Bronzers are perfect for people who want a tan look, either for a special occasion or for everyday wear. The bronze finish from using the product enhances the face by giving it color, which can be a big deal if you have a pale complexion. It's no surprise, then, that a variety of bronzers exist on the market for people to choose from. With so many options available, you might be tempted to pick the first bronzer you see in the aisle. But before you pick any old makeup, we think it's better to do a bit of research to know you're getting the best bronzer you can, particularly if you want to take care of your skin. If you're an advocate of animal rights or veganism, not learning about the bronzer beforehand might make you buy unwittingly from brands that don't uphold such advocacies. To help you learn more about the best bronzer available right now, here's a guide for you to follow.

According to Youngblood, the Mineral Cosmetics Natural Radiance Bronzer/Highlighter has skin-friendly ingredients that allow it to fulfill three purposes: as a bronzer, blush, and highlighter. The product has ingredients like Jojoba Esters and Rice Starch, both of which work wonders on the skin. The former acts like an emollient, which means it soothes and softens the skin. The latter ingredient improves the moisture of the skin. With such effects, it's no surprise that customers find the bronzer comfortable to apply to their skin. Not only does it give a luminous finish, but it can soften the lashes as well. That the product is easily blendable just makes things better.

To get the best results, it's best to use this when you're out in the sun. If you're a professional model who has a beach photoshoot or just a stylish traveler bathing in the sun, you can definitely put this bronzer to good use. Using the bronzer doesn't take much. You just need to apply it on key areas, such as the face, body, cheeks, and near the eyes. If you're worried about irritation, you don't have too: the bronzer is certified free of paraben, sulfate, and other elements that are unpleasant to the body. This means that using the bronzer won't hurt your skin, whether it is fair or dark. Speaking of skin color, the bronzer comes in three hues that are designed to work well with your complexion. The colors are Riviera, Splendor, and Sunshine. This variety ensures that you won't have to make do with a color that doesn't necessarily fit you.

Key Features
  • Cruelty-free
  • Comes in three colors for people of varying complexion
  • Formulation makes it easy to apply on key areas of the face and body
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Product Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes
  • Brand: Youngblood
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Shade variety
  • Free of skin irritants
Cons
  • Best when used with other products

The Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer delivers tan looks and gentle skincare in one package. It can be applied on the face on its own or on top of the foundation, depending on what look you need for the day. Such features make the product a worthwhile buy for those who need multifunctional bronzers. Clinique explains that the product is designed to be oil-free, which helps ease worries about clogged pores or acne breakouts.

In using the bronzer, make sure to apply it on focal areas of the face like the forehead, cheeks, nose, or chin. You can then blend the product to achieve your preferred tan. Thanks to its professionally formulated ingredients, you won't have to worry about the bronzer doing serious damage to your skin, as long as you use it as indicated. In checking the label, you'll see that it has Talc, Potassium Sorbate, Zinc Stearate, and other ingredients deemed safe for use.

To further ensure skin safety, Clinique enforces restrictions against certain elements that harm the body. Examples of these include parabens, pthalates, and fragrances that might irritate the nose. For buyers with sensitive skin, this will benefit your daily routine as it won't put your face at risk while you're busy working. The product has been tested for allergies, which should put your worries at rest. According to the brand, this bronzer also works for all skin types, whether you have oily or dry skin. Instead of looking for other bronzers that only cater to specific skin types, you can just pick Clinique's instead.

Key Features
  • The oil-free bronzer means less worries about it clogging your pores and causing pimples.
  • The fragrance-free formulation won't irritate your nose.
  • The bronzer provides buildable coverage.
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 0.9 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: No specifications
  • Vegan: No specifications
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic ingredients
  • Oil-free formulation
  • Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Not cruelty-free
  • No vegan specifications

Tarte has come up with a bronzer power that is dermatologist-tested, matte, and waterproof. The Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer comes with shades that can work with various skin colors. The shades aren't too sparkly and give the skin just the right glow without making it look orange. You can apply the bronzer onto barefaced skin or one already with foundation. The cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead are common areas for bronzer application.

The bronzer doesn't have any synthetic fragrance, which should be a plus for those with a sensitive nose. Because the bronzer is designed to stay waterproof, you can use it without worrying about the product running off due to rain or water exposure. Those who prefer a deep bronze finish can opt for the Hotel Heiress shade, while those looking for a golden bronze look can get the Parke Ave Princess variant instead.

Its ingredients include Amazonian clay, rice extracts, and mineral pigments, which contribute to the brand's cruelty-free and vegan reputation. The clay allows for longer wear on the face, which can save you from having to do touchups in the middle of the day. Tarte also says that the mineral pigments help soften the skin, especially the part around the lash line.

The products are also free of parabens and phthalates, which are considered dangerous substances to the body. These features should seal the deal on those who need safe-to-use bronzers. If you're looking to support a brand that doesn't participate in animal testing and ensures safe skincare, consider Tarte.

Key Features
  • Waterproof nature of the product allows it to withstand rain or exposure to elements
  • Cruelty-free and vegan formulation appeals to users against animal testing
  • Comes in shades that can stay long on the skin and soften it for the duration
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: Unavailable
  • Product Weight: 1.6 oz
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan ingredients
  • Shade variety
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Doesn't wear as long as others

The TIGI Cosmetics Bronzer comes in two shades that are compatible with different skin colors. It has a pinkish hue called "Glamour", which works well with fair skin. There's also a brownish hue called "Gorgeous", which complements people of darker complexion. TIGI mentions that the bronzer is professionally formulated to help improve uneven skin tones. If your face is in a different skin tone than your body, you can apply the bronzer to your cheeks, nose, or forehead for an even color.

If you're outdoors, such as the beach, you can apply the bronzer on your shoulders, arms, and legs so that your body gains a sun-kissed look. Because the bronzer provides buildable coverage, you can apply other products on it like moisturizers or foundation. The effect of the bronzer becomes more noticeable in well-lit or sunny settings, as the light can accentuate the color of the bronzer. If you're a professional model or just someone who wants even-looking skin outdoors, this bronzer can do wonders for you.

Upon closer inspection, the bronzer can be broken down into several ingredients. It consists of Mineral Oil, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Chlorphenesin, and Phenoxyethanol. Intimidating as these elements may sound, they are proven by TIGI's professionals to be safe on the skin. As long as you follow the instructions for usage, you should face no immediate hazards. For instance, make sure to avoid contact with the eyes while you're using the product.

Key Features
  • The bronzer comes with a pinkish "glamour:" shade for fair complexion
  • It has a brownish "gorgeous" shade for darker skin
  • The product provides buildable coverage to let users apply products on top
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.9 x 3 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.24 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Not specified
  • Vegan: Not specified
Pros
  • Comes with shade options
  • Has professionally formulated ingredients
Cons
  • Not vegan-certified
  • Not cruelty-free-certified

The buttery texture of this bronzer by Physicians Formula makes it feel good on the skin while ensuring that you have your desired tan in any lighting. The "butter" bronzer is called as such due to its a cream-to-powder-finish, which means that it feels light on the skin as it gets applied and dries to give you a powdery, matte finish. This sets it apart from other bronzers that often feel heavy on your face as you apply it and might clog your pores in the process.

The bronzer is made without any harsh additives or ingredients that might irritate the skin. The strict restriction against allergens was established by the brand's creator, Dr. Frank Crandall. An allergist, he formulated makeup for his wife who was suffering from Lupus and needed products that wouldn't worsen the condition of her skin. For buyers who are on the lookout for hypoallergenic bronzers, this one by Physicians Formula is a solid purchase.

Looking at the label, the bronzer contains ingredients that have passed professional standards. Each bronzer contains Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Citric Acid, and other quality elements. As for usage, the product can be worn whether you're barefaced or you're about to put makeup on. On the outside, the packaging of the bronzer is adorned with palm trees and beach colors. The bronzer also has a coconut scent, which further attests to the tropical inspiration behind the product. There are five colors available for product: Light, Bronzer, Deep Bronzer, Sun-Kissed, and Tropical Getaway.

Key Features
  • Feels creamy to the touch but gives the face a matte and powdery look
  • Made by a brand known to be cruelty-free
  • Ingredients in the bronzer are hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 2.9 x 3.6 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.72 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Not Specified
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cream-to-powder formulation
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • No vegan certifications yet

The Whatup Beaches Bronzer by Elizabeth Mott showcases cruelty-free ingredients, a natural tan shade, and shade options for many skin colors. It comes in Matte and Luminous variants, with both of them being easy to apply and gives a bronze finish that doesn't shine too much. The bronzer is blendable and is concentrated, which means you only need a small amount each time you use it. It's buildable as well, allowing users to apply foundation, sunscreen, or other products on it. The bronzer is long-lasting unlike other brands, which should appeal to those who can't afford to do touchups while they're on the go. Professionals, athletic individuals, or those who spend a lot of time outdoors that need makeup can consider Elizabeth Mott.

The brand earned its cruelty-free reputation due to its commitment against animal testing. PETA even recognized the brand by including it in the Beauty Without Bunnies program. It has yet to show any vegan certifications, but if you're an advocate for animal rights who also happens to love makeup, this brand could be for you.

Another perk of the Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer is that it has ingredients that ensure the safety of the skin. It has Magnesium Myristate, Diisostearyl Malate, and Caprylyl Glycol, among others. According to SkinSafe, the bronzer is free of common preservatives, paraben, nickel, lanolin, soy, and similar substances that might harm the body. It is also fragrance-free to cater to customers with a sensitive sense of smell. For those looking for hypoallergenic formulations, using this bronzer should be an eye-opener for you.

Key Features
  • Certified free of many allergens by SkinSafe
  • Comes in shade variants for people with different skin colors
  • Cruelty-free label means no animals were harmed in making the bronzer
Specifications
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No specifications
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Comes in various shades
Cons
  • No vegan certifications yet

For customers, the PÜR Mineral Glow Illuminating Bronzer Skin Perfecting Powder is a worthy purchase. It has earned several positive reviews, and most of them highlight several features: blendability, coverage, portable weight, long-lasting wear, and ease of application. These are must-have features for a bronzer because they speak volumes as to how effective the product is.

Because the bronzer blends well, it removes the need for you to apply copious amounts as each dollop is concentrated already. The bronzer also covers well, which means blemishes or dark spots can be covered without having to several reapplications. As for portability, the bronzer's lightweight feature makes this possible. You can carry the bronzer in your trip outdoors, be it to the beach or at an evening gathering.

The bronzer also boasts of providing long-lasting wear, as well as easy application. Whether you use a beauty blender or your own fingertips, you can apply the bronzer onto key areas of your face. Once the product is on your nose, cheeks, or forehead, it can stay there and resist smudges or outdoor elements.

Of course, it's also worth mentioning how PÜR has received recognition for its cruelty-free and vegan practices. The cruelty-free nature of it means the no animals like bunnies are harmed in each bronzer creation. As for the vegan label, it means that the ingredients used aren't obtained from any animals. Examples of such ingredients include Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Pea Extract, Lactic Acid, and such. With these features, you can be assured that PÜR comes as close to perfect as bronzers can get.

Key Features
  • Cruelty free and vegan
  • Blends and covers well so you won't need loads of it in one use
  • Lightweight and portable for your bag
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 3 x 3 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan ingredients
  • Blends and covers well
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Might not work for all skin types

The LORAC brand was born due to the efforts of Hollywood makeup expert Carol Shaw, who had celebrity clients dealing with skin problems on set. Shaw was keen on making products that won't lead to irritations and acne, which lead to creations such as the LORAC Tantalizer Buildable Bronzing Powder. The bronzer comes in shades that can pair well with assorted skin colors. These shades include light tan types like Pool Party, medium tan ones like Golden Girl or Sun Daze, and deep tan types like Tan Lines. Whether you're fair-skinned or sun-kissed, you can use the bronzer shade that complements your color.

According to the brand, its bronzing powder provides easy blendability to let consumers play with the bronzer to get their desired tan. To ensure the skin stays nourished throughout the process, there is vitamin E in every drop of the product. As for its other ingredients, examples include Zinc Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, and Dimethicone. What's nice about the bronzer's formulation is that they are cruelty-free, which means LORAC avoids harming any animals in testing their bronzing product.

The highly-pigmented nature of the bronzer means it's able to provide a natural finish on the skin that doesn't look out of place. You can use the bronzer to enhance your skin appearance while you're at a soiree or at a seaside setting. To further enhance the product's versatility, LORAC has introduced several finishes that the bronzer can be available in. These include matte, high-shine, or satin finishes. This lets customers choose which finish best suits them for an occasion.

Key Features
  • Several shades and finishes available
  • Certified cruelty-free for its rules against animal testing
  • Comes in an easily blendable powder for hassle-free use.
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.5 x 3 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.08 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Not specified
Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Assorted shades
  • Vitamin E to nourish the skin
Cons
  • No vegan certifications yet

The Becca Sunlit Bronzer provides users with a creamy consistency that can be applied on the skin for a tan look. The brand explains that the inspiration for the bronzer was sunny destinations like beaches. The product gives off a neutral bronze hue, which Becca explains provides a natural warmth that won't make the skin look orange. The pigments are jet-milled compared to other products, which means users can have a smooth and silky texture once they apply it on their skin.

Using the product is easy, as you only need to apply the Becca Sunlit Bronzer on key areas of your face. These include the area below the cheekbones, the edges of the face, and the bridge of the nose. You won't have to worry about the bronzer containing unsafe ingredients, because it has been designed to be gentle to the skin. For instance, it is free of sulfates which can irritate the skin or clog one's pores.

The bronzer can be blended using a makeup sponge, a fluffy brush, or a beauty blender. Since it comes in many shades, you can choose among the available colors to find one that matches your skin color. For instance, you can choose either the Bronzed Bondi shade or the Capri Coast variant, whichever complements your skin better. Thanks to the creamy consistency of the product, you won't feel like you have the dry powder in your hands. Compared to others, these bronzers by Becca can also double as an eyeshadow. This adds to the value of the bronzer in case you haven't decided on buying one.

Key Features
  • Despite its powder form, the bronzer feels creamy to the touch
  • The product is free of sulfates that can irritate the skin
  • It leaves a natural warm look that doesn't appear orange
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.16 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Not Specified
  • Vegan: Not Specified
Pros
  • Doubles as eyeshadow
  • Comes with shade variety
  • Doesn't feel like dry powder
Cons
  • No vegan-free guarantee
  • No cruelty-free guarantee

What's good about the Hoola Bronzing Powder by Benefit Cosmetics is that it's well-equipped. Not only does it come with effective ingredients, but it also comes ready with a brush and a mirror. This would be appealing to makeup aficionados who still don't have their own makeup tools. According to the manufacturer, the product provides a matte look on the face that doesn't
make it shine or shimmer too much.

Based on our research, the product has ingredients like Talc, Zinc Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, and Dimethicone. These ingredients are proven safe for the skin, as evidenced by how other brands use them as well. What might distinguish Benefit Cosmetics from other products is that it leaves a tan and matte finish that doesn't look overdone. For people that need to appear with a natural look, this product can work for you.

Still, the bronzer can be buildable for those who need a bolder look What you can do is apply the product onto an existing layer until you get your desired tan. Just be careful with the application so that it won't make your face look orange. It's important to know what kind of shape your face has so that you'll be able to better contour it using the bronzer. See if your face is heart-shaped, oblong, round, square, or diamond-shaped. Some face shapes don't need much of the bronzer while others need a generous application of it. Oval face structures only need the bronzer on their cheekbones, whereas round ones benefit from having the bronzer applied to the edges of the face.

Key Features
  • Comes with a brush and a mirror in the packaging
  • Ingredients are safe on the skin
  • Provides a natural tan look that's buildable
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 2 x 1.6 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: No
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Works with many face shapes
  • Comes with a brush and a mirror
Cons
  • Not cruelty-free
  • Not vegan

After reading through the list of in-demand bronzers right now, their stand-out features should be pretty clear to you by now. The best bronzer ideally possesses the following attributes: oil-free, hypoallergenic, long-lasting, natural-looking, cruelty-free, approved by dermatologists and vegan. The bronzers in the guide have some of these, but only a handful possess all of these. Here's why these attributes matter if you're intent on getting the best one for your skin.

when to use Oil-Free Bronzer

For people with oily skin, it's a struggle to find products that won't clog pores, or cause even more acne. Having an oil-free bronzer then helps you manage the oiliness of the face and worsen it. This oil control feature might not be noticeable immediately, so read the label carefully before buying a bronzer.

Hypoallergenic Bronzers

People prone to skin allergies need to take extra steps as well in buying a bronzer. Some products might come with ingredients that cause redness on the skin and other signs of triggered allergies. For teenagers or people who are already dealing with acne-prone skin, using hypoallergenic bronzers saves you from the hassle of having skin that looks visibly irritated.

Long-Lasting Bronzers

Of course, finding a long-lasting bronzer should be a given. A lot of products are formulated with ingredients that are ineffective compared to other brands. This makes it necessary to read what other users have to say about a bronzer before you go and purchase it. If a bronzer wears off and requires touchups in the middle of the day, you're better off with one that can stay on without smudging or running off.

how to get Natural-Looking Bronzer

A common concern in bronzer is a finish that makes the face look orange or unnaturally tan. This wouldn't look good on people who have to use bronzers for professional purposes, like models or television artists. The ideal bronzer look should be a tan that gives just the right shimmer.

Why to choose Cruelty-Free And Vegan Bronzers

For animal rights advocates, this is a must-have for any product. Many brands go against cruelty-free ideals when they subject animals for testing when they need to determine the effectiveness of a newly-manufactured product. Some use ingredients sourced from animals, which would be against vegan ideals. If you're a bronzer aficionado that cares about animals, it's best to support brands that share the same ideals as you do. You can spot them if they are certified cruelty-free or vegan.

How to Find the Best Bronzers

Spotting the best bronzer is easy once you know which features to take note of. According to user reviews, bronzers should be oil-free, hypoallergenic, long-lasting, natural-looking, cruelty-free, and vegan. A handful of bronzers that possess some and all of these attributes are featured on the guide, and all you have to do is choose the one that fits your budget, skin needs, and ideals.

Resources— Adore Beauty, Marie Claire

FAQ

Q: Can I use my bronzer as a contour shade?

Generally, you’re free to try using bronzer as a contour shade, but you might find that it won’t look as effective as a contouring product might. Though bronzers and other contour products do a similar thing in similar areas on the face, they have different purposes.

Bronzers are usually best for softly defining your features by giving a wash of warmth over the face that looks natural, to give life and dimension back to the face after using foundation, and can be used to create the illusion of a tan on the skin (which is why they tend to be warmer toned than contour shades). They don’t emulate the look of a natural shadow (which is why contour shades are cooler toned), but instead create the look of a dimensional glow. Because of this, it’s not as effective to use a bronzer for contouring, although if you have a much darker and cooler-toned bronzer, you may be able to achieve a similar look by also using a contour brush.

Q: How do I prevent my bronzer from looking muddy?

Muddy bronzer can be unfortunately easy to achieve if you aren’t following the right steps, and can quickly go from a gorgeous glow to an uneven, patchy look in seconds. To avoid this, you first have to be sure that you’re choosing the right color bronzer for your skin. Anything too dark, even with a light hand, can result in a muddy look much faster than if you were to use one that’s more suitable for your skin tone in layers. Before using the bronzer, tap off excess product from the brush to ensure that you’re not applying too much at once, and can build up the product should you need to.

It’s also important to pay attention to the texture of your skin due to the steps beforehand. If you have just applied foundation and like to go straight in with bronzer, it’s best to use the tapping technique instead of swiping the product right on. Otherwise, it will stick unevenly to your foundation and create that muddiness. If you usually go over your foundation with a translucent powder, then feel free to sweep and buff the bronzer where you need it, as the powder underneath will allow for a smoother, more even glide.

Q: How do I choose the best bronzer for my undertone?

Undertone is a very important thing to know about your skin when choosing the right complexion products for you. If you have a cool undertone (or skin with pinker tones), warm peach, beige, and soft brown shades will work best for you and won’t look too heavy, dark, or muddy on the skin. If you have a warm undertone (golden/yellow tones), warm brown colors will look best for you, and if you have a neutral undertone (a mix of pink and yellow tones), more natural-based brown shades will work best.

And of course, depending on your skin tone, be sure to choose your bronzer shades according to the lightness or deepness of your skin.

Q: Where should I apply bronzer?

The best place to apply bronzer is where shadows will naturally hit — this is usually along the frame of your face. For most face shapes, applying bronzer in the shape of a “3” on the profile of your face is the best guide for seeing where bronzer should go, so this means on the outskirts of the forehead down to the hollow of your cheeks, and back out to the outskirts of the jaw by the ear, and continuing onto the jawline. If you need extra help seeing where these bronzing areas are, you should be able to find them in natural lighting by looking in the mirror at the parts of your face that are subtly darker.

If you end up applying too much, you can diffuse the look on the skin by going over it with your normal face powder. A lighter complexion will act as an eraser, but be sure not to use too much, as you might run the risk of looking over-powdered.

Q: What finish should I look for in my bronzer?

As a general rule, if you want the most natural look, a matte bronzer will be your go-to. With no hint of any shimmer, you’ll be able to simply even out your skin tone without calling too much attention to the area for a seamless blend that will look like your natural skin. Matte bronzers are also best to use in the winter time, as your skin wouldn’t appear too glowy in such cooler weather.

Shimmer bronzers are best in the summer time to achieve a warm, highlighted glow to the face that will look wonderful in the sun. Shimmer bronzers will also look best on those with deeper skin tones, as many matte bronzers can create a cast of powder that looks ashy on the skin. By using this finish, you can bring out the radiance of your skin tone, and by using a light hand, you can also make this look natural.

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