Editor’s tip: A little goes a long way with this bronzer, so we recommend dotting a small amount of product and blending wherever desired, gradually building up the intensity to your desired finish.
Key ingredients: squalane, marigold flower extract, isododecane | Finish: demi-matte | Shades: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose a bronzer?
Like foundation and concealer, bronzer can go catastrophically wrong if you use the wrong shade for your skin tone. As a general rule, you want to steer clear of any bronzers that look too orange or too gray, as these hues can make you look unnaturally tan or washed out. It’s a good idea to check out how the color looks on your skin in natural light to ensure it’s a spot-on match.
If you have fair skin, New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers recommends looking for a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone and always using a light hand when applying. Those with light-to-medium complexions can also benefit from choosing shades one or two hues darker than their natural skin color. However, when it comes to undertones, neutral options will always look the most organic. “Be sure to avoid bronzers that appear overly orange or red-toned in the pan, as it will only become more intense when you apply it to the skin,” says Flowers.
People with tan, olive-toned skin can get away with wearing most bronzer shades as long as they don’t stray too far from their natural skin color, says Flowers. However, she also says to choose terracotta hues with a hint of red, as they look beautiful on tan complexions.
Finding a suitable bronzer can be especially tricky for those with dark and deep complexions, as fewer options on the market cater to melanated skin. Still, brands like LYS and Fenty Beauty are getting it right with a more comprehensive, inclusive range of shades.
What’s the difference between powder, cream, and liquid bronzers?
Apply your bronzer to the areas of the face where the sun would hit, including the top of your cheeks, along your hairline, nose, middle of the chin, and forehead, according to Brielle Pollara, a New York City-based makeup artist. “Using a brush, apply onto the skin using light strokes,” she previously told Allure. “Make sure to blend well into the skin for a natural finish.” That being said, there are nuances to application techniques, depending on the type of formulation you use: