Bronzer is one of those treacherous products that when applied expertly holds the power to elevate a beauty look beyond measure, but when done with a less delicate touch, can end up disastrous.
Our top tip if you’re looking to avoid the latter? Choose your bronzer extremely wisely. Even the best application technique won’t save you from streaks if your formula isn’t up to scratch.
If you ask us, bronzer is a cosmetic category worth investing in. We’re not necessarily saying you need a contour product boasting a designer label, but in the bronzer realm, the more finely milled the better, and so quality is key.
If you’re in search of a sculpting powder/cream/stick that will deliver divine definition without running the risk of looking muddy, messy or overdone, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the best bronzers to shop for a seamless, subtle sun-kissed glow.
Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer
An opulent option (packaging and formula wise) that imparts as much lit-from-within luminosity as it does fresh, golden colour, it’s a literal buttery soft bronzer (thanks to a cocoa and mango seed butter mix) magically worked into powder form.
$105 at Myer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
More of a matte finish fan? You can’t go wrong with this pore-blurring bronzer. Yes indeed, on top of adding a wash of warmth and dialling up definition, it also features soft-focusing silica powder to balance and blur the skin, hence delivering on its name’s hefty ‘airbrush’ promise.
$74 at Charlotte Tilbury
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Ever wished you could buy sun-kissed radiance in pot form? Well, you actually can. This lush cream-gel makes application genuinely effortless; one simple swirl of a kabuki brush and a glistening golden glow is all yours, or tap on with fingers to truly appreciate the silky feel.
$91 at Myer
Guerlain Terracotta Original Compact Powder
If it’s believable bronzing you’re after, this cult-status compact allows you to choose both your shade depth and your undertone (either cool or warm), ensuring a genuine true-to-skin match. It also happens to be infused with Moroccan argan oil to nourish and polish skin with every sweep.
$87 at David Jones
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder
A bronzer as famous for its shade as its formula, ‘Laguna’ is beloved around the world for its ability to douse the face with just the right amount of shimmer and warmth. On top of the iconic colour, it’s worth noting that the velvety feel and seamless finish are also filed under ‘elite’.
$57 at MECCA
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
If a stick is more your speed, look no further than this buildable, blendable delight. ‘Second skin finish’ is the phrase to keep in mind; it glides on like silk, melts seamlessly into skin, and softly sculpts while still maintaining an ‘au naturale’ aesthetic.
$40 at Sephora
Patrick Ta Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo
Boasting both cream and powder options in one purse-friendly palette, this defining duo is just as brilliant as you’d expect any bronzer brainchild of celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta to be. Formula wise, it’s the perfect product for adding dew and dimension to the face.
$58 at Sephora
Main image credit: @valeriaferreiramakeup
