The 8 best bronzers I reviewed for a natural, captivating glow

New York Post

15-05-2025

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Let's be real — a good bronzer can stand the test of time, and they're versatile for use all year round.
No matter if we're bundling up for the chillier months or are basking in the sun, one of these creams, powders or bronzing drops will be your built-in BFF for obtaining a sun-kissed glow.
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With a simple swipe, you can achieve a natural glow without the sunshine's help — especially if you constantly need to apply sunscreen to avoid painful sunburns.
But, no one likes a bronzer full of chunky glitter or super orange undertones. To avoid that at all costs, we reached out to top beauty experts to get some tips and tricks on how to choose the best bronzer.
No matter your budget or skin tone, I reviewed a range of the best bronzers to let you get your glow on — without having to hit the tanning bed. Take scroll through and while you're at it, don't forget to pair it with the perfect blush and lipstick to complete your look.
Amazon
Pros: Buildable, customizable glow
Offers anti-pollution protection
Contains antioxidant-rich ingredients Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
Limited shade range
Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops have garnered some acclaim in my makeup bag — and it's because this is the best bronzer..
Because of the brand's unique fusion of skincare and makeup benefits, it's one I constantly reach for. This lightweight serum delivers a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure. After reviewing basically all of Drunk Elephant, I can attest that it's a versatile formula that seamlessly mixes in with moisturizers, sunscreens or foundations I use — enhancing my complexion with a radiant finish.
The product's commitment to skin health is evident, as it is free from essential oils, silicones and fragrances, making it ideal for my sensitive skin. It doesn't have a sticky or greasy finish, either.
Beyond its cosmetic appeal, D-Bronzi is enriched with potent antioxidants and omega fatty acids, including blackcurrant seed and marula oils, which help fortify the skin's natural barrier and protect against environmental stressors. After speaking with the brand's founder, Tiffany, I learned that these ingredients contribute to the skin's overall health and resilience, offering more than just superficial enhancement. Additionally, the inclusion of platinum peptides aids in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, providing anti-aging benefits alongside its bronzing effects.
Even though there's a limited shade range and a price tag that's higher than most, it's beyond compare, especially if you want to achieve a flattering glow.
Key ingredients: Cocoa Extract, Peptides | Shade range: N/A | Finish: Glowy
Amazon
Pros: Budget-friendly price tag
Creamy, hydrating formula
Excellent for sensitive skin (which is a big deal for a drugstore bronzer) Cons: Limited shade range
Not fragrance-free, though not irritating to sensitive skin types
Never have I ever found a more stunning bronzer from the drugstore — a sentence I never thought I'd say. In years past, I'd try some off-putting compact bronzers that were really cheap, all of which had this unappealing dusty residue that only led to breakouts and an undesirable brown spot.
Not this one. The Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is truly remarkable and one I often reach for over high-end bronzers at times. Honestly, I can see why so many people praise it for its ability to deliver a sun-kissed glow without breaking the bank. It's infused with Amazonian butters — murumuru, cupuaçu and tucum — that offers a creamy (but not too creamy) texture that blends seamlessly into my skin, providing a satin finish that mimics a natural tan.
Its finely milled formula ensures smooth application, so it's excellent for both beginners at makeup and those who are skeptical about going too hard with their bronzy makeup look. With a range of shades available, it caters to various skin tones as well.
The bronzer's popularity is further bolstered by its delightful tropical scent, reminiscent of a piña colada, though it's not overpowering. Despite its fragrance, the scent is subtle and dissipates shortly after application, so it's not overpowering. Impressively, it's long-lasting, maintaining its vibrant color throughout the day without fading or streaking.
Additionally, its hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested formula make it a safe choice for those with sensitive skin.​
Key ingredients: Murumuru butter, Cupuaçu butter, Tucuma butter, Essential fatty acids, Pro-vitamins | Shade range: 8 colors | Finish: Glowy
Best Stick: LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
Credo Beauty
Pros: Amazing applicator and creamy, dreamy formula
Inclusive shade range
Clean ingredients (and, it's sold at Credo Beauty, aka: the gold standard) Cons: Somewhat bulky packaging, though not a dealbreaker
I love a good contour stick, and the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick is one I'll forever stand behind. Truly, it's a top-tier product in the realm of bronzers, offering a blend of performance, inclusivity and skin benefits. It holds such a lovely creamy, ultra-pigmented formula that delivers a natural matte finish onto my skin.
It also seamlessly sculpts and defines my facial features without accentuating fine lines or texture. The innovative triangle-shaped applicator ensures precise application, and one that glides on. It's available in a diverse range of shades, from light to deep, and caters to a wide array of skin tones with its array of options.
Beyond its cosmetic appeal, the No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as rosehip oil, green tea extract and watermelon seed extract. After using, my skin is instantly hydrated, soothed and protected. It hasn't been easier to achieve a sun-kissed glow but also nurture my skin.
Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, Green tea extract | Shade range: 7 colors | Finish: Radiant
Sephora
Pros: Smooth formula that's easy to blend
Long-lasting
Excellent value Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
Queen Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer has garnered acclaim for its exceptional blend of skincare benefits — and rightfully so. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin D3, this bronzer not only delivers a sun-kissed glow but also hydrates and nourishes my skin, promoting a healthy complexion each time I wear it.
Its creamy texture allows for easy blending, ensuring a seamless integration with foundation and other complexion products. The bronzer's formula is designed to provide a natural, radiant finish without being overly dewy (which I love), making it suitable for various skin types and preferences.​
One of the standout features of this bronzer is its impressive pigmentation and buildable nature. A single swipe delivers rich, true-to-color payoff, and I can easily layer to achieve the desired intensity without streakiness or heaviness. The bronzer's finish imparts a natural, dewy glow that mimics the look of sun-kissed skin, enhancing my natural features without appearing overdone.​
In terms of longevity, the Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer holds up well throughout the day, maintaining its integrity without the need for frequent touch-ups. Its staying power ensures that the bronzed look remains fresh and vibrant, contributing to a flawless appearance from morning to evening. With its combination of skincare-infused formula, buildable pigmentation and long-lasting wear, it's a yes in my book.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin D | Shade range: 4 colors | Finish: Natural
Amazon
Pros: Formulated with antioxidants to help reduce UV damage and stimulate collagen and elastin production, per a 2017 study
Offers a rich, natural bronze that's buildable, working well on fair skin especially
Budget-friendly price, allowing it to be reachable for most shoppers
Non-comedogenic, thanks to the addition of sunflower seed oil, so it won't clog pores and is advantageous on acne-prone skin Cons: Does not dispense out of the bottle in the most elegant way when dropping them onto your hand instead of directly on the face (though not a dealbreaker); for best results, shake the bottle before each use
Takes a bit longer to blend into the skin on areas where you may experience hyperpigmentation
There's no other way to say it — the e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops are impeccable, worth every penny and unbeatable in terms of value. As one of my favorites I reviewed, they offer a budget-friendly yet high-performance solution for achieving a sun-kissed glow. Priced at just $12, these antioxidant-rich tinted serums provide a customizable bronzed finish without the need for sun exposure.
The formula includes nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and sunflower seed oil, which hydrate and moisturize my skin while delivering a radiant complexion. Available in three versatile shades — Rose Gold, Pure Gold and Copper Gold — these drops cater to a wide range of skin tones. Even though I have fair skin, I love having all three on deck to tailor my glow intensity each time I wear it. ​
Beyond their affordability, e.l.f. Bronzing Drops are praised for their impressive performance. After reviewing nearly all of e.l.f., it's one of the most flattering once applied. The lightweight, serum-like texture blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a streak-free application that enhances my complexion. It can double as a sheer base, offering a natural bronzed look that lasts throughout the day. This versatility makes it an excellent option for quick getting-ready moments.​ It's truly worth raving about, and most ideal for summer months for a lightweight, blendable glow.
Key ingredients: Glycerin | Shade range: 3 colors | Finish: Glowy
Best Powder: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Sephora
Pros: Features a natural, matte finish
Long-lasting wear
Travel-friendly packaging Cons: May become 'dusty' in the packaging after six months, though you'll likely finish the compact before then
The Benefit Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer has earned its cult-favorite status for a reason, and as someone who's been using it since middle school, I can confidently say it's stood the test of time. From my very first swipe, I was hooked on its smooth, blendable formula that never looks patchy or orange.
It's rare to find a product that suits so many skin tones and evolves with you as your makeup preferences mature, but Hoola does just that. Whether I was just learning how to contour or now aiming for a more sculpted, natural glow, it's always delivered.
On my fair skin, this powder bronzer is the perfect marriage of warmth and neutrality. Some powder bronzers skew too red or too ashy, but Hoola adds believable warmth that mimics a real sun-kissed tan. Its matte finish also makes it incredibly versatile; it works just as well for contouring as it does for bronzing, without emphasizing texture or pores.
Even as new bronzers flood the market with flashy packaging or shimmer-heavy formulas, none have matched Hoola's foolproof performance and timeless appeal.
After years of trying new launches, I still find myself coming back to this tried-and-true classic. There's something comforting about a product that just works — no guesswork, no surprises. It's clad with sturdy packaging, lasting pigmentation and a flattering tone, which is the ultimate trifecta for my makeup bag.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Shade range: 5 colors | Finish: Matte
Best for Fair Skin: Il Makiage Mineral Baked Bronzer
Il Makiage
Pros: Incredibly flattering on fair skin types, offering a bit of color and a nice, blushy flush
Contains jojoba oil and vitamin E to nourish the skin
Long-lasting formula Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
The Il Makiage Mineral Baked Bronzer stands out as an exceptional bronzer for fair skin thanks to its finely-milled, buildable formula that delivers a natural sun-kissed glow without looking muddy or orange. Unlike many bronzers that can overwhelm lighter complexions, this one offers a subtle warmth to my skin that enhances my skin's natural undertones rather than masking them.
Its mineral-based formula is baked rather than pressed, which helps it blend seamlessly into the skin, avoiding harsh lines or streaks — an essential feature for my fair skin that can easily look overdone with the wrong product.
Another reason this bronzer excels is its thoughtful shade range. While some brands offer limited options for lighter skin tones, Il Makiage has shades with the right balance of warmth and coolness to complement rather than clash with fair skin. The bronzer also has a soft, luminous finish that adds radiance without chunky shimmer, creating a healthy-looking glow that mimics natural sunlight rather than looking overly made up. I seriously can't stop wearing it.
ItsI formula is also noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts – something that's important to me. Plus, it's cruelty-free and free of parabens and harsh additives. All of these elements combine to make it not just a cosmetic enhancer, but a thoughtful, high-quality choice for anyone with fair skin seeking a flattering, reliable bronzer.
Key ingredients: Jojoba oil | Shade range: N/A | Finish: Natural
Best Splurge: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun Kissed Powder
Bloomingdale's
Pros: Three in one product: bronzer, blush, highlight!
Sturdy, travel-friendly packaging
Beautiful for a sun-kissed glow Cons: Price point may be unreachable for some
The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powder stands out as a premier bronzer due to its exceptional formulation and design, and it's a multi-purpose product that I can't get enough of. This luxurious powder features a trio of harmonious shades — a warm bronzer, a vibrant blush and a pearlescent highlighter — that can be applied individually or blended together.
The fine, silky texture ensures a seamless application, delivering a natural, sun-kissed glow that lasts up to eight hours. Infused with jasmine flower extract, the powder not only enhances the complexion but also leaves my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. ​
For those seeking a bronzer that combines luxury, performance and a radiant finish, I'd recommend this one. It's sophisticated, leaves my skin sun-kissed and allows me to achieve a stunning glow and flush in one. Rest assured, this product will step up your makeup game.
Key ingredients: Jasmine, Iron oxides | Shade range: 5 colors | Finish: Natural
How I tested
Here's the criteria I kept in mind when testing each bronzer for at least one month — and as long as 8 years:
Shade match : Does the bronzer suit a range of skin tones or your specific complexion?
: Does the bronzer suit a range of skin tones or your specific complexion? Undertone : Warm, cool or neutral — does it align with your skin's undertone?
: Warm, cool or neutral — does it align with your skin's undertone? Finish : Matte, satin or shimmer — does it deliver the promised effect?
: Matte, satin or shimmer — does it deliver the promised effect? Pigmentation : Is it richly pigmented or buildable?
: Is it richly pigmented or buildable? Blendability : Does it blend easily into the skin without patchiness?
: Does it blend easily into the skin without patchiness? Texture : Creamy, powdery or smooth — how does it feel on application?
: Creamy, powdery or smooth — how does it feel on application? Fallout (powder) : Is there significant product kickback or mess in the pan?
: Is there significant product kickback or mess in the pan? Ease of use: Is it user-friendly for beginners and professionals?
An FAQ on Bronzers
What should I look for in a good bronzer?
Kate Synnott, ROEN's beauty creative director, suggests reaching for 'soft golden bronze tones' that include 'glowy highlights.'
On the other hand, Emma Willis from Made Addicts cautions against opting for products that are 'too orange' and those that make you look 'muddy.'
Which shades are best for light, medium and deep skin tones?
To avoid an orange or muddy look, you must choose the right shade of bronzer for your skin tone.
We took both Synnott and Willis' expert recommendations and created a streamlined guide for you to follow below.
Light : Opt for fair and neutral shades with golden flecks.
: Opt for fair and neutral shades with golden flecks. Medium : Choose warm, olive bronze tones.
: Choose warm, olive bronze tones. Deep: Reach for dark browns, deep oranges and terracotta shades.
How do I choose the right formula for my skin type?
Bronzers come in an array of various formulas, such as creams, powders and liquids. However, your skin type and the finish you desire will help narrow down your search.
If you consider yourself to have oily or combination skin, reach for a powder to minimize shine. If you have dry or normal skin, opt for a cream or liquid to add some hydration to your skin.
Although, Willis explains that no matter your skin type — oily, combination, normal or dry — 'you can use creams or powders,' as it 'just depends whether you like your skin to glow or if you prefer a more matte finish.'
How do I apply bronzer:
While applying bronzer may seem like a difficult feat, it's actually quite the opposite. Contrary to contouring, bronzing is simply a matter of adding color and warmth to the face — no hard angles required.
Synott explains that the bronzer should be applied like a 'light dusting' all over the face and neck to give a 'glowy sun kissed effect.' Willis suggests grabbing a fluffy powder makeup brush or a dense buffing brush to achieve this effect.
We will add that you should blend your bronzer upwards and not downwards. This will combat any muddy effects.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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