Finding the Best Bronzer
Bronzers not only provide contouring benefits, but they can also save skin from premature aging and sun damage when used instead of tanning. There are many different types and brands of bronzer, each possessing its own shades and benefits. Some bronzers contain a hint of shimmer for a “dewy” look, while others have a matte finish. One thing all bronzers have in common is they’re designed to provide a healthy, sun-kissed glow that transcends warm weather. Just like any makeup product, it’s essential to find a bronzer that suits your skin type, personal preferences, and budget.
However you want to achieve a warm, sunny glow, there are many bronzers to choose from. Whether you prefer powder, cream, or lotion, you’re sure to find a bronzer that meets your skin’s needs and personal preferences.
Natural Looking
One of the most important factors when choosing any bronzer is it appears natural on your skin. All of the best bronzers contain high-quality pigments which appear natural on the skin and provide a hint of warmth to the face. Your bronzer isn’t meant to be the main focal point of your face, but rather a natural-looking accent to ensure your look is cohesive and complete. The last thing you’d want is fake-looking brown streaks swiped across your cheekbones. Some of the lower-quality bronzers tend to have an orange tinge, which is probably not what you want.
Blending Qualities
The overall quality of the pigments and ingredients in a bronzer contribute to its blending ability. Blendable bronzers are also more buildable, allowing to you gradually add more layers to increase depth.
The ability to blend properly is essential for any bronzer. If a bronzer doesn’t blend into skin or foundation well, it just looks like a bronze streak on the face. Cream bronzers tend to blend a bit easier than powder bronzers, but there are many high-quality powder bronzers with superior blending qualities.
Staying Power
How long a bronzer lasts on your skin is another important factor to consider. Like any makeup product, bronzers eventually wear off and fade away. However, the rate at which this happens largely depends on the quality of a bronzer’s pigments and ingredients.
While many low-quality bronzers only last a few hours on the skin and require frequent reapplication, a quality bronzer should remain intact throughout the day without needing touch-ups or reapplication. Choosing a waterproof bronzer ensures your sun-kissed glow stays put in any environment. The best bronzers, whether they’re waterproof or not, endure at least six to eight hours of wear.
Bronzer Types
Powder Bronzers
Ideal for normal to oily skin types, powder bronzers deliver a matte finish which minimizes the appearance of shine and pores. Powder bronzers are very buildable, making them ideal for contouring and defining your features; some even contain a bit of shimmer for added radiance. As the most common type of bronzer, powder bronzers are available in many shades and prices ranges to suit your needs.
Drugstore Bronzers
If you’re not keen on spending a lot on a bronzer, drugstore bronzers are a viable option. Quality drugstore bronzers perform just as well as department store bronzers, but often cost much less. These bronzers are available in various shades, textures (such as cream or powder), and features to suit all skin types and personal preferences. Drugstore bronzers are ideal for individuals who are looking for convenience, performance, and value.
Cream Bronzers
For a sheer option, look no further than cream bronzers. These bronzers have a creamy consistency that works well with all skin types. They blend effortlessly into foundation and bare skin, providing a natural-looking warm glow. Cream bronzers also adapt easily to various skin tones and may even provide additional nourishment to your skin.
Bronzers for Acne-Prone Skin
Individuals suffering from acne should pay extra attention to the ingredients in bronzers. Many bronzers contain talc powder to help keep skin dry, but it can actually cause your breakouts to spread. Bronzers containing oil and irritating ingredients such as paraben and fragrances may also make acne worse. Individuals with acne should opt for a basic powder bronzer free of harsh, unnecessary ingredients.
Bronzers for Fair Skin
The lack of pigments in fair skin makes it easy to burn in the sun. Bronzers, however, allow fair-skinned individuals to achieve a sun-kissed glow without any sun exposure. The best bronzers for fair skin feature subtle color rather than deeper shades since sheer, subtle pigments look more natural on fair skin. Avoid darker shades as these can appear muddy or orange on lighter skin tones.
Bronzers for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably accustomed to being very choosy about your makeup products. Many bronzers contain filler ingredients like synthetic fragrance, sulfates, and paraben, which are known to irritate sensitive skin. To avoid the risk of an allergic reaction, choose a bronzer containing the least amount of ingredients so it won’t clog your pores. Bronzers containing natural ingredients and mineral pigments are best for sensitive skin.
Bronzers for Oily Skin
When oily skin is an issue, you don’t want to use a product that draws attention to it. Powder bronzers with mattifying properties are the best option for excessive oil production. These bronzers absorb excess shine and provide a smooth, even glow on oily skin. Cream bronzers with shine control properties may also work, but you’ll want to avoid liquid bronzers altogether.
Bronzers for Olive Skin
Olive or medium skin tones often tend to get oily, so powder bronzers are usually the best option. Mattifying powder bronzers featuring sheer amber, soft copper, and other warm, glowing colors really bring out the gold and beige undertones in olive skin. Bronzers containing a hint of shimmer can also enhance olive skin as well. Olive-skinned individuals with oily skin may also benefit from bronzers which have shine-control properties.
Matte Bronzers
Matte bronzers typically contain mattifying agents such as silica or clay to provide a smooth, even finish which blends effortlessly with other makeup. Powder bronzers are commonly known for their matte finishes and ability to conceal imperfections. Bronzers with mattifying properties are useful for individuals with oily skin as these bronzers help minimize shine. Additionally, some individuals simply prefer a bronzer with a matte finish versus a sheen finish.
Bronzer Lotions
As an alternative to makeup bronzers, bronzer lotions provide a sun-kissed glow with a different application. They moisturize skin like a regular lotion while bringing out your skin’s natural radiance. Bronzer lotions often contain light-reflecting particles and conditioning agents to enhance and nourish skin. A quality bronzer lotion goes on smoothly, dries quickly, looks natural, and washes off easily when you want it to.