A sun-kissed glow is always in. Whatever your skin tone, adding a little bronzer can give you a little color and dimension like you just got back from a vacation. While some of us might get away to a beach vacation to get some natural color, for those of us who don’t get to leave our zip codes, a bronzer can do wonders. When selecting a bronzer, think about what naturally happens when you’re in the sun. When selecting the right color, you want it to add a little “depth and warmth” while still looking natural. While tons of bronzers are available in beauty aisles, you want to be careful to choose a color that is “one shade darker than your complexion,” which is a great way to find a bronzer that compliments your skin tone.
- Benefit Cosmetics Hoola
It’s impossible to think about bronzers without mentioning Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer. This silky-soft powder bronzer has a matte finish and is now available in four shades (Hoola, Hoola Lite, Hoola Toasted, and Hoola Caramel) to complement every skin tone. This cult classic is a winner of Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards and is perfect for a natural sun-kissed glow without the extra sparkle. It can instantly give you a little warmth like you were born with it. It’s super lightweight with customizable buildability. Not ready to invest in a full-size? It’s also available in a mini, and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with it.
- e.l.f. Primer-Infused Bronzer
You don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like one and e.l.f. cosmetics has a reputation for making affordable dupes for many high-end products that work equally well. If you want a wallet-friendly bronzer that lasts all day, this 2-in-1 powder primer-bronzer is for you. Did we mention it’s under $10? Byrdie loves this “inexpensive” bronzer as it lasts all day, is buildable, and is also cruelty-free. It boasts an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars on Ulta, with a reviewer saying, “I have tried many bronzers. Most are too dark, too sheer or shimmery. This bronzer, without using a lot, seems to actually give me the right pop and glow that others just don’t seem to give.”
- Serge Lutens Blusher Compact
We are all envious of Jennifer Lopez’s timeless glow. Now, however, it looks like you can get it too. JLo revealed the secret to her go-to bronzer, saying, “There’s a Serge Lutens bronzer that I love. I don’t know if you guys know Serge … it’s just a brand of makeup, you know, nothing fancy,” to an audience at the launch of her perfume in 2019 (via InStyle). According to Serge Lutens’ website, this magical bronzer can “redefine the complexion and accentuate the contours of your face, for that all-important finishing touch.” Unfortunately, this sells out often, but you can pre-order or set up an alert for when it becomes available. One swipe and you’re on your way to perfection.

