13 best bronzing powders

Bronzing powders are cosmetic products commonly used in makeup routines to achieve a sun-kissed, bronzed complexion. They are typically applied to the face to create the illusion of a healthy, radiant tan. Here's what you should know about bronzing powders:

  1. Purpose: Bronzing powders are designed to add warmth and dimension to the face. They can mimic the natural sun-tanned look without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays.

  2. Formulation: Bronzing powders come in various formulations, including pressed powders, loose powders, creams, and even liquid formulas. The choice of formulation depends on personal preference and desired application technique.

  3. Shade Range: Bronzers are available in a range of shades to suit different skin tones. It's essential to choose a shade that complements your complexion to achieve a natural-looking result. Bronzing powders can have warm or cool undertones.

  4. Application: Bronzing powders are typically applied to areas of the face where the sun naturally hits, such as the tops of the cheekbones, temples, the bridge of the nose, and the jawline. They can also be used to contour and define facial features.

  5. Brushes: A variety of brushes can be used to apply bronzer, including large, fluffy brushes for a diffused look and angled brushes for more precise application.

  6. Blending: Proper blending is crucial when applying bronzing powder to avoid harsh lines and achieve a seamless, natural finish. Blending the product well into the skin is key.

  7. Matte vs. Shimmer: Bronzing powders come in both matte and shimmer finishes. Matte bronzers are best for contouring and creating a shadow effect, while shimmer or satin finish bronzers can add a luminous, sunlit glow.

  8. Layering: Bronzer can be layered for more intensity or applied lightly for a subtle effect. It's easier to build up the color gradually than to remove excess product.

  9. Longevity: Many bronzing powders are formulated to be long-lasting, helping your bronzed look stay put throughout the day.

  10. Skin Types: Bronzing powders can be used on various skin types, but those with oily skin may prefer matte bronzers to avoid excess shine.

  11. Bronzer vs.Contour: It's important to note that bronzing powders and contour products serve different purposes. Bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow, while contour products are used to sculpt and define the face's features by creating shadows.

  12. Skin Preparation: For the best application, start with well-prepped skin, including moisturizer and foundation if desired. Bronzer is typically applied after foundation and before blush.

In conclusion, bronzing powders are versatile makeup products used to enhance the complexion, add warmth, and create a healthy, sun-kissed look. They come in various formulations, shades, and finishes, and proper application and blending are essential to achieving a natural, radiant result.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bronzing powders on the market
  

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, No. 1 Golden Light, 0.28 Ounce

Bobbi Brown

Based on 275 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A soft matte. silky smooth bronzer. Refined texture and effortlessly glides onto skin. Immediately imparts skin a natural tan look. Uses year round for a sun-kissed healthy tone. Available with different shades to suit you.

  • A soft matte, silky smooth bronzer
  • Refined texture and effortlessly glides onto skin
  • Immediately imparts skin a natural tan look

User questions & answers

Question: hello, is this the same as #4 deep
Answer: The container is made of cardboard with metal top & bottom.
Question: does it contain Phenoxyethanol
Answer: Our limited stock expires October of 2016. Hope this answers your question.
Question: Can I use pay pal card to pay for the ideas
Answer: April 27,2022. PAD Mercantile
Question: I am a redhead with fair skin. Is this the best shade of bronzer for me
Answer: They are made in sugar so though I’m not positive but I would say yes

Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze (34788724022)

Coty Beauty

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Want the London look? Time to get glowing. Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer is a waterproof bronzing powder with a velvet soft texture that leaves you with a naturally even and bronzed look. It gives you a totally matte finish for that perfect sunless tan. The formula goes on smoothly and lasts for up to 1 hours. This bronzer's size makes it a breeze to apply to your neck and decolletage. London’s Natural Bronzer complements skin with a perfect sunless tan. The waterproof formula is smooth to apply and lasts up to 10 hours. It is comfortable and easy to apply while protecting your skin with the SPF 15 formula.

  • It's a natural-look skin bronzer that gives your face a sun-kissed glow
  • The Sun Bronze shade complements fairer skin with neutral undertones for a perfect sunless tan
  • The waterproof formula is smooth to apply and lasts up to 10 hours
  • Comfortable and easy to apply
  • SPF 15 formula

User questions & answers

Question: Does it actually have spf
Answer: This works pretty good for leaving your skin matte. Round about the 10hr mark it tends to oil . definitely recommend this product
Question: is this shimmery and does it turn anyone orange??? looking for matte bronzer that doesn't look orange
Answer: yes I find it works really well for my combination skin :)
Question: Which bronzer is best for fair skin? I'm trying find which bronzer is the lightest color but need help determining which one is lightest
Answer: You can use it both ways.also could use it on makeup brush when applying make up so that your look more vivid.If you are not wearing makeup,you could use it after moisturizer!
Question: Is this matte or shimmery
Answer: Is pale scent and smell nice

Product features

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer is a waterproof bronzing powder that gives your face a sun-kissed glow any time of the year.

  • Waterproof bronzing powder
  • Wears up to 10 hours
  • Achieve the perfect sun-kissed glow

Bronze & Glow

Rimmel London's Natural Bronzer gives your face a natural glow, any time of year. This lightweight formula gives your skin a natural, sunkissed look with a matte finish.

About Rimmel

Rimmel dares you to explore your edgier self. Create the most fashion-forward looks with Rimmel’s must-have products evoking the attitude of today’s London. Embrace self-expression & individuality to edge your look.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder 0.28 Ounces

Benefit

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This soft bronze matte powder gives your complexion a healthy, natural looking tan. Dust it lightly across cheeks, chin and forehead to bring the warm tan of the island to your skin and spirits. Use hoola for a year round healthy tan.

  • Bronzer with brush
  • Contour and highlight
  • Face Slimming
  • .28 ounces
  • Year round tan

User questions & answers

Question: One more question, ao could you still contour with hoola bronzer? or no
Answer: It does not have glitter in it. Just a beautiful, natural matte looking finish.
Question: Does it have glitter in it
Answer: The box is 1.75" square and the brush fits right inside it. The product itself weighs.24 oz. It is quite generous for a travel size I think.Thanks Roberta
Question: how big is it
Answer: I got mine from Sephora... so it is authentic.
Question: What vendors has everyone bought from and gotten authentic Benefit Hoola
Answer: I do not see Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as one of the ingredients on the back of the packaging.

Guerlain Terracotta The, No. 02 Naturel/natural Blondes Bronzing Powder, 0.35 Ounce

Guerlain

Based on 131 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Terracotta powder by Guerlain is the authority in bronzing powders. It naturally reproduces varying shades of the sun, offering women an instant natural glow, at any time of year, in one quick, easy motion. Its formula, enriched with moisturising active ingredients, does not dry out the skin. It ensures long-lasting comfort.

To be used in all over or to contour and sculpt your tan. Mistake proof.

Terracotta is available in eight shades for all skin tones.

  • Velvety texture
  • Luminous finish
  • Light coverage
  • Enriched with moisturizing active ingredients

User questions & answers

Question: When will they send the right color
Answer: Not written on the box. Dont know.
Question: What type of brush is best to use with this bronzer
Answer: What ideas?
Question: What color is best for great/white hair and medium dark skin
Answer: Hi! I'm pretty fair as well, with blonde hair, and with a light hand in application this looks great. Hope that helps!
Question: Does it c9ome in different shades
Answer: Royal Baking Powder is a double acting baking powder. There are no single acting baking powders on the market anymore, but often very old recipes (100 years and older) will call for a single acting baking powder. You may use a double acting baking powder in recipes calling for single acting baking powder.

Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder, No. 00 Clair/Light Blondes, 0.35 Ounce

Guerlain

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A classic bronzer with a light texture and natural finish. It creates a natural-looking bronzed look. This fine powder, enriched with hydrating ingredients so that it go on seamlessly, never leaving behind any orange coloring, lines, or marks.

  • A classic bronzer with a light texture and natural finish
  • It creates a natural-looking bronzed look
  • This fine powder, enriched with hydrating ingredients so that it go on seamlessly, never leaving behind any orange coloring, lines, or marks

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder, No. 2 Antigua, 0.28 Ounce

Bobbi Brown

Based on 87 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An ultra soft and smooth pressed powder that delivers a shimmering, sun-kissed glow. this silky powder bronzer glides on evenly and gives your skin a seamless, sheer, and natural-looking glow.

  • Delivers a shimmering, sun-kissed glow
  • It gives a flawless skin
  • Paraben-free.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder - Stonestreet 16

Bobbi Brown

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder adds gorgeous sun-kissed colour to the complexion without adding weight. Adds a blend of red and brown tones that create a matte, shimmer free finish.

  • $point

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer, No. 02 Sunkissed, 0.33 Ounce

Mainspring America, Inc. DBA Direct Cosmetics

Based on 54 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A lightweight powder bronzer. Gives a natural looking. sunny glow complexion. Builds easily for desirable level of bronze. Long wearing and oil free. Use alone or over foundation.

  • Gives a natural looking, sunny glow complexion
  • Builds easily for desirable level of bronze
  • Long wearing and oil free

User questions & answers

Question: Is this for olive skin woman
Answer: Bobbi Brown medium bronzer is not the same shade as the Bobbi Brown deep bronzer.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer, No. 02 Medium, 0.74 Ounce

Estee Lauder

Based on 123 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An ultra-lavish bronzing powder. Features a velvety. lightweight and oil-free formula that does not clog pores. Contains a unique oil-control complex that maintains shine-free and comfortable skin. Adds a natural sun-kissed glow to face. shoulders and decolletage. Non-acnegenic. dermatologist-tested. ophthalmologist-tested.

  • An ultra-lavish bronzing powder
  • Features a velvety, lightweight and oil-free formula that does not clog pores
  • Contains a unique oil-control complex that maintains shine-free and comfortable skin

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between #1 and
Answer: I had no problem with the color or delivery date
Question: Does the brush fit in the compact
Answer: I use a fat, full, soft brush. I couldn't get to the mall for a replacement, and actually found a decent one at Walgreens
Question: Does this bronzer have a sparkle look to your face
Answer: I am light skinned with blond hair. I use number 2 it gives me a nice tan look. I have been using it for years, would not recognize myself without it. Great product.
Question: Where do you see the shade number on the product? I can’t find it on my old one... thanks
Answer: Yes , there are a few different shades which are also dependent on your skin color , and condition

LORAC Tantalizer Buildable Bronzing Powder, Pool Party

LORAC

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Discover your inner glowing goddess with LORAC Los Angeles TANtalizer Buildable Bronzing Powder. Highly pigmented and formulated to offer long-lasting, natural-looking warmth for radiant skin from sun up to sundown. Featuring finishes and hues in matte, satin, high-shine, warm and cool, there's a sun-kissed color for every shade of skin. Go ahead- make them think you spent the day at the beach.

Brand Story

LORAC was born more than two decades ago as the leading Hollywood beauty brand. Today we continue to honor our red carpet heritage by bringing you the latest Los Angeles beauty looks straight from our Los Angeles headquarters.

Product features

LORAC

Hollywood beauty legend and PRO makeup artist Carol Shaw was inspired to develop LORAC after watching her celebrity clients suffer from skin irritation and breakouts on set. The professional formulas she created were infused with gentle and soothing ingredients that provided professional performance, without sacrificing healthy skin.

Known for effortless, red carpet style and skin-friendly ingredients, LORAC quickly became a favorite indie beauty brand of PRO artists and A-list celebrities alike.

More than two decades later, LORAC continues to develop the highest quality, pigment-packed formulas and wearable shades with the mindset of what a professional artist needs to create flawless looks. Our team of PRO artists provide the tools and on-trend techniques so everyone can create beautiful looks just like a PRO.

PRO Essentials

Essentials for the PRO artist and anyone wanting to create flawless looks that last. Our PRO products are ultra-pigmented, gentle and velvety-smooth.

ALTER EGO

Sexy and playful lip shades in various finishes that provide highly pigmented color. Formulated with vitamins, antioxidants and emollients to nourish your lips.

POREfection

Acheive complexion porefection with gentle formulas in different finishes. Formulated without mineral oils, Parabens and fragrance and infused with natural botanicals and antioxidants to soothe and rejuvenate.

UNZIPPED

Unleash your natural beauty with a collection of universally flattering eye shadow palettes. Effortlessly blendable, highly-pigmented, long-lasting and silky-smooth.

LIGHT SOURCE

Instantly bring color and life to your skin with smooth, Paraben-free formulas. Our blushes, highlighters and primers are inflused with antioxidants for a healthy, luminous flush.

TANtalizer

Create radiant warmth with our cult favorite TANtalizer collection. Matte or shimmer, these products create a sexy, warm and natural glow, all year long.

Nars Bronzing Powder - Laguna (diffused brown with golden shimmer)

Nars

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An award-winning Bronzer Powder in shimmering shades for a long-wearing, sunkissed glow.

  • An award-winning Bronzer Powder in shimmering shades for a long-wearing, sunkissed glow.
  • Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances.
  • The gold standard—glow all the way with award-winning Bronzer Powder in shimmering shades for a long-wearing, blendable, and indispensable glow.

Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder, No. 05 Medium Brunettes, 0.35 Ounce

PerfumeWorldWide, Inc. Drop Ship

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A classic bronzer with a light texture and natural finish. It creates a natural-looking bronzed look. This fine powder, enriched with hydrating ingredients so that it go on seamlessly, never leaving behind any orange coloring, lines, or marks.

  • It is ideal for customising your tan.
  • provides a natural looking bronzed look.
  • It enriched with hydrating ingredients.

Physicians Formula, Murumuru Butter, Bronzer, 0.38 Oz

Physicians Formula

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ultra-luxurious bronzer, infused with Murumuru Butter, delivers a radiant Brazilian goddess glow. Moisturizing wonder features ultra-refined pearl and soft-focus pigments that smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone and deliver a gorgeous bronze finish. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 7 Lake, Titanium Dioxide.

  • WARM ISLAND GLOW - Give your face the radiant goddess glow of the tropics Pick your color and watch your look gently transform as the refined pearls and soft-focus pigments smooth and brighten your skin tone with a subtle shimmer finish
  • NOURISHING AND MOISTURIZING - Made with a blend of murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter from the nutrient-rich Amazon, this makeup is packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that soften, condition, and moisturize the skin
  • SMOOTH APPLICATION - Whether you use a makeup brush or even just your fingers, cosmetics from the Murumuru Butter Collection glide on with ease and seamlessly blend into the skin for attractive all-day coverage
  • MADE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - Physicians Formula makeup is specifically formulated with your health and comfort in mind That's why we use high-quality hypoallergenic and natural ingredients, leaving you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out
  • CRUELTY-FREE – All Physicians Formula foundations, eye makeup, lipsticks, and other cosmetics are always cruelty-free and never test on animals

User questions & answers

Question: This comes in 4 shades: Light, Bronzer, Deep Bronzer and Sunkissed. Which one is best for Medium-Light skin with warm undertones
Answer: It's hydrating, but not shiny at all. after it dries it leaving matte soften look
Question: Does it have shimmer
Answer: I did reviews for the eyeshadow primer. How it ended up on face primer I am not sure?! I was going to try this next because the eye product is great.
Question: Will this be too oily or make you break out if you have combination skin (aka oily T zone
Answer: It does, but extremely light. It's a wonderful eyeshadow primer, but I suggest a concealer to cover the dark areas. I use Bare Minerals...it covers the dark circles under my eyes and mine are super dark. But do try the Thank Me Later as an eyeshadow primer. Hope this helps.
Question: Is this the "bronzer" shade or the "light bronzer" shade. The color is on the top right of the front of the packaging
Answer: I as well have such oily lids, and live in the heat! And being out in the sun and inside and such.. my eyeshadow at the end of the day is still holding strong! I love this product. Finally something that works!

Product features

Escape To Paradise

A beachside retreat awaits, so let yourself be whisked away to paradise with the Murumuru Butter Bronzer from Physicians Formula.

It's easy to achieve the warm island glow of the tropics with this gentle and skin-friendly makeup made specifically to be high-impact and long-lasting.

Made with a nutrient-rich blend of murumuru butter, tucuma butter, and cupuaçu butter from the Amazon, this skin-loving makeup applies smoothly, while it gently restores, moisturizes, and protects the skin.

Glow Like A Goddess

Give your face the radiant goddess glow of the tropics. Pick your color and watch your look gently transform as the refined pearls and soft-focus pigments smooth and brighten your skin tone with a subtle shimmer finish.

Buttery Soft

Easy to blend and buttery soft, this bronzer glides on smoothly for seamless all-day coverage, whether you use a makeup brush or even just your fingers.

Real Ingredients

Made with a lusciously creamy blend of murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter from the nutrient-rich Amazon, this skin-loving bronzer is packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that soften, condition, and moisturize the skin.

Hypoallergenic

This bronzer is made without the use of common allergens and not only prevents irritation of the skin, but also includes healthy ingredients that your face will love.

Perfect For Sensitive Skin

Paraben-free, gluten-free, and oil-free, this bronzer is the perfect match for any skin type, and is especially great for those with sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

Cruelty-Free & Vegan

This vegan makeup does not use any animal products, and like all Physicians Formula cosmetics, is not tested on animals.

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