seamless finish. “The texture and finish are just gorgeous, and it’s super easy to work with and layer well over makeup,” says makeup artist Jonet Williamson.
Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Layers well; Good for all skin types
Cons: Can rub off throughout the day
Kendall Jenner told Vogue India that she “absolutely loves” this creamy formula for her face and eyes—and I understand why. It comprises soft-focus powders and light-reflecting pigments, instantly giving the skin a creamy, dewy finish. A little goes a long way, so I’ve found that gently tapping the product onto cheek contours with a beauty blender is the best way to go.
Pros: Non-comedogenic; Multi-purpose; Easy application
Cons: Only two shades
There’s no product more versatile than a liquid bronzer. “This product can be used on top or under glam for a buildable bronze that melts into skin for flawless application,” says Braha. You can also mix a few drops with your foundation for an all-over, albeit natural-looking, skin bronze tint. An added bonus: It’s infused with SPF 15.
Pros: Multi-purpose; Easy to use; Makeup artist-recommended
Cons: The shimmer flecks are not for everyone
A favorite of Alix Earle, Gigi Hadid, and Camilla Cabello, it’s unsurprising that this bronzer has gone viral repeatedly. “You get two for one when buying this product,” notes celebrity makeup artist Dani Parkes, referencing the powder and cream combination. You can play with the application, but Ta recommends counterintuitively putting the power underneath the cream for a long-lasting, yet hydrating finish.
Pros: Customizable application; Long-lasting; Great shade range
Cons: Some say it is drying
Also Recommended
Ariana Grande created something special with this bronzer. “It’s a powder formula that applies seamlessly and blurs the skin,” says Williamson. “It’s great for anyone with textured skin, plus the shade range is fully inclusive.” It’s best applied with a fluffy bronzing brush—just make sure to tap off excess product before bringing it to your cheekbones.
Pros: Makeup artist-recommended; Blendable; Buildable
Cons: Can look cakey if improperly applied
If you’re looking for a bronzer that lasts all day long, van-hawk-only-fallbackyou need a finely milled and matte compact like this one from Charlotte. “The super fine powder adheres to skin blurring and smoothing for all-day wear, and its matte finish makes it undetectable,” explains Braha.
Pros: Easy to apply; Great shade range; Long lasting
Cons: Don’t be too heavy-handed–it can appear too dark
Three products in one compact palette? Yes, please! van-hawk-only-fallbackIt doesn’t get more seamless than that. “The trio palette is technically a finishing powder, but can be used alone or layered as a subtle bronzer for a sunlit glow,” says Braha. The three varying intensities can work as a bronzer, deep blush, and highlighter, enhancing your face’s natural shadowing.
Pros: Multi-purpose; Great shade range; Buildable pigment
Cons: Glittery
Most skin types can tolerate talc, which has mattifying properties, but sensitive skin types can sometimes experience irritation. If you fall into the latter category, let me introduce you to this incredibly elegant talc-free formula. “It’s a great product for laying on top of powder, and you can work your way into creating a perfect sunkissed bronzed look,” says Parkes. There are nine shades to choose from, but Laguna, a bronze with neutral undertones, is one of the brand’s best sellers.
Pros: Talc-Free; No streaking; Easy to blend
Cons: Difficult to find your shade
This may have a drugstore price point, but the formula feels as luxe as it gets. Just take Sofia Richie’s word for it. One of her “secret favorites” for an “island glow,” the product excels at giving the perfect tint to the skin. It never looks ruddy or dirty and smells amazing. Think: sweet and tropical.
Pros: Great price point; Good for fair skin
Cons: A slight shimmer that some don’t like
I know shimmer bronzers aren’t for everyone, but I love this borderline glittery formula on days when I’m skipping highlighter. It doesn't fall flat or look chalky and makes me look like I just spent a week by a beach. While it only comes in one shade, it does play nicely with cool and warm undertones, making it more versatile than you might think.
Pros: Doubles as a highlighter; Adds warmth
Cons: Expensive
Hilary Duff, Chelsea Handler, Sofia Richie, and even Kylie Jenner are among this product’s loyal fan base. Created for an easy, five-minute face, Nudies is quite literally designed for on-the-go applications. You can draw directly on your face and flip the stick over to easily access a buffing brush. The formula is creamy, but dries down to a natural finish, making it a suitable option for all skin types.
Pros: Large shade range; Built-in brush
Cons: Doesn’t last long
Cardi B, Masai Martin, and countless others stand behind this bronzer. I get it: This stick formula, which moves from an easily blendable cream base to a dried-down powder, gives a very skin-like finish. It provides medium coverage and can work as a contour or bronzer depending on the shade you choose and the pressure you use.
Pros: Versatile; Good for oily skin
Cons: Can be a bit drying
What Bronzer Formula Should I Use?
Any bronzer will fall into one of three categories: Powder, cream, or liquid. The best one for you depends on your skin type and your desired finish. If you have oily skin, a powder bronzer can mattify your complexion while depositing warmth. “For dry skin, look into getting a cream, liquid, or balm bronzer which tends to be more hydrating and easier to blend,” adds Williamson. Mix a liquid bronzer with your foundation for an all-over tan. “Typically, liquid bronzers will dry down, which is great for all-day wear,” adds Braha.
Keeping this in mind, there are variations. You can find a matte cream or glowy powder. You can also layer a powder with a cream to achieve a longer-lasting, higher-intensity finish.
What Shade of Bronzer Is Right for Me?
Do you want a shade darker than your natural skin tone, but not too dark that it reads as muddy or orange? A general rule of thumb: “Look for a color two to four shades darker than your natural skin tone,” says Parkes. “The goal is to subtly enhance your skin for warmth and glow,” adds Braha, so make sure to consider your skin tone (and undertones) before purchasing.
The Armani liquid bronzer provides a stunning all-over glow.
How Do I Apply Bronzer?
The tool you use (think: fingers, brush, or sponge) is mainly up to you. A sponge will provide a lighter finish, whereas a brush will amp up the color payoff. “To get the most natural look, use a fluffy tapered brush,” suggests Braha.
The proper order of makeup application is as follows: Foundation, concealer, and bronzer, followed by blush and highlighter. And one pro tip: “Your blush should layer over your bronzer” says Williamson.
Where Do I Place Bronzer?
The application can take a technical turn if your goal is to contour or sculpt (face shape plays a big role), but generally speaking, you want to apply a product where sunlight would naturally hit the face. “Put a light layer above your cheekbones to enhance them and lift your face, rather than drag it down,” says Parkes. “I also like contouring my nose and blending it into my eyes to lift the brow area.”
Meet the Experts
Makeup Artist, Jonet Williamson discovered her love for art at a very early age. While growing up in New Orleans, one of the world's most eclectic and inspiring cities, Jonet was admitted into the gifted art program of her magnet high school.
In 2005, Jonet began her journey in beauty working as a makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. Here the feeling of connecting with other women and helping them see the beauty within themselves became her greatest passion.
With a willingness to learn and an eye for perfection Jonet moved to New York City in 2014 determined to further her artistry and career. Since then, her work has been featured in commercial campaigns (Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, Shea Moisture), editorials (Essence, L'Officiel), and tv & film productions (CBS, MTV, TNT).Jonet Williamson also works closely with brands on content creation (Revlon, Shiseido, L'Oreal, Beauty Counter) and product development.
Judi Gabbay is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. She has learned tricks of the Hollywood trade from top artists such as Mario Dedivanovic, Scott Barnes, Samuel Rauda and Patrick Ta. Judi started her journey as a makeup artist at the young age of 13 years old.
Judi has shot for brands such as BEBE, Catherine Malandrino, Buxom Cosmetics and English Laundry. She's worked with networks such as Bravo, TLC, ABC and more. Judi continues to create polished and flawless looks for all of her clientele.
Self-taught makeup artist Dani Parkes, also known as Faces by Danii, started doing makeup at the age of eight. At 18 years old she moved to New York knowing no one and started to build her network. Dani's goal is to highlight and extenuate the natural features on one's face, rather than completely changing the way they look. She creates new ideas and draws inspiration from a lot of artists based in the UK and Europe.
Dani has glammed up some of your favorite influencers and celebrities including Natalie Noel, Lea Michelle, Emily Lind, and Lauren Wolfe.
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