I'm a certified bronzer addict. If I had to do a quick 3-minute makeup routine you best believe that I would absolutely be applying bronzer (along with doing my brows and a lip liner). For me, it gives a light to my face that can only normally be achieved by me consistently taking vitamin D and maybe a 2 week-long holiday in The Caribbean, neither of which I'm able to do for some reason...
So, yes, I have approx 15 different bronzers stashed in my various makeup bags, all different textures (cream, liquid, powder) and finishes (matte, dewy, shimmer) to give me that healthy, well-rested glow. And while I have slimmed this edit down, there was a time where I would just grab whatever the latest deepest shade of brown was and assume it would work for me. Wrong. And the same goes for my paler sisters, not all bronzer is created equally, and now that there's more products on the market than ever before, it's high time you got the lowdown on the best bronzer shade for your skin tone for the most believable looking glow. So, stay tuned for the best tips on picking the right bronzer, plus we consulted Jones Road founder Bobbi Brown for some application tips too...
Best bronzer for deep skin tones
I have found, via much trial and error that for my skin tone, going for a bronzer just a step deeper than my skin colour, gives the most natural glow - anything too deep takes too much blending out and also starts to look too much like makeup. You know that feeling of someone saying 'your makeup looks good' vs 'your skin looks good'?
While texture and finish should be mainly determined by your skin type, I have also found that many matte bronzers look less 'skin-like' on darker skin, so, unless I'm going to an event and am going to be photographed, I opt for stick and liquid bronzers or powder bronzers that have skin-tone appropriate shimmer baked in.
Best bronzer for deep skin tones
Kosas The Sun Show Glowy Warmth Talc-Free Baked Bronzer - Paradise
MAC Cosmetics Skinfinish Sunstruck Bronzer
rhode pocket bronze in drench
Best bronzer for olive skin tones
As you naturally tan easily, your bronzer should just mimic what 'tanned you' looks like! Think neutral-golden, muted caramel, olive-brown, or soft terracotta shades. "When applying bronzer, people commonly go wrong by applying too much product or use an orangey or mismatched bronzer shade which ends up looking cakey and fake," warns Bobbi Brown. She advises looking at your undertone and matches this to avoid your bronzer looking too stark.
Best bronzer for olive skin tones
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder in Laguna 02
Jones Road The Bronzer in Golden Tan
MARC JACOBS BEAUTY MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Legally Bronze Bronzer in Light
Best bronzer shades for paler skin
It can be tricky to get bronzer shades right on paler skin as this skin tone tends to burn in the sun rather than tan, but it's not impossible. You just need to go for sheer bronzers in soft beige, honey, pale caramel, neutral tan, or rosy-taupe shades. Brown also advises that you consider your application method too. "Think of bronzer as a light tint to the skin," she says, "apply with a wide brush that will diffuse the product, giving you a bronzed look that is not overdone. "
Best bronzer shades for pale skin
Anastasia Beverly Hills Smooth Blur Bronzer in Warm Sand Vibes
essence Soft Touch Butter Bronzer in Whipped Buttercup
Jordana Ticia Bronzer Duo in Desert Dust
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
