There’s nothing like achieving the perfect natural, sunkissed complexion with little to no effort and your skin’s safety in mind (if your skin isprone to burning, spending time in the sun might be risky behavior). Thankfully, the best liquid bronzers can give you that irresistible lit-from-within glow without the lasting and sometimes irreparable effects of extensive sun damage. Take it from us: a good bronzers should aid its wearer in appearing healthy, refreshed, and glowing from the inside-out without making you regret having spent the money.
When compared to bronzers formulated from cream or powder, liquid bronzers definitely have their own advantages. In addition to being idea for individuals who dry or sensitive skin, they can provide further hydration (following thorough exfoliation) when mixed with other skincare and makeup products. When used correctly, liquid bronzers apply smoothly, evenly, and are easily buildable for that natural-looking, glowy finish you crave.
Like any liquid makeup product, applying liquid bronzers can be a challenge since they risk appearing streaky and unnatural. Remember: a little can go a long way with these, so it’s best to build up the product as needed. Finding the right shade is also imperative. Using one that’s one or two shades darker than your skin tone will keep you looking naturally bronzed. “Liquid bronzers are great for a very natural look and healthy glow,” says Charlie Riddle, global beauty director at Stila. “Using your fingers, you can apply it onto the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed look.”
Because of the versatility of their formula, most and can also be applied with a brush or beauty blender. According to Etienne Ortega, celebrity makeup artist and Deck of Scarlet brand ambassador, “to apply liquid bronzer, first shake the bronzer to ensure good consistency. Put a dab on your palette before applying, but if you don’t have a clean palette the back of your hand works as well.” Then, using your tool of choice (soft, fluffy brushes tend to have the best results), sweep the product into the contour areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, temples, hairline, and lastly, the jawline. “I like to go over the area and lightly dab with the same brush to make sure it’s pressed into the skin,” says Ortega.
Ready to reach your glow goals? Ahead, find the 15 best liquid bronzers for all types of budgets.
Adding a couple of drops of this translucent bronzing tint to your moisturizer can give your skin a long-lasting natural-looking radiance. Customer review: “I’ve been using translucent bronzer for years. A liquid glow that seamlessly highlights cheeks, forehead, and nose or for all over bronze glow without being too much.” Pro: Combines easily with moisturizer. Con: None
Glossier’s Solar Paint possesses a unique lightweight texture, but comes with a doe-foot applicator for effortlessly smooth and easy application. It’s available in four shades to ensure you get your best glow. Customer review: “Easily blendable, easy to swipe on the cheek, the color doesn’t look muddy on the face, I tried to use it as an eyeshadow and it worked fine (haven’t used it as a primer but I imagine it would be grippy enough to put a sparkly topper over it, as an idea). Would definitely buy again. Pro: Offers a lightweight; seamless finish. Con: Dries down quickly
A must-have for makeup beginners, Ortega recommends this bronzer because it has a great consistency, never looks cakey, and is easy to use. Customer review: “This is an incredible liquid bronzer! It blends beautifully on the skin to give a natural finish. The shade I got is such a good match for my skin that it looks seamless on—I just look like I’ve got a good tan going! I really like that this doesn’t have a flat matte finish, but instead has a touch of radiance to it that really gives my skin a healthy glow!” Pro: Layers well with other cream-based products. Con: Limited shade availability
D-Bronzi is packed with skincare ingredients such as the antioxidant cocoa extract to fight pollution, as well as peptides combats the appearance of pesky wrinkles. Customer review: “This product is very good! Heard about it on TikTok and have been obsessed since. I have a tan glow and this product really compliments my skin, a very nice staple to anyone’s makeup collection.” Pro: Adds a natural-looking glow. Con: Product separates (shake thoroughly before use)
If your goal is for a full-body glow, try this ultra- moisturizing bronzer that contains natural antioxidants such as marula, argan, and rose-hip seed oil. Customer review: “I received the champagne bronze shade as a free gift with purchase. I decided to use it for a wedding, for which I had already had a nice tan from using Australian Glow. The luminizer looked amazing over the tan and gave me a somewhat metallic shimmer. I looked like a bronze goddess!” Pro: Quick and easy-to-use. Con: Not long wearing; transfers to clothing
This oil bronzing essence can be used to build an all-over glow or contour your face for more definition. It also contains jojoba, lavender, and rosemary to nourish the skin. Customer review: “I purchased this on a whim… So glad I did. I started mixing this with some of my concealers that were a little too light for me and let me tell you it makes my skin look amazing. I love it. I add ONE drop to my foundation mix it around and apply my foundation as normal and it just looks amazing.” Pro: Blends flawlessly with other products. Con: Messy application (droplet)
This blendable bronzer from ColourPop’s sister line comes is available in seven shades that brings on the maximum bronzed effect. Customer review: “I am not joking, I felt like a goddess after putting this on. It enhanced my skin tone and evened out the different tones I have in my face, neck and chest. Great as part of my makeup routine as well (it has not broken me out, but my skin is pretty resilient, so do mind that). Great scent. 10/10 will buy again.” Pro: Goes on the skin smoothly. Con: Watery consistency
This versatile complexion booster from J.Lo’s her eponymous line can be used alone as a bronzer or mixed with moisturizer or foundation for all-over glow. Customer review: “I use this product for highlighting my cheek area to give myself a little extra color. I really like this product and feel that it does well in giving some accent color to my face. I would highly recommend this product. You don’t need a lot to get that added color—use sparingly.” Pro: Buildable formula. Con: Limited shade availability
Light-reflecting mineral pearls create a natural warmth that lasts all day long so you won’t have to worry about a tired appearing complexion. Customer review: “This was my first time trying a liquid bronzer and I was nervous. Let me just say as I started blending my nerves went away immediately. This blended like a dream. It was so effortless. I really enjoyed the overall look of this bronzer. It was lightweight.” Pro: Formulated with SPF 15. Con: High price point
This long-lasting lightweight bronzer uses skin-loving ingredients like bearberry complex and raspberry stem cells to protect against outside stressors while calming the skin. Customer review: “It gives a beautiful, glowing sun kissed look. It is very convenient and easy to use, no need for a brush. It has no shimmer, just glow. The powder bronzer is also excellent and I like using both depending on the look I’m trying to create.” Pro: Natural-looking finish. Con: None
Come for the chic, minimalistic packaging, stay for the easy-to-use and blendable formula. Customer review: “This is the perfect product for people who don’t tan their face and want to give their face some color. After sunscreen you can just spread 2-3 drops all over your face and it gives your face the perfect tan! And it doesn’t have any shimmer, so it doesn’t exaggerate pores! Pro: Applies smoothly and evenly. Con: Messy packaging and application
This oil-free liquid bronzer by Iconic London is the key to giving your complexion a much-needed boost. It also comes in six versatile shades. Customer review: “I love mixing Sheer Bronze and Sheer Blush for a perfect contour! This bronzer is the perfect bronzer without all those unnecessary tutorials. 3-4 drops go a long way! Perfect for a bronzing look that feels natural all year round. Love it!” Pro: Ideal for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look. Con: Product comes out somewhat quickly from tube
Mix this Clinique bronzer with your favorite foundation for some soft, natural-looking luster. Customer review: “I use this product almost everyday. I mix with my moisturizer after washing my face in the mornings. It is very smooth and comes out very even. I don’t use a ton, just enough to get a nice little glow. I highly recommend this product! Pro: Does not clog pores. Con: None
This liquid bronzer by Milk Makeup is a must-have for anyone constantly on-the-go. It offers a natural-looking sun-kissed finish that lasts all day. Customer review: “Finally a bronzer for us dry skin girls. This bronzer was gifted by Milk Makeup. This bronzer is so hydrating and blendable. The color was amazing and not too cool or too warm. I absolutely love how easy this bronzer was to use. I love the packaging and how sanitary it is that I can use in my kit. All around….great color, blend ability, hydration, and great packaging. Love it!” Pro: Long-wearing formula. Con: Product separates in packaging
Fact: SheGlam’s Liquid Contour is one of the best underrated multi-tasking products on the makeup. It’s quickly become our go-to cross between a contour and bronzer. Customer review: “Can’t believe the quality and blend-ability for the price. I have recommended these to everyone. Great shade range as I am very pale and have trouble finding shades in anything that aren’t too dark!” Pro: Low price point. Con: Does not blend out immediately
