TL;DR
The Nars Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder is our overall winner for its buildable and blendable formula that creates a beautiful bronze glow. The Bobbi Brown Bronzer Powder is another universal crowd-pleaser, boasting a gorgeously velvety texture. Prefer creams? Try the Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer, an ideal pick for those with dry skin and/or who want a more natural look.
Sun-kissed skin can be an immediate confidence boost, but achieving it by baking in the sun is a serious no-no. Thankfully, you can get the look with minimal effort (and nosun damage—with the right bronzer). Not to be confused withcontouring, using bronzer is about giving the skin a warm glow. "Bronzer adds warmth to your complexion, giving you a more sun-kissed look," says celebrity makeup artistJamie Greenberg. "Contour, on the other hand, adds dimension and is typically more cool-toned, acting like a shadow to sculpt the face."
Unlike the infamously orange, Oompa-Loompa-adjacent bronzers of the past, current offerings come in a vast selection of formulas, shades, and undertones that complement a wide range of skin tones. But with so many options, finding the right one can feel daunting, to say the least. That's why wetested45 formulas over two weeks in our New York City lab and at home.Our testers have a range of skin tones and used the productstwotothree timesa week, weighing in on all the mostimportantbronzer criteria: blend-ability, pigment, texture, and overall results.After 462 hours of testing, these bronzers beat out the rest.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall :
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Best Luxury:
Best for Oily Skin:
Best for Dry Skin:
Best Shade Range:
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer at Sephora$35
What We Like
Extremely blendable
Perfect level of pigment
Easily buildable
What to Consider
Nothing
Finish: Natural | Shades: 9 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There was truly nothing—and we mean nothing—we didn’t love about this formula. It’s a cult classic for good reason, offering the ideal amount of pigment (which can easily be built up for a more dramatic effect), a blendable texture, a lightweight feel, and the perfect, natural finish that isn’t shimmery but also not flat.
We loved how nicely it layered over other makeup and how the different shades worked brilliantly on a variety of skin tones. The icing on the cake? Luxe, quality packaging.
Cate, tester with a neutral skin tone: “This bronzer helps give me a sculpted look and an extra, sun-kissed glow, but still looks so natural. I could wear this every day and feel like it would elevate my daily makeup routine.”
What We Like
Texture isn’t cakey
Shades aren’t orangey
Natural, velvety finish
What to Consider
Color can go on a bit intensely
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.32 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Another standout that checked all our bronzer boxes, and then some is this powder from Bobbi Brown. The formula boasts a natural, velvety finish and texture. It never caked or creased, impressing even our cream bronzer-loving testers. The natural shades are gorgeous for everyday wear—none had any unwanted orange undertones.
It does bear mentioning that the color is pretty pigmented; a little went a very long way, though if you accidentally apply too much, it’s easy to blend out and diffuse.
Alexandra, tester with a warm skin tone: “Often bronzers can get gray or muddy, but this one was a nice rich brown with golden warmth that was very believable for medium-deep skin tones.”
What We Like
Gel texture is extremely blendable
No powder fallout
Easily buildable
What to Consider
Shades may be better for those with warmer skin tones
Finish: Velvet-matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
With a cushiony, whipped texture, this gel-cream hybrid is a great choice for those who want something other than a powder. it blends beautifully into the skin (although a tester did find that using an oversized brush made for the best application), without ever sinking into fine lines or drying and looking patchy. To that point, it can also be layered if you want a more intense punch of pigment.
That said, our tester with cooler undertones to their skin felt that the range of three shades was better suited for warmer complexions. They also noted that the color does tend to wear off a bit during the day.
Stephanie, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The product has a lush and warm pigment, like soft, bronzy sand and it’s easy to build the cream-gel in layers to achieve the desired amount of color I want.”
What We Like
Blends into the skin seamlessly
Leaves a smooth finish
Feels very lightweight
What to Consider
Easy to inadvertently over-apply
Finish: Matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.56 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This aptly named pick earned rave reviews for its supremely silky texture, which applied and melted beautifully into the skin. It also helped enhance skin smoothness and worked beautifully over foundation as well.
We did find that it may be a bit too dry for dry-skinned testers (hence why we think it’s better for oilier or more combination skin). Keep in mind: a little goes a long way; it can be easy to apply too much since it is very richly pigmented. To that point, it may be better suited for occasions where you want a more dramatic look than everyday wear.
Tiffany, tester with a warm skin tone: “Airbrush is definitely the perfect name for this product. Seamless! Amazing! Wow!”
What We Like
Doesn’t dry too quickly
Looks extremely natural
Shades are flattering on fairer and cooler skin
What to Consider
Not ideal for those who want a more pigmented effect
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 6 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
On the flip side, this creamy contender works beautifully for those with dry skin. It’s soft, smooth, and never settled into fine lines or pores. It also doesn’t dry down immediately, allowing some play time to apply and blend it in. (In related news, we also loved how nicely it melted into the skin.)
It’s best reserved for those who like a more natural result; we liked it best when worn just on bare skin or with a light skin tint and found it to be more noticeable that way. If you want your bronzer to make more of a statement, just keep in mind that it will take several layers of this guy to achieve that type of finished look.
Sarah, tester with a cool skin tone: “Since I like a natural finish, highly pigmented products can feel overwhelming. This product didn't feel that way at all. I had control of the product and the amount of pigment at all times. It blended in very nicely with my skin and the lightweight foundation I already had on, to create a natural, lightly dewy look.
Best Shade Range
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer
What We Like
Shades are great for dark skin tones
Offers the perfect amount of pigment
Blends well with other makeup
What to Consider
Can be a bit hard to pick up enough product off the palette
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 9 | Size: 0.22 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With a nice lineup of nine options, including plenty of choices for darker complexions, this is worth checking out if you have yet to find your perfect bronzer match. We were very impressed with the offerings for deeper complexions, and how beautifully they showed up on our tester’s skin. The texture is also lightweight and smooth. Our only (minor) criticism: the more you use it, the more challenging it can be to pick up enough product off of the pan.
Jolisa, tester with a warm skin tone: “As someone with a deep skin tone, it can be hard to find quality products that pack enough pigment and have a shade that shows up on my skin. This product soars above any bronzer I have used before.”
What We Like
Good staying power
Silky texture
Buildable if you want to enhance the effect
What to Consider
May be a bit too dry for drier skin types
Some colors may skew a bit muddy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.28 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This matte bronzer takes the cake if you prefer to avoid any kind of shimmer situation. It blends beautifully—particularly when applied with a big fluffy brush—and doesn’t ever feel heavy or cakey. It can be built up if you want to crank up the color, although we found that, generally, one layer did the trick. We did notice, however, that some of the shades skewed a bit muddy, particularly when applied over foundation.
Katy, tester with a neutral skin tone: “This is a staple product in my makeup routine. It adds the perfect amount of glow and is buildable when needed. I also love to use this as an eyeshadow!”
What We Like
Color goes on nicely and stays consistent
Feels very lightweight on the skin
Good for a variety of skin types
What to Consider
Does contain warm, fresh scent
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 6 | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This longtime cult classic earned our pick for best middle-of-the-road finish, neither too matte nor too shimmery. It comes in a good lineup of six shades, which stayed totally true to their original tone, never oxidizing or changing. The color is also buildable and the texture felt smooth and silky no matter how much we used it (and never looked cakey, either).
Worth noting: This is a scented product. We liked how it smelled—warm, but still fresh—although it is something to consider, particularly if you’re sensitive to fragrance or avoid it for skin sensitivities.
Anya, tester with a neutral skin tone: “Despite looking shimmery in the pan, the actual wear on the skin is natural with a soft glow. I think that’s the ideal finish for a bronzer since matte can be overly frying and shimmery feels too unnatural.”
What We Like
Great for combination skin
Blends well over makeup
Doesn’t sink into dry spots
What to Consider
Color may be too subtle for some
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.39 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you prefer a bronzer that leaves your complexion glowy, this is our go-to. Our testers were big fans of the application and blend-ability, noting that it worked equally well on dry and combination skin types. While it may look a bit more shimmery in the pan, it diffuses beautifully once on, creating a noticeable yet very natural radiance (no easy feat in the bronzer world).
Still, it’s that glowy finish where this has more of an impact; all the shades are very similar, and none of them add a ton of color to the skin, per se.
Kristin, tester with neutral skin: “This has a natural, satin finish. It’s not glittery, but still gives a glow and natural, lit-from-within look to the skin.”
Best Buildable
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer
What We Like
Unique cream-to-powder texture
Applies smoothly
Doesn’t feel greasy or dry
What to Consider
Contains BHT
Finish: Velvet | Shades: 12 | Size: 0.42 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Versatility is the name of the game with this supremely buildable bronzer. It’s basically a cream-meets-powder hybrid; the texture differs slightly based on how you apply it. Either way, all of our testers loved that it didn’t feel drying or oily on the skin, and also said that it’s extremely easy to build up the pigment to your desired level of color as needed. (FWIW, one layer delivers a fairly light wash of color.) The pigment stays consistent throughout the day though. It also comes in an impressive lineup of a dozen shades, meaning there will likely be something for every skin tone.
Nikki, tester with a deep neutral skin tone: “This is the most natural-looking bronzer I have ever used. It makes it look like I have a soft kiss of skin on the higher points of my face.”
What We Like
Feels lightweight on skin
Very pigmented
Isn’t drying on skin
What to Consider
Doesn’t blend great over other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There are a number of great drugstore bronzers, but this one tops them all. We were thoroughly impressed with how nondrying it was; in fact, we initially mistook it for a cream formula. The shades matched our testers’ skin tones fairly well and were easily buildable and adjustable based on the finished effect they were going for. It was also super easy to apply and blend. We just dinged it a bit for not layering quite as well when applied over other products—it requires a good amount of blending for a seamless effect.
Christina, tester with a cool skin tone: “The texture is lightweight and creamy and glides over the skin; it’s lightly pigmented so you can layer until you reach your desired effect.”
Best for Dark Skin Tones
Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Microsuede Powder Bronzer
What We Like
Works well for bronzing and contouring
Doesn’t pill or cake up on the skin, even when used over other products
Lasts all day
What to Consider
Doesn’t come with a brush
Finish: Matte | Shades: 6 | Size: 0.26 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
It can be notoriously tricky to find a flattering bronzer for darker skin, but this one is the exception. We were very impressed with the shades; even though some of them look a bit dark in the pan, they all went on beautifully, without turning muddy or orange on the skin. As the name suggests, it also imparts a soft, airbrush-esque finish; it never settled into or called attention to fine lines (always a win).
At the end of the day, it’s an awesome, all-around pick for those who want a natural, everyday bronzer; just keep in mind you’ll need to pick up a separate bronzer brush to use with it.
Lisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “This bronzer struck the perfect balance—rich enough to impart a sun-kissed warmth, but sheer enough to look incredibly natural.”
What We Like
Glides seamlessly across skin
A little bit goes a long way
Creamy texture melts into the skin
What to Consider
Some shades can look a little orange-y initially
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Stick formulas win the day for effortless, on-the-go application, and this bronzing stick is no exception. We couldn’t get over how easily and beautifully it both went on and melted into the skin, without ever accentuating pores or dry patches. The pigment does pack a serious punch—it only takes a bit of product to achieve full-color coverage. (Still, it’s easily buildable and blendable.) Heads up, though, many of the colors skew a bit towards the warmer side of the spectrum.
Lee, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture of this product is so lovely and even though it’s so creamy, it has an almost powdery finish which is nice because it doesn’t leave your face feeling sticky.”
Best Powder Duo
Victoria Beckham Beauty Matte Bronzing Brick
What We Like
Comes with two shades so you can customize the color
Doesn’t cling to skin texture
Extremely silky feel
What to Consider
Excess powder tends to build up on top of the compact
Finish: Matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.34 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Sometimes two shades are better than one. Each of these compacts comes with two colors you can mix, match, and blend to find the perfect hue for you. That was a big winning point for us, as was the silky, creamy, luxurious texture that will totally make you rethink everything you thought you knew about powder products.
One of our top takeaways: Start with less product than you think you need and gradually build it up because one layer tends to deliver just the right amount of pigment. And keep in mind that some excess powder can build up on top of the pan so it can get a bit messy.
Alyssa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “This compact was so smooth and silky; it felt amazing on my skin during application and after. It's very lightweight in feel but looks a bit heavy at first; blending is extremely important with this bronzer since the tiniest amount goes such a long way. This is up there with the best powder bronzers in my collection.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo
What We Like
The two included formulas work beautifully together
Delivers natural-looking radiance
Offers good bang for your buck
What to Consider
Can be a bit hard to blend when used solo
Finish: Natural | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.23, 0.24 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This dynamic duo features two different formulas in one convenient compact: A cream for contouring alongside a powder bronzer. We used them together as well as the bronzer on its own, and were impressed in both instances. (Not to mention feeling like we were getting two products for the price of one was a nice bonus.)
The textures of both products look and feel natural on the skin as do the colors and ever-so-slightly radiant finish. And while they’re both easy to apply, our testers found the bronzer was slightly more challenging to blend out when used on its own.
Ashley, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I absolutely love this bronzer. I have used a lot of other bronzers and this is by far my favorite. I love how much it adds subtle improvement to my face—contouring, highlights, and a perfect sun-kissed glow. I forgot I had it on as it didn't change my skin texture at all. The cream plus the bronzing powder really has sold me; I feel like I am getting so much out of this product.”
What We Like
Easy-to-use stick application
Creamy texture is especially good for dry skin
Even warm bronzer shades don’t look too orange
What to Consider
Can be easy to inadvertently blend it in too much
Finish: Natural | Shades: 9 | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Blush and bronzer are like peanut butter and jelly—sure, you can have just one, but they’re so much better paired together. Enter this dual-ended stick. For starters, we loved how easy it is to use, especially for on-the-go touch-ups. Although, we didn’t really need many of those, since this proved to have excellent staying power. The creamy texture melted beautifully into the skin, making application a breeze; the colors were also buildable.
Our testers were huge fans of how perfectly coordinated the blush and bronzer were, helping take the guesswork out of finding a great blush. One minor critique: the product is so blendable, that they sometimes accidentally blended it in too much, and had to go back and add some more.
Michelle, tester with a neutral skin tone: “This is one of the better bronzer sticks I’ve used in terms of texture. I also loved that there was a blush on the other end of the stick that matched beautifully with my skin tone.”
What to Look for When Buying a Bronzer
- Shade Range: Bronzer comes in a variety of shades designed to give different complexions a sun-kissed glow. Your skin tone will determine what type of undertone looks most natural on your skin. Bronzer undertones vary from yellow to golden and red; a formula that comes in several shades is the best way to ensure you find one that suits you.
- Finish: The type of finish you select is a matter of personal preference; bronzers come in natural, matte, radiant, and shimmer finishes. Matte and natural finishes can help you achieve a more sculpted look while radiant and shimmer finishes deliver a more glowy effect.
- Formula: The right formula for you depends on your skin type. Powder options are great for people with oily skin, while cream formulas work beautifully on dry skin. That’s not necessarily set in stone, but if you’re not sure which way to go, it’s a good guideline.
FAQ
How do you apply bronzer?
According to celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass, the best way to apply bronzer is to use a fluffy brush and sweep it in the areas where the sun would naturally hit. "Apply your bronzer just above the hollows of your cheekbones in small, circular strokes, then curve up to your temples to form a 'C' shape," adds Greenberg. "Complete the ‘3’ method by going from your forehead to your cheekbones, and then to your jawline."
How do you pick the right bronzer for your skin tone?
"Those with fair skin should try a lighter-toned bronzer, while those with deeper complexions may want to opt for a caramel or chocolate shade," explains Greenberg. "If you have a medium or olive complexion, I would look for a bronzer with golden undertones." Bass advises choosing a bronzer about two shades deeper than your skin tone with undertones that match your complexion. For example, if you have warm undertones, you'll want to choose a warm-toned bronzer with hints of gold and yellow in it.
What is the difference between cream and powder bronzer?
Powder bronzers can provide a more matte finish or a slight glow if they contain some shimmer, explains Bass. "Cream bronzers tend to provide more of a dewy finish and work really well on drier skin. Layering a powder over cream is a great way to achieve ultimate staying power.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has been wearing and experimenting with bronzers for years and has personally tried every product on this list. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Byrdie writer Melanie Rud worked on this article as well. A freelance writer and beauty editor who tries multiple products per week, she has a standing lineup of favorite bronzers that she reaches for regularly, including the Bobbi Brown and NARS products featured on this list.
Celebrity makeup artists Jamie Greenberg (who's worked with clients like Kaley Cuoco and Chelsea Handler) and Gita Bass (whose work can be seen on clients like Emmy Rossum and Cindy Crawford) also contributed their insights to this article.