There’s nothing like a natural, sunkissed complexion. But spending time in the sun is risky, especially if you are prone to burning. Thankfully, the best liquid bronzers can give you that irresistible lit-from-within glow without the trauma of sun damage. These days, bronzers come in all sorts of formulas and finishes that will help you look healthy, refreshed, and alive (helpful for anyone who needs to look more awake and less like a sleep-deprived zombie). A good bronzer can really be a blessing!
Liquid bronzers have their own advantages compared to cream or powder formulas. They’re great for people with dry skin, as they can help add hydration (though you’ll want to make sure your skin isn’t flaky by exfoliating first). They can also be mixed with other products, such as moisturizer or foundation, and they’re easily buildable, which can result in a more natural-looking glow compared to some of the other types of bronzers.
Applying any kind of liquid makeup can be tricky, but especially with bronzers, too much can look streaky and unnatural. With most liquid bronzers, a little can go a long way. To find the right shade, go a shade or two darker than your skin tone, nothing more. “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 sunkissed look.
Liquid bronzers are versatile, and they can also be applied with a brush, 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,” says Ortega. Then, use a soft and fluffy brush to sweep 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.”
Ready to reach your glow goals? Ahead, find the 13 best liquid bronzers for all types of budgets.
Fans of Glossier’s Cloud Paint blush will be stoked to try this brand-new bronzer, which has a comparable lightweight texture, but comes with a handy doe-foot applicator for easy application. It’s available in four shades to ensure you get your best glow.
Want to pretend like you haven’t been sitting inside for hours on end? Add a couple of drops of this bronzing tint to your moisturizer for some natural-looking radiance.
Ortega recommends this bronzer because it has a great consistency, never looks cakey, and is easy to use—great news if you’re a liquid bronzer beginner.
D-Bronzi works harder than the average bronzer. It’s packed with skincare ingredients such as the antioxidant cocoa extract to fight pollution, as well as peptides that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
If it’s some body glow that you crave, try this decadent, moisturizing bronzer that contains natural antioxidants such as marula, argan, and rose-hip seed oil.
Use this oil-free bronzing essence to build an all-over glow or contour your face for more definition. It also contains jojoba, lavender, and rosemary to nourish the skin.
This blendable bronzer from ColourPop’s sister line comes in seven shades to make you look like you just got back from a tropical vacay.
I mean, if there’s anyone who you’re going to trust with a glow, it’s J.Lo. This versatile complexion booster from her eponymous line can be used alone as a bronzer or mixed with moisturizer or foundation for an all-over effect.
Light-reflecting mineral pearls create a natural warmth that lasts all day long so you won’t have to worry about your complexion looking tired (even if you are).
This long-lasting lightweight bronzer features unique ingredients like bearberry complex and raspberry stem cells protect against outside stressors while calming the skin.
Come for Kaja’s cute stamp-like packaging, stay for the easy-to-use and blendable vegan formula.
Are you feeling like a member of the Cullen family? Give your complexion a much-needed boost with this oil-free liquid bronzer from Iconic London that comes in six shades.
Forget spending hours at the beach and mix this Clinique bronzer with your favorite foundation for some natural-looking luster.
Next: This $6 Drugstore Lip Liner Is My Secret Weapon for Full Lips
