Bronzer Buying Guide

Bronzers  are perfect for giving an even, sun-kissed glow. The best part? You aren't exposed to any harmful UV rays by using bronzer. On the outside, you'll look like you soaked up plenty of sun.

How to Choose a Bronzer

So how do you go about choosing a bronzer? Well, the first step is to figure out the right degree of darkness you want to acheive. The key here is not to go too dark. If you want to look natural, go with the colour your skin usually turns when you get a natural tan. Do you not get tans naturally? No problem. Just use logic. If you are naturally very pale, a very dark brown bronzer just isn't going to work. Go with a shade that is just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Already tan? Go one or two shades darker than the tan you already have to give yourself a nice, natural glow. 

The second step is to consider your budget. You don't have to spend a lot on bronzer to acheive a natural glow. However, if you use bronzer instead of blush (which people with a lot of natural golden undertones can pull off), you might as well choose the best quality bronzer that it within your budget. 

The final step in choosing a bronzer is to consider the effect you'd like it to have on your appearance. Do you want a light, all-over glow? Look for a bronzer with a touch of shimmer. However, if you'd like your bronzer to create contour, go with a more matte version. Remember, it's easier to pull off more shimmer at night than it is during the day. 

Bronzer Types

• Powder bronzer   is the most common type. It's easy to apply and it builds easily, plus pressed powder goes anywhere without a fuss. Perhaps more importantly, powder bronzer is ideal for creating an all-over glow any time of the year and is the best choice for those with oily skin. It can also double as eye shadow. 
• Cream bronzer   is usually a good choice during the cooler months because it can help moisturize the skin. Likewise, if you have dry skin, it may be the best choice year round. Some, especially those with oily skin, may find it too heavy for summer use. Note that cream bronzer can be used all over the face or as a highlighter to bring out particular facial features.
• Gel bronzer   is lightweight and transclucent, absorbing quickly into the skin for a subtle all over glow that works for most skin types year round. It can be used alone or blended with your foundation for varying levels of color.

Bronzer Tips

• If you are choosing a powder bronzer, go with a talc-free version if possible.
• Look for bronzers that contain multiple shades that make for easy blending and effects.
• Look for bronzers with SPF to protect skin and prevent signs of aging.
• Bronzers with antioxidants, vitamins or acne-fighting ingredients in them may help improve the skin's appearance over time.
• Look for brown, gold, bronze and cinnamon shades according to the natural undertones in your skin. Here are some rough suggestions.
• If you already have pinkish skin, look for a bronzer with a touch of pink or for darker skin, cinnamon.
• Olive skin is best enhanced by shades of honey, amber and orange.
• Yellow or golden skin is best matched with shades of gold, tan and brown.
• Brown skin should be paired by tawnies and browns.
• If you are going with a powder bronzer, look for the finest powder you can fine. The finer the powder, the more natural it'll look and the easier it'll be to blend.
• For the most natural look, only use bronzer during the late spring, summer, and early fall. Look for lighter, subdued bronzers if you must use one in the winter.
• Avoid wearing other makeup products with golden tints while wearing bronzer. It'll make the tanning effect start to look fake.
• Make sure your face isn't the only thing that's tan. Make sure to swipe some bronzer over your ears and neck if they will be exposed. Exposing more than your ears and neck? Use a sunless tanner  to make sure the rest of your body is bronze as well. 
• Only apply bronzer to where the sun naturally hits; the bridge of the nose, over the brows, chin and tops of the cheeks. Use a circular motion on the forehead, sweep down the sides of the nose and middle of the chin and brush up and out on the cheekbones.
• Use loose powder bronzer on a large, fluffy brush  and always tap off the excess before starting application to avoid stripes. Don't use a regular blush brush . They are too small and will add to overdoing it and streaking.
• Always apply lighter shades first. It's easier to add more bronzer than to take away some.
• Always, always, always blend. 

Quick Picks

St. Tropez Powder Bronzer	Elizabeth Arden Sun Goddess Bronzing Powder	Clinique Translucent Bronzer Gel  Bren Bronzer Stila Fall In Love Cheek Duo	Benefit Talk to the Tan Bronze Facial Tint	Guerlain Bronzing Brush

 Related Guides

Foundation	Blush	Sunless Tanning	Makeup Tools	Illuminating Cheek Makeup

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Bronzer Shopgids