The Best Bronzers

The Best Bronzers

Bronzers may be one of the most underrated tools in your makeup bag. With just a swipe, you can look instantly sun-kissed without the sun damage. However, there are a lot of different bronzers to choose from. So how do you pick the one that is best for you? With our help, of course. Check out some of our favorites below.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Physician’s Formula is known as a drugstore brand that you can trust. It is made specifically for those with sensitive skin and thus uses high-quality hypoallergenic and natural ingredients. That is the case for all of their products, including this beautiful bronzer that’s designed to give you that just-got-back-from-vacation glow any day of the week, any time of the year. It’s made with murumuru butter, cupuacu butter, and tucuma butter, so it’s got all the fatty acids you need to keep your skin looking hydrated.

Pros:

  • Moisturizes and protects the skin
  • Easy to blend
  • Can use your fingers or a brush
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • We wish it lasted a bit longer

Lifus Face Illuminator Makeup Palette

You don’t have to stick to just one color when it comes to bronzer. We love this Lifus palette that comes with four different shade options. They’re all waterproof and smudge-proof, so you can wear them for any occasion. The texture of each is silky smooth and helps you to get a natural bronzed look without that caked-on appearance. These bronzers are all 100% vegan and cruelty-free and use only natural ingredients to keep you and your skin safe. They are also highly pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way.

Pros:

  • Choose from four different shades
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Highly pigmented

Cons:

  • Powder could break apart during shipping

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel is a drugstore brand known and loved by many, so you can trust that this bronzer will do the job — and at a great price. This waterproof powder can last up to 10 hours to give you that perfect sun-kissed glow. The formula is lightweight, and you can choose the shade that works best for you from Rimmel’s four different options. Once on, the bronzer has a matte finish that will blend well with your other makeup.

Pros:

  • Trusted drugstore brand
  • Waterproof
  • Lasts up to 10 hours
  • Matte finish

Cons:

  • Shades can skew a bit orange on some skin tones

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder

If you’re looking for quality you can count on, get this cult favorite Hoola bronzer from Benefit Cosmetics. It has won multiple awards and provides that natural-looking tan we are all after. You have your choice of four universally flattering shades. It also comes with a built-in mirror and a powder brush, so you have everything you need in this tiny, travel-friendly box. It is finely-milled, which means it blends smoothly and seamlessly into your skin.

Pros:

  • Award-winning
  • Shades for all complexions
  • Comes with a brush and a mirror

Cons:

  • Higher price for premium quality

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Origin All Aglow Bronzer Stick

For those of us with dry skin, powder bronzers may be a no-go. That’s why we love this bronzer stick from Burt’s Bees. This brand is a favorite for keeping everyone’s lips hydrated, but it also does a great job of giving your face a sun-kissed glow, too. It is made with all natural-origin ingredients, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, cupuacu butter, and daikon radish extract to help keep your skin hydrated for hours. The formula is lightweight and won’t leave a sticky residue.

Pros:

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • No parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, talc, synthetic fragrances, or silicones
  • Easy application
  • Hydrating

Cons:

  • Sheer formula isn’t the most pigmented

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of bronzer?
Bronzer is used in specific areas of the face to simulate a gentle sun-kissed glow. You put bronzer on the parts of your face that are normally hit by the sun. It is a safe alternative to actual tanning, which can cause damage to your skin.

What are the best areas to apply bronzer?
To apply bronzer properly, create a shape of the number 3 from the top to the bottom of your face on both sides. Start with your forehead and brush the bronzer along your upper forehead and hairline. Then take it down to your cheekbones and finally along your jawline.

What is the difference between contour and bronzer?
The process of contouring is more about shaping your face and defining specific features. Applying bronzer is more about warming up your skin and having the extra color where the sun would naturally hit your face.