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Innovative textures and ever-more-inclusive shades mean there's a bronzer for every skin goal Photoluminescent And Reflective Tape
There’s something so universally flattering about summer’s dreamy, almost iridescent light on the skin. But, as we Brits know only too well, sunshine and warmth are things we can’t always count on. We can, however, rely on the latest generation of bronzers – which have had something of an upgrade in recent years – to bring a little of this light into our makeup bags.
Gone are the days when they were glittery or came in a single ‘universal’ shade; now bronzers are representative of all skin tones and available in a range of textures and finishes. The right one not only emulates a two-week Grecian getaway (in a way that looks natural and modern), but can also sculpt and define the face. Here’s the new way to glow this summer...
‘Yes, bronzers are an excellent way to give your skin that gorgeous, summery warmth,’ says makeup artist Caroline Barnes. ‘You’ll find them in cream, powder or liquid (think gel or oil) textures and as well as adding a glow, they’re great for giving your face dimension, enhancing and defining your bone structure.’
The main difference between selecting a bronzing product to look tanned and one to define and contour? For Caroline, it’s all down to the shade you go for. ‘If you want to look as if you’ve been in a sunnier climate, choose two or three shades darker and warmer than your natural skin colour,’ she says.‘To contour, you’ll want a colour that is darker but cooler in tone, to mimic the shadows of your bone structure.’
The key to making any bronzer look effortless and fresh lies in how it is applied. Amanda Bell, director of artistry at Pixi Beauty, suggests the following: ‘Applying bronzer to the highest points of the face – the top of the forehead, bridge of the nose, the upper cheekbones – gives the most believable sun-kissed effect because this is where we first catch the sun naturally; it’s not one flat colour all over (which is why a full face of bronzer is too much),’ she says. ‘Also, if your hair is pulled back, don’t forget the tops of your ears!’
Amanda has a clever rule of thumb that makes contouring easier, too. To sculpt and help define your bone structure, ‘Think of the number three,’ she says. ‘Use one continuous motion to create a “3” shape on each side of your face. Start at the top of the forehead; bring the bronzer down to curve under your cheekbone; finish the number by nestling the bronzer under your jawline to help define it.’
‘Bronzing powders have improved so much recently,’ says makeup artist Ruby Hammer. ‘They aren’t as chalky, so are less likely to become patchy or leave an ashy cast.’ Today’s powders are perfectly translucent and lightweight, showcasing freckles and skin texture for a believable beachy bronze finish.
Beyond powders, balms and creams create a juicy sheen, while refreshing gels and liquids are just the thing for hot summer skin – they’re sheer, yet buildable, and offer seamless blending. Modern bronzers also create a healthy glow in more ways than one. The best formulas are now supercharged with skincare ingredients, too, such as plumping hyaluronic acid and protective antioxidants. ‘Not only is your skin getting a natural-looking bronzed glow,’ says Milk Makeup director of artistry Sara Wren, ‘but it’ll look smoother and more hydrated, too.’
There are subtle differences in the way to apply a cream versus a powder bronzer that help create a more seamless finish. ‘If you choose a powder bronzer, it works best on top of a “drier” base; ideally, a powder-based foundation,’ says Caroline. ‘When you apply powder bronzer to damp skin (for example, over liquid foundation), you’ll find it sticks to certain areas and can look grubby and streaky.’ And for a low-fuss option, you can also apply powder bronzer directly to bare, dry skin; just blend it well to keep it looking natural.
The same logic applies to cream bronzers. ‘Apply them on top of a liquid foundation or tinted moisturiser,’ says Caroline. ‘These will blend well when layered together; they’ll look cohesive and you’ll get a nice diffusion of colour.' Easier yet, grab a bronzing stick. Co-founder of Cult Beauty Alexia Inge has seen rising demand for stick bronzers and a continued obsession with ‘dewing up’. Swipe, blend and glow is the modern bronzing mantra.
While many ‘dew it all’ formulas have built-in luminosity, a separate liquid highlighter applied to the tops of the cheekbones adds an even more multidimensional sheen and subtly enhances bone structure. ‘Bring your look together by using your bronzer or highlighter on your eyes as well,’ says Mali Thomas, the global artist in residence for Bobbi Brown. Add a few coats of mascara, then step into the light.
Now you've got the skills, shop the Good Housekeeping Beauty Team's favourite new bronzing products below.
Same iconic formula, now scaled down for handbag-sized glow on the go. This cream-gel bronzer (available in three shades) delivers believable warmth, while light-reflecting pigments add dewiness and luminosity without shimmer.
Should you prefer a powder bronze, they don't get much better than NARS's cult classic. Each of the four smart undertone-specific shades comes with a hint of flattering shimmer (nothing over-the-top here, just a little something to lift the complexion).
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's makeup brand majors in hybrid products that offer all of the glow-giving benefits of skincare. Her cream bronzer, infused with nourishing rose oil and vitamins C and E, easily rivals pricier products. Rosie's shade is Kauai.
Creamy and easy to blend for even colour and contouring. Not to be underestimated (due to its tiny size), this nifty stick makes sculpting a breeze. Swipe under cheekbones, the jawline and either side of the bridge of the nose to add subtle definition.
A cream bronzer with skin-loving ingredients from the brand behind one of the best tinted moisturisers on the planet. Enriched with prickly pear and fruit seed extract to hydrate and condition and available in six flexible shades. Use the pads of your fingers to press into the areas of your face that would naturally catch the sun. A little goes a long way.
Adding a sheer wash of warmth that is super buildable and blendable, this featherlight formula is full of nourishing fatty acids and feels almost second skin-like on. 'Minimalist makeup brand' Merit has won over beauty editors since launching in the UK earlier this year - read our full Merit makeup review here - for its simple yet effective formulas.
E.l.f does it again with its affordable yet brilliant formulas that deliver well beyond their price. With a pillowy applicator to dot and blend for high-summer shine, this makes highlighting on-the-go effortless. Enriched with skin-quenching squalane and available in three shades - Champagne Campaign, Rose Quartz, and Liquid Gold - this is a great entry-level highlighting product to add to your makeup bag.
It’s silky in texture, it’s water- and humidity-proof and it's available in 15 shades. This creamy soft matte powder bronze comes in unique rosy hues that combine blush and warmth, so you could say you're getting two for one.
New from the bronzing OG, a fine-milled, light-reflecting powder. Dust onto the high points of the face as the last step in your makeup routine to add luminescent shimmer. Argan oil adds moisture, while clever pigment technology adapts to the skin'a natural tone (so you can avoid Tin Man-level glow).
This is, quite possibly, the most luxurious bronzer we've tried, right down to the slick white and gold compact - of course, we'd expect nothing less from Hermès. With three tones in one refillable pan, we love the way the delicate veil of (very slightly) iridescent powder sits on skin, adding just the right amount of life. Subtle, silky and semi-matte. Granted, this is an investment (refills are £56 each), but if you're in the market for a treat, then look no further.
Gucci Beauty's first ever liquid highlighter (coming in just one shade), these liquid gold drops add radiance and dewiness to any skin tone. Use alone or mix with foundation for lit-from-within luminosity.
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