Ilia Nightlife Bronzing Powder
Best Clean Bronzer
The Ilia Nightlife Bronzing Powder is talc-, cruelty- and gluten-free. Its also vegan and made with recyclable packaging, making it one of the best clean bronzers out there. Its creamy powder formula consists of pearl pigments, a natural powder called silica beads and a smooth mineral called matte mica to give you color with a matte finish. It also has jojoba seed oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. It blends in easily and is buildable to give you the warmth and glow youre looking for.
What Shades Work With Which Undertones
Cool undertones work best with warm peach hues or soft browns, while warm undertones are great paired with all golden-brown colors and neutral undertones should opt for more true brown-based shades, says Ono.
Ahead, shop the best bronzers for fair skin according to Keys, Ono, editors, and the internet writ large. For even more help on your bronzer search, check out our guides to finding the best bronzer brushes, as well as how to apply bronzer once youve got everything you need in your arsenal.
- Best Drugstore Bronzer For Fair Skin: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
My favorite bronzer, hands down, is the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalkr Instant Warmth Bronzerits also Rihannas! I love Sun Stalkr for so many reasons: Its easy to use and hard to overdo, its long-wearing and transfer-resistant, and its truly light-as-air and never streaks. But most importantly, it really works oneveryone, says Ono. Rihanna created nine versatile shades that bring out the warmth in all skin tones, from the fairest to the deepest. Its not about creating a strong contour, but really adding that warmth to your skin with natural dimension. Im obsessed! I personally use the shade Private Island.
Pros: Makeup-artist recommended Blends easily Comes in a wide range of colors Top-rated at Sephora.
Cons: Some reviewers said that it’s too sheer.
Cons: Has a matte finish so it won’t give you a glow.
/ Nars Matte Bronzing Powder In ‘laguna’
Laguna is NARS cult shade for achieving a seriously stunning bronze glow. The original NARS Bronzer in Laguna has been a best-seller for over a decade, and is just the ticket for a glistening bronzed look. This matte iteration is the same shade, only its swapped out the golden shimmer finish for a softer version that nails that skin-like sun-kissed effect. Special mention goes to the new addition of soft blurring technology, which allows this number to diffuse imperfections.
The review: No matter how many other bronzers I try, I always come back to NARS Laguna. I prefer a matter finish and its just perfect for adding subtle warmth to my cheeks and contours. So many of my friends use it and even though we all have different skin tones, it seems to work magic on all of us. Helen, SUPERcrew member
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Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Why we love it: This bronzer can help add some natural-looking warmth to a fair complexion thanks to its perfect balance of red and brown tones. It has a lightweight formula with a silky smooth texture and soft matt finish, which is great for anything for applying all-over your face or in selected sports like your cheekbones for a contouring effect.
Customers are saying: Applies very well, leaving a lovely glow. Best natural colour on the market.
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Best Bronzers For Every Skin Tone

Bronzers have been around for quite awhile, ever since people realized actually suntanning your face wasn’t that great for your face. So, instead, makeup companies came to our rescue with bronzers. Bronzers give us that suntan look without actually having to expose our skin to the sun. Plus, you can use bronzers all year long, even when the sun isn’t readily available for our tanning needs.
But, how do you know which bronzer to pick, and what’s the best bronzer fo fair skin, medium skin, or darker skin? These questions made us wonder too, so we found Grove members’ top-rated natural bronzers and we put them in a list for your browsing needs. Bronze away!
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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/ Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
Not everyone wants a side of shimmer with their bronzer – actually, according to the overwhelming number of votes from our SUPERcrew for this bronzer, not a lot do. The matte finish means it’s equally as good for contouring as it is at giving your entire face a tanned look. It also comes in a Lite, Caramel, and Toasted version to suit different skin tones.
The reviews: My go-to is the Hoola Bronzer from Benefit. It is a beautiful, matte , wearable shade that gives a summertime glow all year round – not the just been playing in mud look that some bronzers can leave you with, but a REAL, sunkissed touch of colour. It lasts all day, feels beautiful on the skin AND one compact will see you through an entire year. I also love that you can use this for so many purposes…dust on collarbones /décolletage and shoulders for a gorgeous hint of tan try it as an eyeshadow to tie in a bronzey makeup look and lip colour . And on top of all that, it smells divine and has the cutest little box packaging. Jacqui, SUPERcrew member
Benefit Hoola! It is a taupe matte bronzer that is perfect for creating warmth on the face or for contouring cheekbones with. Jasmine, SUPERcrew member
Guerlain Terracotta Sunkissed Natural Bronzer Powder
Best Splurge Bronzer
The Guerlain Terracotta Sun-kissed Natural bronzer powder is a long-time favorite for beauty lovers. This pressed powder is made with argan oil and naturally-derived ingredients to give you a natural-looking glow while also nourishing the skin. It also has a silky smooth feel and is super lightweight. Its definitely worth the splurge.
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/ Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
If youre tired of bronzer that looks cakey and muddy, this silky formula will knock your socks off. Available in four shades, it features a soft focus finish and buildable colour that blurs pores and leaves skin looking sun-kissed and smooth. Infused with hyaluronic acid, its ideal for those with dry skin who want a powder that doesnt look powdery.
The review: I love how buttery this big bronzer is. Im partial to powder on a work day and this one is foolproof to apply on a rushed morning. It also lasts really well and can be layered over creams with no problem. I use it everywhere cheeks, temples and even as an eyeshadow. The size also means it lasts for AGES. – Helen, SUPERcrew member
The 8 Best Bronzers For Light To Medium Skin
Hot weather is here! It’s that time of year when everyone wants to get tanned! Today I’m sharing eight of the best bronzers for fair/medium skin! At first I thought eight might be too much, but I wanted to share some cream options, as well as some drugstore favorites that I love. These bronzers are perfect if you have a similar skin tone to mine… light to medium with warm undertones, although most will work with any tone.
If you think we have a similar skin tone, check out mineStiftungeliquid Paperit fits too!
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What Are The Best Bronzers For Mature Skin
The best bronzer for mature skin women is the one that goes with the skin tone and makeup style. Also, its important to look for something that isnt too drying as your skin tends to become dry as you age. Dehydrated skin further creates more skin problems that makeup cant hide. The product should glide well on your skin as mature skin is more sensitive than younger skin and it shouldnt cake into the wrinkles and fine lines. Are you looking for something super shimmery or matte? Is your skin sensitive? Here are few options for good bronzer for pale skin that will help you get makeup ready-
Top Picks |
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It is time to stop worrying about changing skin texture. With Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, you can get soft skin and feel like youre 18 again! It contains murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, tucuma butter, pro-vitamins, and essential fatty acids that will keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. Formulated with soft-focus pigments and refined pearls, it delivers a radiant glow with a subtle shimmer finish. You not only get all-day coverage and a brighter skin tone, but the product also keeps your skin protected with this moisturizing bronzer. Go ahead and check out this YouTubers video for more details about the product.
Pros
- Might cause irritation to certain skin types.
Might clog the pores
/ Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer
Beautifully lightweight with a radiant finish, the powder is really easy to build to your desired coverage. And once its on, it last well into the night.
The review: My fave bronzer is the Clinique bronzer – it comes with its own little brush and the colour and formula looks so natural and boosts my whole look. It’s not flat matte but it doesn’t have any seeable glitter either. Vanessa, SUPERcrew member
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Where Do You Apply Bronzer
Since bronzer is meant to mimic a natural tan, Cook says to apply it wherever the sun would naturally hit your face. For some people, that can mean all over if you like a bronzy look, he says. Though, generally speaking, he recommends sticking to the high points of the face. Top of the cheekbones, forehead, nose, and a little on the chin, he says. Unlike contour which is meant to sculpt the face by creating depth or shadow and uses cooler tones and a more precise application bronzer is meant to warm up the face and add life. Although some use a bronzer to achieve both.
Laura Mercier Viva Cuba Bronzing Powder In Soleil 2 Is Long

From the brand that brought us the cult-favorite setting powder, Laura Mercier is a stalwart for long-wear products that look natural on the skin.
My first reaction to the product was that the chic, durable packaging fits into the smallest clutch for easy, on-the-go touch-ups without cracking because every makeup lover knows the haunting heartbreak of a broken/cracked pressed powder.
Ever since I received this powder a month ago, it’s been my go-to when I don’t want to put too much thought into my look . The pigmentation is perfect for daytime wear not so pigmented that it creates a dramatic contour when I brush it onto the hollows of my cheeks, and not so light that it comes off the second I step outside.
For a contoured look, I tap a medium-sized, fluffy brush into the powder, tap the excess off, and blend it into the hollows of my cheeks, jawline, and hairline. Because it has a bit of a gold tint, you can use it for more than just contouring. If I want an all-over bronzy, warm glow, I’ll take a large brush and tap it along my cheekbones, hairline, and neck.
The bronzer is the ideal middle ground between a contour and bronzing highlighter. The golden tone and satin sheen give the skin a natural glow that lasts all day. I can transition from work to dinner afterwards without having to touch up once, which says a lot considering my oily skin. It’s also worth mentioning that I have sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts, and this doesn’t irritate it at all.
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/ Mac Cosmetics Bronzing Powder
That elusive golden glow is a cinch to create with the help of the light-reflecting pigments in this bronzer. It comes in four shades to really cater to every skin tone. Refined Golden is a soft golden shade with pearl pigments Golden is a muted golden tan-beige with shimmer Bronze is a true-bronze colour with shimmer and Matte Bronze is a pretty universally-flattering shade of bronze. All of them are sheer with a buildable formula.
The review: My favourite bronzer is MAC Bronzer in ‘Refined Golden’ because its not orange nor is it muddy. It has tiny golden specs which give you a sunkissed glow. Also, its value for money, Ive had mine for years and I use it every day. Aneta, SUPERcrew member
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel
Theres a reason Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel always comes up in peoples favorites lists. This is a cream product that applies like a dream and gives a super natural, non-shimmery healthy glow to the skin. Plus you get a ton of product for your money. At 1.0 oz., its the size of a regular foundation. So the price point may seem high but it will last you forever! When I first bought it, I thought it might appear orangey on my skin. But it blends into the skin so naturally and seems to do so on so many different skin tones. I like to use a fluffy brush to buff it in circular motions. I just looks beautiful! This is one of those no- brainer products that so many people love because its pretty effortless to achieve a beautiful warm natural look.. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel is $50.00 for 28g/1.0 oz and comes in one shade.
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Fenty By Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
Also Consider Cream Bronzer
Another lightweight cream bronzer, the Fenty By Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle cream bronzer just melts into the skin for easy application. It comes in seven buildable shades and undertones suitable for all skin tones. Its also sweat- and water-resistant, so no need to worry about color fading or streaking. You can expect a sheer finish for a subtle but natural glow.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream In Soleil Tan De Chanel
Best Cream Bronzer
Dorman picks Chanels Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan de Chanel for the best cream bronzer. It has a gel-cream texture that goes on super lightweight and gives you a velvet-matte finish. It contains light-reflecting pigments to give you that natural-looking radiance. She especially loves this for those with light to medium-deep skin tones.
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How To Find The Best Bronzer Shade For Fair Skin
Generally speaking, your bronzer color should be one to two shades darker than your surface tone , says Fenty Beauty Global Makeup Artist Priscilla Ono over email.
Personally, I start by looking at the lightest two shades and work towards the darker ones. But if browsing through seemingly-endless shades feels daunting, start with a sheer powder formula or a liquid or cream bronzer that can be blended into your foundation or worn underneath it. Remember, bronzer and contour are not the same, so you dont need to worry about creating shadows or chiseling your cheekbones at this stage.
How Can You Choose The Best Bronzer For Your Skin Tone
The best bronzer for you is the one that gives you a summer-like glow all year long. You can get yourself a suntan look without actually going out in the sun. The intensity of the tan will change according to the skin tone.
- For a dark skin tone, get a bronzer that does not leave an orange tint.
You need to take a trial and error run on a few bronzers before selecting the best bronzer for your skin tone. The trick is to find something that looks like a natural skin tone, covers imperfections, and nourishes skin.
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Cream Bronzers Vs Powder Bronzers: What Are The Differences
Similar to other face makeup products, bronzers come in different formulas and finishes, and deciding which one is best for you really comes down to your personal preferences, skin type and desired finish.
I love cream bronzers for a natural, everyday look, because they melt into your skin and are super easy to apply. If you want to increase the lastingness of your makeup, then Id suggest to also use Powder Bronzers. Its easy to quickly build color or layer with a powder formula,” says Priscilla.
Mented Cosmetics Bronzer In Yacht Life

Also Consider Bronzer for Medium to Dark Skin
The Mented Cosmetics bronzer is a pressed powder thats super soft and blends in so smoothly into the skin. The shade Yacht Life is a deep bronze with warm undertones that is perfect for those with medium to dark complexions. You get a matte finish and buildable coverage. As an added bonus, this bronzer also has nourishing skin ingredients like vitamin A and E.
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Guerlain Terracotta Original Bronzing Powder
This splurge-worthy bronzer has remained a bestseller since its debut in 1984. Its super-smooth texture and subtle shimmer make you look instantly sun-kissedplus, it’s infused with hydrating ingredients and comes in a wide array of neutral shades.
Price at time of publish: $56
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 6 | Size: 0.4 fl. oz | No | Cruelty-Free: No
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer
Also Consider Splurge Bronzer
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush matte bronzer is another great splurge if youre looking to treat yourself. Its made with micro-fine perfecting powders to deliver that color with a matte finish. Its also made with skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and keep it looking soft. It goes on super lightweight and feels super smooth on.
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