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10 Best Bronzers in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

When it's summertime, bronzer is a must to get a natural, beautiful beachy vibe. Nowadays, there’s plenty of products to choose from—and whether or not you’re a fan, you can’t deny the definition and glowy look that it leaves on your face. Bronzer is a multipurpose tool that can also be used for contouring and eyeshadow, so there's a pretty good reason to have one or two in your stash.

We've created a handy buying guide that will help you navigate the difficulties of choosing a bronzer. Our personal favorite product was Too Faced's Chocolate Soleil, but take a look at our other top 10 picks if you need a bit of inspiration to find your perfect bronzer!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Natalya Lowe
Expert
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Bronzers

You may have tried using bronzer before but decided it wasn’t for you—maybe it was too dark, didn’t apply evenly, or you weren’t sure where to dust it on. Here, we'll go over how to choose a bronzer so that you'll find one that you love and that will give you a radiant glow.

1

Pick Between Rich Powders or Smoothing Creams

Pick Between Rich Powders or Smoothing Creams

The easiest type of bronzer to use is powder bronzer. You can control how much you want to put on the brush and how lightly you want to dust it, so it’s recommended for those who want a sheer layer.


Creams meld well with the skin and provide better coverage. Those who are already familiar with makeup can create dazzling and long-lasting looks with cream. However, for beginners, it can be a little harder to use than powder and will take time to get used to.

2

Check Out Glittery Shades for Added Sparkle

Check Out Glittery Shades for Added Sparkle

Some bronzers have a gleam and add extra glow to your face. You can go for heavy glitter to add some glossiness and vibrancy and have your face practically sparkle after you’re done with it. Or you can get something more toned down, just to give off a subtle, dewy gleam.


While some bronzers can look too shimmery, when swatched, the glow melts away into the skin for a matte finish. Also, the smaller the specks of glitter are, the quieter the bronzer and the more easily it melds with your skin.


For shading or contouring, many people choose not to use shimmering makeup, opting for a matte finish instead. In the end, whether or not you want shimmery bronzer is completely up to your preference.

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

A beachy summer babe glow can be achieved with a glittery bronzing shade. These bronzers with a light shimmer can add a natural glow to your face. It adds sparkle when it hits the sunlight. It's a perfect way to add definition as well as enhance your glowy skin. 


These shimmery bronzers can help add that shine back to dull dry skin. It is an eye-catching look that will make you feel bronzed and sculpted yet also give that honey summer look.

3

Choose Based on Your Skin Tone

Choose Based on Your Skin Tone

Like most other makeup products, one color of bronzer doesn't work for everyone. You have to pay close attention to your skin tone when picking, so that you won't look out of place and can make sure to get that sun-kissed tan that bronzers are made for.


In general, choose a bronzer that is about one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Anything darker will make you look unnatural. For lighter skin tones, choosing something peachy or pink is best. For olive tones, go for copper or earth-tones; for dark skin tones, get a bronzer that's chocolatey with a bit of sparkle.

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10 Best Bronzers Ranking

Here are the best Bronzers, ranked according to Compare the 10 Best Bronzers (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Too Faced

Chocolate Soleil

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil 1

$27.00

Mid

A Perfectly Matte Finish That Lasts 8 Hours

2

Hourglass Cosmetics

Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer 1

$52.00

High Mid

Brings Out a Light Shimmer to Your Mature Skin

3

Physicians Formula

Butter Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer 1

$9.58

Low

Moisturizing and Gives Off a Tropical Glow

4

Guerlain

Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder 1

$54.00

High Mid

Buildable, Hydrating, and With a Natural Shine

5

Estee Lauder

Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer 1

$42.00

High Mid

Oil-Free and Won't Clog Pores

6

Bobbi Brown

Bronzing Powder

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder 1

$44.00

High Mid

Long-Lasting Glow Available in a Range of Color Options

7

NARS

Bronzing Powder

NARS Bronzing Powder 1

$36.76

Mid

Subtle Shimmer On a Matte Base

8

Elizabeth Mott

Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder

Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder 1

$15.00

Low Mid

Glitter and Shine-Free Bronzer for Sun-Kissed Skin

9

Milk Makeup

Matte Bronzer

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer 1

$28.00

Mid

A Vegan Cream Option That's Easy to Apply

10

Benefit Cosmetics

Hoola Bronzing Powder

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder 1

$25.98

Low Mid

Comes With a Built-in Mirror and a Brush for on the Go Use

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Too FacedChocolate Soleil

Chocolate Soleil 1
Source:amazon.com
Chocolate Soleil 2
Source:toofaced.com
Reference price
$27.00
Mid
Reference price
$27.00
Mid

A Perfectly Matte Finish That Lasts 8 Hours

This bronzer blends very nicely on the skin and has just the right amount of pigment, while also giving off a delicious chocolate scent. It’s not too over or underwhelming, with no shimmers or sparkle. 

It is an easily buildable bronzer that’s not too orange or muddy in color. Chocolate Soleil also lasts up to 8 hours, so you can go about your day without worrying about looking washed out.


There are three shades to choose from, the others being a lighter Milk Chocolate and a darker golden Chocolate Gold, which is a shimmer shade. All give a natural finish for that sun-kissed look.
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No.2

Hourglass CosmeticsAmbient Lighting Bronzer

Ambient Lighting Bronzer 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$52.00
High Mid

Brings Out a Light Shimmer to Your Mature Skin

If the sleek and beautiful packaging of Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Bronzer doesn’t draw you in, the marbleized warm colors will. It is shimmery but not overpowering, and won’t accentuate any textures or fine lines on the skin. 

Ambient Lighting works well with mature skin, and best with warm skin tones. They’re also available in mini sizes, should you want to travel with a dazzling glow. It does tend to look more orangey on paler skin tones, so those with lighter skin may want to test out the waters before diving in.

No.3

Physicians FormulaButter Bronzer

Butter Bronzer 1
Source:amazon.com
Butter Bronzer 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.58
Low
Reference price
$9.58
Low

Moisturizing and Gives Off a Tropical Glow

Physician's Formula is known to be a brand that's all about creating healthy makeup for sensitive skin. This moisturizing bronzer is full of amazing, nutrient-rich butters that also help the product glide onto the skin easily. There are four different shades, all providing you with a tropical glow and slight shimmer. Plus, it's cruelty-free!


A couple of reviewers note that the coconut fragrance is pretty strong and some also mention the product arriving with the bronzer broken inside the compact. Others say this works well on fair skin—darker skin tones will need to pick the darker shades to get it to show up and love the buttery texture and blend-ability of the product.

No.4

GuerlainTerracotta Bronzing Powder

Reference price
$54.00
High Mid

Buildable, Hydrating, and With a Natural Shine

This bronzer has 16 shades for you to choose from, so you'll be sure to find your perfect color. On top of that, Guerlain’s Terracotta Bronzing Powder blends smoothly and won’t cake up. 

Terracotta does have a light floral scent, so be careful if you have sensitive skin or prefer not to have fragrant makeup. Though the product works well, some have reported that the packaging breaks easily.


However, the texture is soft and buildable. It’s got moisturizing properties without being greasy and instead gives off a dewy look. It’ll stick even in humid weather, and won’t leave an unnatural cast on your face.

No.5

Estee LauderBronze Goddess Powder Bronzer

Reference price
$42.00
High Mid

Oil-Free and Won't Clog Pores

This sizeable bronzer has a matte finish that’s natural-looking with no orange glow. It’s got a great color payoff and comes with a small brush good for traveling or quick touch-ups. Easily buildable and long-lasting, Bronze Goddess controls shine well to keep you flawless throughout the day.

Though more on the expensive side, it’s got a lot of product in it. It mostly has golden and red undertones, so it may not work well for those with neutral skin. But it’s got a decent selection of four shades ranging from a light coffee to deep red mocha. 

No.6

Bobbi BrownBronzing Powder

Reference price
$44.00
High Mid

Long-Lasting Glow Available in a Range of Color Options

With six shades to choose from, Bobbi Brown gives you more than twice the options you get from other bronzers on the market. It’s smooth and easy to blend, giving a natural glowy finish. This bronzer won’t look orange or muddy on the skin, and won’t settle in wrinkles or dry patches.

There have been a few reviews that mention fallout–where the pigment showers on to other parts of your face–something to take note of before you dip your brush in. And although it’s a bit expensive, Bobbi Brown’s bronzer will last you a long time. 
No.7

NARSBronzing Powder

Reference price
$36.76
Mid

Subtle Shimmer On a Matte Base

This bronzer gives off a finish that is matte with a subtle shimmer, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s easy to blend and has great coverage. NARS' bronzing powder is soft and smooth, highly pigmented, and lasts all day, giving you a natural looking glow.

NARS Bronzing Powder comes in four shades of brown, all with gold shimmer. Those who prefer completely matte bronzers might want to pass on this one, but fans of the product say it works well and goes on smooth.
No.8

Elizabeth MottWhatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder

Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$15.00
Low Mid

Glitter and Shine-Free Bronzer for Sun-Kissed Skin

This cleverly named bronzer is perfect for oily-skinned folks. It's been specially formulated to soak up extra sebum that your face produces during the day, so you stay shine-free. It's also sweat-resistant! It gives you a naturally tan look, and can also be used for contouring. 


Reviewers felt like this bronzer was too light on the color, and some say it also seems cheap. However, other reviewers love the price point and say it doesn't leave the skin with an orangey glow like other bronzers.

No.9

Milk MakeupMatte Bronzer

Reference price
$28.00
Mid

A Vegan Cream Option That's Easy to Apply

Milk specializes in a minimalist approach to makeup, as seen in this paraben-free, eco-conscious bronzer. With the unique packaging, you can apply it straight on your face or use a brush. It dries to a natural finish, making it easy to apply and blend. It’s moisturizing and gives off a sheer, soft effect.

People with light skin tones will want to proceed cautiously, as a handful of reviewers remark that this bronzer appears orange on their skin when blended out. Those with sensitive skin, beware, as it may cause acne. However, others do say it blends easily and stays on with primer underneath.
No.10

Benefit CosmeticsHoola Bronzing Powder

Reference price
$25.98
Low Mid

Comes With a Built-in Mirror and a Brush for on the Go Use

Benefit’s Hoola Bronzing Powder is easy to build and blend. The product is highly pigmented, goes on naturally, and won’t budge all day. It’s also free of shimmer and sparkles for those who prefer matte tones. And if you prefer a travel-sized option, it also comes in a mini size.

The packaging, though cute, can make it a bit hard to get the product out, and reviewers mention that the brush that comes with it sheds bristles, which can leave tiny strands on the product and your face. However, other reviewers say it leaves a great neutral and natural-looking tone.

Natalya's Recommended Bronzer

Natalya's Recommended Bronzer
Source:coverfx.com
Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

A bronzer that I find that I use on basically every client is the Monochromatic Bronzer Duo. This product is richly-pigmented and features a matte and shimmer shade. The pressed bronzer powder delivers a sunkissed glow, and the shimmer is great to add on top of the bronzer or to use as a highlight for darker skin tones.


I find myself using this product as a bronzer and as well as a shadow to the eye. I love to use the matte shade on the crease of the eye and then the shimmer shade on the lid. It's a great two-in-one product that can be used for any skin type. The most popular shade is the Sunkissed Bronze.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer some commonly-asked questions about bronzers.

What's the correct way to apply bronzer?

Natalya explains, "Sweep the bronzer starting from the temple, across the cheek, and along the jawline using an angled brush or round kabuki brush. Take what is left of the product on the brush and blend it into the neck. Using circular motions and continuously blending will help avoid harsh lines. 


To avoid a streaky or muddy application, it's important to use a fluffy brush that is denser and blend, blend, blend. Start with a small amount of product and tap the excess product off. Gently sweep over the cheekbone and make small circular motions with your powder brush to blend onto the skin. You can use bronzer along the hairline, the jawline, and the nose. 


Avoid small brushes and use bigger fluffy brushes for a seamless application. Take your time and do not overload the brush with product. Be sure to use good lighting when doing your makeup so you can apply your bronzer in the correct areas."

What's the difference between bronzer and contour?

"A bronzer can give a natural sunkissed, youthful tan and brings warmth to the skin that can define the face," Natalya says. "A bronzer is warmer and often darker than contour. Contouring is a technique that shades and sculpts your natural facial features. 


Contour comes in a cooler or more neutral shade to hollow out certain areas of the face. A natural bronzer brings warmth whereas a contour defines shape."

Where does bronzer go on your face?

"The easiest way to know where to apply your bronzer is to locate the lower area of the cheekbone," Natalya explains. "This can be found by using a finger to feel the depression. Press your finger along the bottom of the cheekbone; starting at the center of the ear is usually where you will start from. The cheekbone extends from the ear to the outer corner of the eye. 


When using your finger to feel where the placement of the bronzer should be, you can find the edge of the cheekbone. The top of the cheekbone is where the highlight should be placed, and below the edge of the cheekbone is where you will place the bronzer. Every cheekbone is different in width and length. Bronzer can also be placed along the jawline and nose if needed."

More Products to Add to Your Makeup Routine

Are you in need of more items to make your face pop? We've got plenty of buying guides to help you pick the best makeup products and tools that can help you improve upon or make your makeup routine easier. Check some of them out below!

In Collaboration With Professional Makeup Artist Natalya Lowe

Natalya Lowe
Professional Makeup Artist
Natalya Lowe

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Bronzers

No. 1: Too FacedChocolate Soleil

No. 2: Hourglass CosmeticsAmbient Lighting Bronzer

No. 3: Physicians FormulaButter Bronzer

No. 4: GuerlainTerracotta Bronzing Powder

No. 5: Estee LauderBronze Goddess Powder Bronzer

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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