The standard makeup kit includes your usual eyeliner, shadow, lipstick, and many other types of makeup. However, does your makeup include a bronzer? If you have never used a bronzer before, you may want to try it.

Bronzers are an easy way to enhance your looks considerably.

What is a bronzer?

Bronzers are designed to give you a tan-like glow that you would get from the sun but without the same risks. Bronzing makeup is designed to help you darken certain areas of your skin without masking it completely. Using a bronzer you can highlight your cheekbones, jawbones and even accentuate your forehead.

Having a bronzer as part of your makeup collection is a great way to make a statement naturally.

Best Drugstore Bronzer

Choosing a bronzer can be a difficult decision. There are many different types that do provide different benefits and hues of tan. You need to pick the right one for you. However, to help you make that choice, we have narrowed down the 10 best drugstore bronzers for you to choose from. Have a look.

Missing the summer tan is always a sad thing. However, with the Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer by Elizabeth Mott, 10g (Cruelty free, Paraben free), you can enjoy the sunny look all the time. This bronzer is designed to give you a nice flattering shade that will have you glowing. You will love how easily you can contour your eyes, chin, and cheeks.

The formula is designed to be both smooth and buildable. You can have subtle looks for the day time and go more dramatic in the evening. Whether you are light-skinned or darker, this bronzer will work well for you. The matte formula gives you an ideal look that will not shimmer or shine all day long, but rather keep you looking healthy.

Overall the Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer by Elizabeth Mott, 10g (Cruelty free, Paraben free) is a great bronzer when you are looking for all-day wear that won’t fade. The fact that it is buildable makes it ideal for anyone. You don’t have to worry about pesky undertones that can ruin the effect you are after. However, you must blend it properly, or you can end up with streaks. The bottom line is, this bronzer is ideal for most skin types, and it looks naturally amazing.

Key Features
  • Delivers a natural shade that gives you an excellent glow
  • Excellent bronzer for contouring
  • Provides you a smooth and buildable coverage that blends easily
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.48 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No
  • Brand: Whatup Beaches
Pros
  • Very easy to apply as it glides on smoothly
  • Provides a beautiful glow to the skin
  • No shimmering which is great for a bronzer
Cons
  • Leaves streaks and lines if not blended immediately
  • Not ideal if you have darker skin

If a sun-kissed glow is what you are after, then the Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup, Bronzer and Contour Powder, 200, 0.32 Ounce is the bronzer you want. Maybelline has designed this bronzer to give you a nice sculpted look. Using micro-milled powders the formula will give you a soft finish as it includes cocoa butter. Furthermore, this powdered bronzer is super easy to apply as it will glide over your skin.

This bronzer is ideal if you want complete bronzing all over your skin or simply subtle contouring as it can achieve both. The final product will be a nice matte finish that is almost velvety. You will love the way this makeup will accentuate your cheekbones and give you the definition you are seeking.

The Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup, Bronzer and Contour Powder, 200, 0.32 Ounce is a great buildable bronzer that can help you achieve a variety of looks from simple and subtle to bold and exciting. However, be aware that there is a red undertone if you don’t blend it properly and even that can be a bit of a struggle for a novice. However, once you master this product, it is definitely a must have in your makeup bag.

Key Features
  • The bronzer helps you achieve a nice sunkissed glow that is perfect for contouring
  • Developed with whipped cocoa butter that gives you a beautiful soft finish
  • A very versatile bronzer that allows you to experiment with various styles
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches
  • Product Weight: 1.44 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: No
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Application is easy and smooth
  • You can build this bronzer to get the look you desire
  • Excellent to use if you have oily skin because of the matte finish
Cons
  • Has a prominent red undertone if your not careful
  • Not easy to blend

Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze has made the list of the best drugstore bronzers because it has delivered a nice bronzer that is easy to apply and easy to blend. You will love how natural looking this bronzer is as it appears as though you have the perfect sun-kissed look.

This bronzer was formulated to be waterproof and long-lasting giving you the perfect subtle makeup glow that will last all day long in rain or shine. You will sincerely, love how you can keep your look for up to 10 hours. Furthermore, the formula is buildable that allows you to go from subtle tones to a night out in no time. You will love how you can contour boldly or give yourself a nice light tan.

Overall, you will achieve a natural glow at any time of the year using the Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze. The formula is lightweight, and it gives you a really nice matte finish. However, be careful that you apply it properly or you can end up with unsightly orange undertones. A nice bronzer power that helps you make a statement in style.

Key Features
  • Give you a nice natural-looking tan lines
  • Comes in three different shades to suit you best
  • Formulated to go on smoothly with a matte finish
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 0.7 inches
  • Product Weight: 0.48 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: No
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • This bronzer power is waterproof
  • Does not wear off for most of the day
  • Really makes a statement if that is what you like
Cons
  • Has orange undertones that are prominent if not applied properly
  • Difficult to wash off if you mess up

The Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, Light to Medium, 0.3 Ounce is among the best drugstore bronzers because it is designed to give you an instant tan that will last for many hours. You will enjoy how quickly you will see the difference once this bronzer is applied. Having a buildable formula allows you to work with it to achieve the desired look from simple tan to bold contours. You can really work with this bronzer to achieve the look you are wanting.

This bronzer is ideal when you want to have a completely uniform tan that looks healthy and leaves your skin looking radiant. Infused with a multitude of vitamins and moisturizers, you will be able to hydrate your skin and keep it healthy while wearing your daily makeup.

The Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, Light to Medium, 0.3 Ounce is formulated to include glow activators that are unique to this product. Though it does claim to be streak-free, you have to beware that if you don’t blend this bronzer immediately, you may end up with unsightly streaks regardless. However, overall, this is an excellent bronzer that definitely makes the top 10 of the best drugstore bronzer list.

Key Features
  • This bronzer instantly gives you a tan complexion that is natural looking
  • The formula is designed to be buildable to give you the desired look
  • This bronzer is infused with many minerals and nutrients that keep your skin looking healthy
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 1.2 x 3.6 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.4 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Glides on easily and lets you develop the look you want
  • Excellent for contouring, highlights cheek bones beautifully
  • Has great coverage that is buildable for simple or dramatic looks
Cons
  • Does leave streaks when blending if not done immediately after application
  • Colors are lighter than they appear

The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer, Light, 1 Count is one of the best drugstore bronzers for spring, summer and beyond. You will love how natural this bronzer looks and feels on your skin. It comes in five shades that are russet and help you to achieve the ideal look. This bronzer is perfect for contouring along your cheekbones and jawline. You will sincerely appreciate how naturally your beauty will shine.

The formula used to develop this bronzer was so to give you the perfect shade. However, you may experience yellow or orange undertones if not carefully blended. Furthermore, you may experience streaks if you don’t blend immediately. Therefore, you want to be sure to blend adequately.

Overall, the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer, Light, 1 Count is an excellent bronzer for giving you a look you want to have. You will enjoy the fact that this bronzer glides on easily and can be blended, as long as it is done immediately. However, this bronzer does blend nicely with your other makeup. The final product will give you a beautiful and natural tanned look.

Key Features
  • Helps you achieve a nice honey glow look throughout the entire year
  • Excellent for contouring and highlighting your natural facial structure
  • Formulated to last all day long so that you don't have to worry about fading
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.08 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: No
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Easy to apply with either a brush or a sponge
  • Does last all day long
  • The matte finish is perfect for oily skin
Cons
  • Looks more orange if you over-apply
  • Leaves streaks when added to freshly applied liquid foundation

Among the best drugstore bronzers comes the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer - Goddess 40. You will sincerely enjoy this bronzer as it is one that delivers on quality and looks. You will get an instant tan-boost that will last all day long. Furthermore, this bronzer is ideal for whole face tanning or if you only want to do some contouring to accent certain structures. This bronzer will definitely help you make a statement.

The formula used to develop this bronzer had beginners in mind. This bronzer has a mistake-proof formula that will prevent streaks, odors, and staining. Furthermore, you won’t have to deal with orange undertones. Even if you are experienced in makeup application, this bronzer is ideal because you can do your face up in a hurry and not have to worry about it looking wrong.

For a nice lightweight powder that is easy to apply and gives you a uniform look that is both healthy and tanned, the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Bronzer - Goddess 40 is the bronzer for you. It is hypoallergenic and free from all harmful chemicals. Overall, you will get the desired look you are aiming for with this bronzer.

Key Features
  • You will get an instant tan-boost that will last all day long
  • The formula is designed to be free from streaks, orange colors, staining and odors
  • The powder is lightweight and it will glide smoothly onto yoru skin
Specifications
  • Product Weight: 2.08 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • A little goes a long way, you don't need much to make a statement
  • Very smooth application that is simple
  • Lasts all day long, no need to worry about fading
  • Gives you a nice looking tan
Cons
  • Does add a shimmer that some may not like

The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, 0.38 Ounce is an excellent bronzer that will give you a nice Brazilian like look. You will surely love how creamy and soft the texture of this bronzer that combines both powder and cream. What you will get a is a nice tropical glow that has a deliver-from-within look that is unmatched.

This bronzer is formulated with Murumuru Butter that makes it ultra-soft. You also get really nice refined pigments that are focused on giving you a bronzer and highlighter all in one. There are four different colors that give you the option to pick the one that suits you best.

Overall, the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, 0.38 Ounce is among the best drugstore bronzers because of it's quality and end results. You can build it to give you contouring lines or a bold night-out statement that is unmatched. The only drawback is that there is a slightly shimmery look that you may not like but otherwise gives you a lovely gleam. The only other drawback is that there will be streaks if not blended properly. This bronzer is a beautiful and nice choice for anyone looking for the right drugstore bronzer.

Key Features
  • Formula is infused with Mrumuru Butter that gives you a nice radiant glow
  • This bronzer is a cream to powder finish that looks increadible as it glides onto your skin
  • Designed to give you a healthy glow all day long without wear
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 2.9 x 3.6 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.4 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Very easy to apply as it does glide on smoothly
  • You will look like you have a nice tropical tan
  • Excellent for contouring
  • Does not irritate sensitive skin
Cons
  • Does streak if not applied properly
  • Has a shimmery look that you may not like

The Alima Pure Bronzer - Maracaibo is a great choice when looking for a drugstore bronzer that gives you a high-class look and feel. You will love how this gold-standard bronzer will give you a natural-looking faux tan. You can achieve a nice laid back look that finishes in a matte that makes you look like you got some sun and not at all like you are wearing makeup.

The formula of this bronzer is buildable and very forgiving making it extremely hard to overdo the application. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced makeup artist, you will love how easy this bronzer is to apply and how subtle it can be.

Using this bronzer you will get the natural look that you want to have. Make a statement or gently apply to your face; either way you can wear the makeup your way without worry of making mistakes. The only issue you may experience is that it will fade after a while and that requires reapplication — otherwise a great drugstore bronzer. For an easy to apply bronzer, get the Alima Pure Bronzer - Maracaibo.

Key Features
  • Give you a nice matte finish that will compliment any skin tone
  • Formulated with pure minerals to leave does not feel heavy on your skin or greasy
  • Designed to add depth to your complexion by giving you a nice summer glow
Specifications
  • Product Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes
Pros
  • Gives you a nice subtle finish
  • This bronzer works nice with a highlighter and other makeup
  • You can build this bronzer to give you the look you want
  • Come in three shades that can suit just about anyone
  • Made with only 3 ingredients, no chemicals
Cons
  • Does fade after a while and needs to be reapplied
  • Difficult to wash off if you get it on your clothes

The Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder - Sun Kissed (0.34 Ounce) Vegan, Cruelty-Free Bronzer - Shape & Contour Face with a Full Matte Finish is an excellent drugstore bronzer because it is lightweight and has a nice silky matte finish. You will love how seamlessly it blends into your skin and how you can contour without streaks or lines. The final product of this bronzer is that you will have a nice natural glow that will make you feel and look your best.

This bronzer is formulated from natural products making it both vegan and cruelty-free. Additionally, there is argan oil that helps to moisturize your skin all day long. Furthermore, the use of argan oil has anti-aging properties as it will reduce the look of fine lines. There are four different shades that will help you to achieve the natural look you desire.

Overall, the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder - Sun Kissed (0.34 Ounce) Vegan, Cruelty-Free Bronzer - Shape & Contour Face with a Full Matte Finish is one of the best drugstore bronzers because it will give you exactly what you want. You will have nice contour lines that look natural and give you that beautiful summer tan all year long. When looking to choose a great bronzer, be sure to give this one some thought as it is a great choice.

Key Features
  • This bronzer is a lightweight powder that will blend easily into your skin without leaving unsightly marks
  • You can get this bronzer in four different shades to find the perfect you
  • Applying this bronzer helps to mosturize your skin while giving you a natural looking tan
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.7 x 3 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.2 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: Yes
Pros
  • Glides on seamlessly to give a nice tan
  • Excellent powder for contouring
  • Beautiful matte finish that doesn't take away from other makeup
Cons
  • Does wear off after a few hours
  • To avoid streaking you need to put the bronzer on while your foundation is wet

The Physicians Formula Powder Palette Color Corrective Powders, Light Bronzer, 0.3-Ounces is among the best drugstore bronzers because it will give you that natural tan look without worrying about the sun damaging your skin. The nice tan glow is delivered in a lightweight formula that gives you complete coverage. The buildable formula allows you to get the look you want, the way you want it without the worry of streaking.

This bronzer is formulated to bronze nicely in powder form that blends and builds easily so that you get the right look. If you are novice or experienced in makeup application, you can benefit from this bronzer. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it ideal for anyone with sensitivities.

From contour to night-out statements, the Physicians Formula Powder Palette Color Corrective Powders, Light Bronzer, 0.3-Ounces is the drugstore bronzer you want. You will be able to use this bronzer regardless of your skin type. The only real drawback is that there is a bit of an orange undertone, but if applied properly, that won’t be an issue. Overall, this is a great drugstore bronzer for anyone.

Key Features
  • Designed to give you a nice subtle glow that isn't overpowering
  • Perfect for contouring or mingling with other makeup
  • Give you a nice powder finish that is gentle and light
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches
  • Product Weight: 2.72 ounces
  • Cruelty Free: Yes
  • Vegan: No
Pros
  • Very lightweight and easy to apply
  • Gives you a nice subtle glow
  • Does not have any odor to it
Cons
  • If you are looking to make a statement, this bronzer is not for you
  • Has light orange undertones

How to apply bronzer

Applying a bronzer is a great way to naturally give yourself a tan without sitting in the sun for hours. However, the difference between giving yourself a natural glow and looking like a clown is in the application. You want to make sure you apply your bronzer properly to get the attractive effects.

  • After you apply your foundation, that is when you apply your bronzer. Make sure to choose a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin. It is also recommended that you pick a buildable bronzer.
  • Use the right tools. A good makeup brush that is wide and fluffy with a rounded top is the ideal brush for bronzing. Additionally, a fan brush looks great too.
  • Swirl your brush in the bronzer to get an even application of bronzing powder on your brush from all angles.
  • Start with your hairline and work your way down the side of your face making a “3” pattern. Do the same on both sides of your face.
  • Next, making a fish face, you can apply the bronzer to your cheeks.
  • Sweep the bronzer along your jawline underneath not on top.
  • As you continue to apply your bronzer, be sure to brush lightly over your nose, forehead, and cheeks.
  • Finally, finish the look by using a clean brush and going over the bronzer you applied repeatedly to blend it in.

How do you choose the right bronzer?

Picking the right bronzer is the key to achieving the beautiful attractive tan look you are aiming for. Keep these key factors in mind when picking your bronzer.

The finish – Be sure to choose a bronzer that gives you the finish you want. The two most popular finishes are matte and shimmer.

The undertones – Most bronzers have specific undertones. For darker skin an orange undertone is appropriate, for lighter skin a light reddish tone is best. Be sure to pick the bronzer that has the right undertone, but that doesn’t have an undertone that stands out once applied.

The color – When picking your bronzer make sure you choose one that is a couple shades lighter than your natural skin tone. You don’t want to end up with dark brown streaks or not enough tan because it isn’t dark enough.

Conclusion: Using The Best Drugstore Bronzer

Picking the right bronzer isn’t always easy, especially if you are inexperienced in bronzing. Make sure when you start bronzing that you keep these tips in mind so that you get the right natural glow. Once you start using a bronzer, you won’t be sorry; it is a great and subtle way to really enhance your natural beauty.

Resources— Wikihow, LatestinBeauty, AdoreBeauty

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