8 of the Best Bronzers for Fair Skin and How to Apply Them (2024)

If you're "the fairest of them all" and struggle matching bronzers to your face, we've got the skinny for you. We spoke with New York–based makeup artist Flynn Pyykkonen to help explain what to research before buying a bronzer for fair, cool-toned skin.

Choosing a bronzer

"First, you need to consider the difference between a bronzer and a contour shade," she says. Bronzers are meant to warm the skin, whereas a contour acts like a shadow on a cooler mauve tone, creating those nice elongated cheekbones we desperately chase. Pyykkonen suggests selecting a shade roughly two to three shades darker than your skin tone for your bronzer. "Any darker, you run the risk of the bronzer appearing too harsh; any lighter, you will be too close to the foundation shade, and you will lose the effect of the bronzer," she warns.

How to apply

When applying bronzer, start from the hollow of the cheekbone toward the top of the ear, suggests Pyykkonen, using a fluffy brush in light, upward strokes. Placing bronzer around the perimeter of your face with a light dusting (emphasis on light) can accentuate your features. "An easy way to remember where to place your bronzer is to create the shape of the number three," says Pyykkonen, "with a light amount of product from the forehead to the cheekbone and around the jaw." Your bronzer does not need to be expensive and can be selected at the drugstore. Below, Pyykkonen shares her favorite picks and quality buys to help you choose your ideal shade. Shall we?

"Another great option you can get at the drugstore is Physicians Formula's Butter Bronzer, which smells delicious," says Pyykkonen. It's affordable and has a smooth, luxurious texture, infused with murumuru butter for ultimate radiance and satin sheen.

"The shade Give Me Sun's luminous finish is a great option if you are trying to bring warmth and radiance to the face," offers Pyykkonen. This bronzer provides a natural, dimensional finish.

This bronzer is grounded in natural-based ingredients that provide a natural, creamy finish for vegan-conscious users. It blends nicely and leaves users satisfied with their newly emphasized cheekbones.

"What I enjoy most about this bronzer is the blendability, pigmentation, and matte finish," raved one customer. This Golden Light shade is lightweight and buildable for a sun-kissed look (even in the middle of winter) and effortlessly glides on mature, fine-lined skin.

Equipped with a cushion tip, this contouring liquid formula blends easily into skin. It's enriched with squalane, which provides hydration mimicking your skin's natural oils, and is available in five magical shades.

This kit has everything you need for sleek and defined cheekbones, including a small, soft-bristled brush for a seamless finish. Overall, it's an excellent value that'll leave you sun-kissed.

This no-fail bronzer is worth the price and dermatologist-approved. It keeps your natural hydration locked in while creating a soft yet warm glow that stays in place from day to night.