14 Drugstore Bronzers Makeup Artists Love for a Sun-Kissed Glow--ModeGlamor.com

Bronzer has been around since before contouring was cool. Beyond providing an all-over sun-kissed glow, this makeup staple can be used to shade your forehead, define your jawline, make your cheekbones look more pronounced, or create the illusion of a longer neck. "I typically recommend applying bronzer first to frame the face, and then following up with blush and highlighter," says makeup artist Kristen Fortier.

We have a soft spot in our hearts for drugstore brands—they were an introduction to makeup for many of us as adolescents. Not only that, but these most affordable options are arguablyjust as good as the top-shelf stuff, and theyre widely availableonline and in pharmacies. So with that in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best drugstore bronzers andtried some of the top-rated formulas out there. We assessed each product on finish, pigment, and how long the bronzer lasted. Our team then combined these results with our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list of all-star bronzers.

Best Overall

Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer

Amazon

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Physicians Formula has always reigned in the drugstore bronzer category, so it should be no surprise that its our first-place pick. Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a powder formula, but as the name suggests, itmelts into your skin like a soft cream and leaves a dewy finishin its wake.

This buuk.top editor favorite is available in six stunning shades to complement all skin tones. Sweep it on with a brush, a makeup sponge, or even just your fingers toaccentuate, contour, and achieve the level of sun-kissed glow you desire. However you apply it, you can count on the soft-focus pigmentsto blend seamlessly. The only thing we don’t love about this formula is the fact itcontains synthetic fragrance, which could irritate sensitive skin types.  

Who It’s For

This butter-like bronzer comes in six sun-kissed shades, making it a great option for all skin tones. 

• Finish: Dewy
• Shades: 8
• Size:0.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Amazon

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Available in four flattering shades, this budget-friendly bronzer goes on smooth, blends effortlessly, and offers a semi-sheer natural finish. Want more color? The buildable formulacan be layered for a deeper bronze effect. Its also waterproof andpromises up to 10 hours of wear. The downside? It contains fragrance and paraffin, a common emollient made from petroleum distillation byproducts. Although it doesn’t directly pose a health risk, theres some concern regarding possible contamination with known carcinogens.1

Who It’s For

This long-wearing bronzer is our go-to budget pick for flattering, natural results or bolder looks if you build it up.

• Finish: Natural
• Shades: 4
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Shimmery

CoverGirl TruBlend Minerals Bronzer

Amazon

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CoverGirl TruBlend calls on ultra-fine, light-reflecting pigments to create an illuminating effect. The radiant finish is stunning yet subtle and not overly sparkly. The powder formula is marbled to suit a wider variety of skin tones (although we do wish they had a few more shades to choose from) Our main complaint is that it contains BHT, a common preservative linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption.2

Who It’s For

If you like a little shimmer with your sun-kissed glow, this ones for you, although, it may not suit all skin tones.

• Finish: Radiant
• Shades: 1
• Size: 1 ounce
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Highlighting

Revlon SkinLights Prismatic Bronzer

Amazon

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Revlon SkinLights has an awesome1980s glam vibe that is reminiscent of gold laméand costume jewelry, but thats not all we love about it. Thissilky-soft highlighter contains crystal-like pigmentsthat blend into your skin and create awarm, illuminating, multidimensional glow. They also catch the light in such a way that it’ll feel like you have your own, personal spotlight. It’sparaben and fragrance-freebut does contain BHT.

Who It’s For

If you’re a highlighter addict, this illuminating bronzer will become a firm favorite.

• Finish: Radiant
• Shades: 3
• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

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Best Matte

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

Amazon

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Those looking for a more no makeup-makeup look will love NYX’s Matte Bronzer. Use thisshimmer-free powderto sculpt anddefine your best features, or dust it all over your face, neck, and décolletage for a natural-looking sun-kissed color. We don’t love that the product contains talcthough, which is a controversial ingredient that some say can contain carcinogenic asbestos.

Who It’s For

Whether your skin tends to be oily or you simply prefer matte makeup, this bronzer promises to deliver a tan look without the sheen.

• Finish: Matte
• Shades: 5
• Size: 0.3 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Baked

Milani Baked Bronzer

Amazon

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This high-quality Italian bronzer is baked, meaning it starts as a cream that’s poured onto terracotta tiles and left to dry into a powder.Baked bronzers tend to contain fewer chemicalsthan pressed powders (for example binding agents), and their silky-smooth, concentrated formula deliversimpressive color payoff. We’re big fans of Milani’s skin-loving minerals and light-reflecting gold pigments. Swoosh across your cheekbones and nose forhealthy color and instant warmth, though you may have to reapply throughout the day; reviewers say it wears off pretty quickly. We were also disappointed to see talc on the ingredients list.

Who It’s For

If you’re curious about baked makeup this silky-soft formula is sure to impress. 

• Finish: Shimmery
• Shades: 3
• Size: 0.3 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Mineral

Vasanti Cosmetics Mineral Bronzer

Vasanti

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There are many reasons to love mineral makeup, including that it doesn’t clog pores, is gentle on sensitive skin, and contains SPF. Vasanti makesour favorite mineral bronzer, a complexion-enhancing formula with a natural-looking, straight-from-the-beach color that also nourishes the skin. Lotus flower extract brightens while improving elasticity, pea extract delivers anti-aging benefits, and algae extract moisturizes the skin.34 It comes in three versatile shadesto complement a range of skin tones andleaves you with a no-makeup makeup look. 

Who It’s For

Fans of mineral makeup will love this gentle, natural-looking bronzer. However, pale-skinned reviewers found this formula too pigmented for their skin tone.

• Finish: Natural
• Shades: 3
• Size: 0.3 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Cream

e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer

Amazon

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Makeup artist Saffron Hughes says that those with dry skin may want to steer clear of powder formulas "in case it makes your skin drier or cakey." This highly pigmented putty bronzeris enriched with hydrating argan oil and vitamin E, andblends beautifully without feeling greasy.5It comes in three different shades and is buildable so you can go from a natural to glam look easily. Be prepared to reapply, though, as reviewers say it wears off quickly.

Who It’s For

Whether your complexion is parched or you just find creams easier to blend, thisputty-to-powder formula wont let you down. 

• Finish: Semi-matte
• Shades: 7
• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best High-Pigment

Mented Cosmetics Bronzer

Mented Cosmetics

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Available in fourshades ranging from deep brown to medium toffee, this richly pigmented bronzer promises abig color payoff. But we especially love the addition ofvitamin A (or retinol) which increases cell turnover while vitamin E provides a dose of hydration. If youre worried about a streaky look, fear not, because this bronzer is formulated to beboth buildable and blendable. Just be sure to tap excess powder off the brush before application, or itcan get a little messy. 

Who It’s For

If you’re seeking a bold bronzed finish, this deeply pigmented formula can’t be beaten.

• Finish: Matte
• Shades: 4
• Size: 0.35 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Juvias Place Bronzed Duo Bronzer

Juvias Place

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We think Juvias Place is the best option for darker skin tones, but its two distinct matte shadesalso make it great for those whose skin tone changes throughout the year. And the duo is perfect forsculpting and defining different areas of the face. It gave our faces a soft matte glow, our cheeks looked sculpted, and our forehead had a really nice warmth and depth to it. You can alsodust it all over for a sun-kissed effect. The one downside is that it contains talc. 

Who It’s For

If you have a darker complexion this bronzer duo will provide a flattering, cheekbone-defining glow.

• Finish: Natural matte
• Shades: 5
• Size: 0.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best for Fair Skin

HAN Skincare Cosmetics Matte Bronzer

Amazon

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Believe it or not, fair-skinned folks, you can wear bronzer and have it look totally natural. The Malibu shade of thismatte bronzer is a cool-toned milk chocolate huethat complements very light and olive-toned complexions. Ibiza is slightly darker and warmer for those who want a bit more color. It’s alsovegan and talc-free, relying instead on oil-absorbing rice powder to give a matte finish. 

We appreciate the addition ofantioxidant-rich organic cocoa powderto help protect the skin from oxidative stressors like pollution and UV damage, which contribute to skin aging.6The compact is a little on the small side, though.

Who It’s For

We specifically recommend the Malibu shade of this bronzer for fair skin tones who wish to avoid talc.

• Finish: Matte
• Shades: 3
• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Brush

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Pressed Bronzer

Amazon

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When we tried this pressed bronzer from Physicians Formula we appreciated thelightweight feel and long-lasting glow. Plus, it stayed put for an impressive 10 hours. Whats more, the mirrored compactcomes with a mini brush thats perfect for contouringand on-the-go touch-ups. Considering how much we loved this bronzer, we were disappointed to see that itcontains parabens–synthetic preservatives that have been linked to cancer and infertility7.

Who It’s For

If you like to apply bronzer on the go and don’t want to cart around a separate brush, this bronzer-and-brush combo will suit you perfectly.

• Finish:Matte
• Shades: 2
• Size: 3.04 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Stick

Undone Beauty Water Bronzer

Ulta

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This pocket-sized contour stick is superhandy when you’re on the go, but the unique formula is where it stands out. Infused with coconut water and castor oil, the water-based cream melts into your skin and spreads like butter. The result? Asheer yet buildable wash of color and a dewy glow. When we checked the ingredients label for reg flags we notedpolyethylene glycol (PEGs). Although they are considered safe by the FDA, the process of producing PEGs can create carcinogenic byproducts, which makes some experts wary.

Who It’s For

This glide-on bronzing stick is ideal for on-the-go application and speedy touch-ups. 

• Finish:Dewy
• Shades: 4
• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Palette

Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder Palette

Amazon

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This palette contains two lighter hues, which are ideal for winterwhen the skin is naturally paler,and two deeper hues to accentuate your summer tan. Or, to create a custom bronze glow, swirl and blend the different shades. Withbuildable coverage and a matte finish, this palette is a versatile addition to any vanity case—it’s easy to see why makeup artists sing its praises. We do wish this formula didn’t include BHTs though.

Who It’s For

If your natural skin color differs wildly depending on the season, or you like the idea of customizing your bronze shade, this palette is a worthwhile investment.

• Finish: Matte
• Shades: 4
• Size: 1 ounce
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

 

Where We Stand

Overall, Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzeris our number one—it feels luxe on skin and creates a radiant glow. The powder-to-cream formula diffuses your complexion with soft-focus pigments and blends seamlessly with a dewy finish. We also love our budget pick,Rimmel Natural Bronzer, for its natural finish, buildable formula, and 10-hour wear time.

How We Tested & Reviewed

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best Bronzers on the market, evaluating their key features, such as ease of use, ingredients, and how long it last. We also read through countless reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with makeup artists to ensure we made the best picks for all skin types and needs.

Attributes we evaluated each bronzer on:

FinishPigmentHow long it lasted

What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer

Shade:

Make sure you choose a bronzer shade that works well with your skin tone, to avoid looking orange or creating any harsh lines. Opt for a bronzer shade that mimics your skin tone when youre tan—and try to make sure its not too dark or too light (we like HAN Skincare Cosmetics Matte Bronzer for fair skin, and Juvias Place Bronzed Duo Bronzerfor deep complexions). Finally, check the undertones as well, as this can be crucial in finding the best bronzer for you.

Texture:

Do you tend to go for powder formulas or cream? Take what texture you love using into consideration before purchasing. Creams likeUndone Beauty Water Bronzer tend to give off a more dewy finish, whereas powders like Vasanti Cosmetics Mineral Bronzer are more matte. Both bronze effectively, just in slightly different ways.

FAQ

What is the use of bronzer?

Bronzer is typically used to help skin look sun-kissed or tan. Depending on the shade, it may also be used to contour.

Can you use bronzer to contour?

If its applied correctly, bronzer can be used as a contour. Rather than swiping the bronzer all over, hone in on specific areas (like beneath your cheekbones and around your jawlines and your nose) with an angled brush to contour.

What brush should you use for bronzer?

Before you purchase a bronzer brush, take a moment to consider what you plan to use the bronzer for. For an all-over glow, use a fluffy powder brush to make sure you get even bronzer coverage—without any harsh lines or streakiness. If youre looking to use your bronzer to contour, opt for an angled brush.

Why Trust buuk.top

Theresa Holland is a beauty commerce writer and cosmetics connoisseur who knows her way around the drugstore makeup aisle. She compiled expert recommendations and application tips from two makeup artists for this story and then searched high and low to find todays best affordable bronzers. She has personally tried a handful of products on this list, including Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, NYX, e.l.f., Milani, and Vasanti. Theresa covers color cosmetics, skincare, and wellness products at buuk.top.

Additional guidance was provided by makeup artists Saffron Hughes and Kristen Fortier.

buuk.topcontributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on buuk.top’s list.

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