Love the look of sun-kissed skin but hate the damage it can do to your complexion? You’re not alone. The popularity of bronzers has grown exponentially thanks to their ability to give the skin a golden flush and for defining features to create a more sculpted look. Flip through for our favorite bronzers, for any kind of look.
A Hint of Shimmer
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid ($48)
Light enough to wear on its own, this liquid bronzer leaves the skin with an ethereal glow thanks to light-reflecting pigments that also help to enhance skin tone.
A Natural Finish
Claudio Riaz Wet/Dry Instant Bronze ($34)
Innovative and inimitable, this bronzer can be applied to the skin dry or wet. Lightly dust glow; for a more intense look and to deepen the color mist your brush with water and apply.
The Anti-Ager
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Bronze Powder ($38)
Packed with good-for-your-skin damage defenders like green and white tea, this solid compact, which comes in three different skin-flattering shades, lends a soft golden glow to the skin.
A Sheer Wash of Color
Guerlain Sheer Bronzing Powder ($50)
Wearing bronzer needs not equate to superdark skin that looks unnatural and obvious. This lightweight powder echoes the effects of the sun via a combination of different hues of bronzer and pearlescent particles to leave the skin with a healthy flush. Pick your shade based off your skin and hair color.
Long-Lasting Color
Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer ($45)
A bronzer that stands up to water, humidity and temperamental weather? Now that’s unique. The silky paraben-, fragrance- and oilfree powder glides onto the skin with zero streaking and stays where you put it. To remove, rinse it off with soap and water or makeup remover.
Bronzer and Blush in One
IT Cosmetics Anti-Aging Brightening Face Disc ($38)
When using a bronzer for contouring it’s just as important to apply blush, too. Housed within this oversized compact lies a pretty pink blush, a matte bronzer and a pearlescent highlighter so you can layer one over the other for definition and an ethereal glow.
A Matte Finish
Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze ($32)
If you want a bronzer that’s more on the matte side as opposed to shimmery (especially handy for contouring purposes) turn to this mineral-based one. Nondrying and suitable for all skin types—even more mature skins—this vitamin E-rich formula also offers all day staying power that doesn’t shift or fade.
Multiple Benefits
Stila One Step Bronze ($36)
In order to get the perfect canvas for flawless makeup, you need to start with prepped and primed skin. This bronzer not only lends a dose of healthy color but it also nourishes the skin, temporarily smooths out lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores, and keeps oil production to a minimum.
Creamy Color
Too Faced Aqua Bunny Bronzer ($28)
Buff this antioxidant-rich formula onto skin and watch it transform from cream to powder. The water-, heat and humidity-proof bronzer lends a totally natural hue and finish.
The Hydrator
Vincent Longo Hydro Stick ($25)
A water-based formula, this easy-to-apply stick makeup gives a subtly tanned look. Plus, since it boasts a unique water technology it effortlessly glides onto the skin giving a cooling and hydrating effect.
