12 best bronzers for glowing skin 2024 UK; tried and tested
DREAMING of a sunkissed glow? These are the best bronzers, tried and tested by us – so you don’t have to.
If there’s one item in any makeup bag that will instantly liven up a dull complexion, add warmth and even provide some contouring, it’s a quality bronzer.
Regardless of the time of year – and the weather outside – a quick sweep of bronzer can sculpt and highlight cheekbones, blending into your skin for a golden sheen that’s as subtle or dramatic as you want it to be.
As with all beauty products, there are countless options out there by an assortment of budget and spenny brands: from matte powders and dewy cream sticks to liquid bronzers with shimmer.
If you need some direction, we’ve put some beauty editor and fan favourites to the test to see which bronzers are worth snapping up.
Best bronzers at a glance:
- Best overall bronzer: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
- Best budget bronzer: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
- Best matte bronzer: Vieve Modern Bronzer
- Best bronzer for contouring: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
- Best powder bronzer: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, £45
Pros: Large-sized compact, glam packaging, doesn’t dry out skin
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 10/10
I already loved Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze and Glow, so when the brand launched its first-ever solo bronzer I was excited – and the Airbrush Bronzer certainly didn’t disappoint.
It’s housed in a satisfyingly large compact so you can swirl your brush around without having to stick to the middle – avoiding that annoying dip when you’re coming to the end of a powder product.
The packaging itself is exactly what you’d expect from this attention-grabbing brand – gold, glitzy, Hollywood glamour – and feels expensive in your hand.
And yes, it is expensive at £45 – but its blurring technology is special. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid so the powder doesn’t dry out your skin during the day, making it perfect to swipe over bare skin or on top of a liquid foundation.
And because the product’s bigger than most bronzers out there, you can pick up a larger brush and get to work on your shoulders and collarbone as well, if you want the ultimate sun-kissed glow.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 4, Vegan: Yes
Refy Cream Bronzer
Refy Cream Bronzer, £18
Pros: Seamless blend, warming colours, long-lasting, layers with powder and cream, affordable, great for dry skin
Cons: Only four shades
Rating: 10/10
No matter what season it is, there’s one bronzer that I continually reach for, and that’s Refy’s cream bronzer.
Despite it being a cream formula, it’s easy to apply and work with – you can use the brush to sweep it across the face or your fingers to add a subtle warmth to your cheeks.
While there are only four shades, it’s incredibly natural on and suits a variety of skin tones, with Dune and Tan being some of the most universally flattering shades.
It seamlessly blends on the skin whether it’s bare-faced or with foundation, and leaves a glossy sheen on the skin that isn’t too shiny.
I’ve worn it all day in the summer heat and it’s lasted into the evening without faltering in pigmentation, and it’s a moisturising formula is also great for dry skin.
Plus, I’ve layered powders and other cream blushes over it and it’s never gotten patchy.
If you’re looking to add one bronzer to your arsenal, add this one.
Review by Natalie Chui,
Formula: Cream, No. of shades available: 4, Vegan: Yes
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NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer, £8.50
Pros: Cheap, five shades, easy to layer
Cons: Some wastage when used with brush
Rating: 8/10
This is the high street hero you need in your handbag because it does much more than its £8.50 price tag suggests.
NYX is well known for producing high-quality makeup at affordable prices, with many of its products being recommended as alternatives to top-end offerings.
And this bronzer fits the mould. It has five shades ranging from light to deep that are beautifully matte, which means you can find one that blends nicely into your skin.
When I swirled my brush around the compact – a plus of having a circular shape rather than square – there was some residue, which is to be expected with lower-priced powder products.
However, all I had to do was shake away the fallout and tap away the excess on my brush to apply the right amount of product.
Going for super glam? Just add another layer.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 5, Vegan: Yes
Sculpted by Aimee Deluxe Bronzer
Sculpted by Aimee Deluxe Bronzer, £18
Pros: Glides over skin, packaging looks luxe, developed by make-up artist
Cons: Gentle coverage might not suit everyone
Rating: 9/10
Irish make-up artist, Aimee Connolly set up Sculpted by Aimee to simplify people’s routines.
She says: “I had spent six years working as a make-up artist (and I’ve been working in the industry for 13 years) and I’d covered lots of different areas of make-up including teaching at an academy – which meant I saw the same questions coming up and the same issues people were having.
“My whole ethos has been to make it easier for people. We’re multi-purpose heroes that make it easier. Fuss-free face in five minutes.”
This creamy bronzer fits the bill. It glides easily over the skin creating gentle shading for a subtle contour.
It’s great for those who want a hint of summer warmth as it isn’t overpowering, and its powder formula feels very moisturising.
Coming in reflective gold packaging, it’s luxe without costing a fortune.
Accessible, high quality and with Aimee Connolly’s wealth of knowledge behind it, this cream bronzer is a must-have.
Formula: Cream, No. of shades available: 3, Vegan: Yes
Milk Makeup Bionic Bronzer
Milk Makeup Bionic Bronzer, from £20.30
Pros: Highly pigmented, natural-looking glow, 90% natural ingredients
Cons: Liquid formula might not suit oily skin
Rating: 8/10
An editor favourite, the Bionic Bronzer from Milk Makeup is highly pigmented and easily blends into skin for a natural-looking glow.
I love that it contains mushroom extracts and hyaluronic acid for hydration, as well as vegan collagen for a plumping effect.
There’s are four shades to choose from, depending on your skin tone.
Squeeze some of the liquid formula onto the back of your hand, and using your ring finger place three dots on the line of your cheekbone.
Then use a sponge, brush or your fingers to blend out – but pat the product in, rather than drag, so as not to disturb the make-up underneath.
You don’t need to, but for extra longevity, you can set with a powder bronzer on top.
Formula: Liquid, No. of shades available: 4, Vegan: Yes
Dior Forever Natural Bronze
Dior Forever Natural Bronze, £44
Pros: Luxurious cushion case, choice of eight shades, softly glides onto skin, 95% mineral-origin pigments
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 9/10
Dior is a makeup giant, and this powder bronzer shows why. It comes in a luxurious cushion case – it is actually soft and squishy – that feels a bit retro.
There are eight shades to choose between, ranging from a very light ‘Fair Bronze’ to a pretty dark ‘Deep Bronze’ although it still isn’t quite dark enough for the deepest skin tones.
The bronzer is really soft, gently gliding onto skin and creating a natural shade whether you’re wearing other base products, like foundation or concealer, or you want to add some warmth to natural skin.
It is definitely on the pricier end of the bronzer scale, but it’s such a luxurious experience from start to finish that we really think it’s worth it as an investment piece.
And the reviews agree. It’s got a stellar rating of 4.86/5 on the Dior website. Adding to basket.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 8, Vegan: Not stated
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder, £34
Pros: Impressive 14 shades, soft to the touch but very pigmented, blends seamlessly, mirror included in compact, enriched with vitamin E
Cons: None
Rating: 8/10
MAC’s whole brand is built around being makeup for makeup artists, so it’s no surprise its products are good.
Regularly used at Fashion Week for shows like Richard Quinn, Matty Bovan and Harris Reed, MAC has some gems – and the Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder is one of them.
Available in an impressive 14 shades from ‘Light’ to ‘Dark Deepest’, the first thing you’ll notice about this powder is how soft it is.
Swipe your finger over the dome of bronze and it immediately feels light and smooth, but don’t let that trick you into thinking the colour payoff is weak – it isn’t.
The colour is pigmented without being ostentatious and it blends out seamlessly, ensuring there are no harsh lines or dark patches if you’re blending in a rush.
And, just as a handy extra, the sturdy black compact that is typical of MAC has a mirror meaning you can top up your bronze on the go.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 14, Vegan: Not stated
Vieve Modern Bronzer
Vieve Modern Bronzer, £32
Pros: Two shades in one compact, natural coverage
Cons: Limited shade range
Rating: 8/10
Another matte bronzer to add to the list, this one comes from a relatively new brand in Vieve.
Created by beauty blogger and trained makeup artist, Jamie Genevieve in 2020, the Modern Bronzer was launched after the success of her lipsticks and lip liners.
It comes as a duo which means a choice between two shades. This is helpful for tailoring your bronzer to different times of year because one is ashier than the other, so you’ve got tanned and not tanned you sorted.
Or, if you fall in between cool and warm with a neutral undertone then mix the shades together for the best of both worlds.
Top tip: if you’re not sure what your skin undertone is, have a look at the veins on the back of your wrists.
If they look blue, you’re cool. If they’re green, err towards warmer tones. And if it’s somewhere in the middle – you guessed it – you’re a neutral.
The bronzer itself shades lightly without drawing too much attention to itself and it doesn’t have that sweet, powdery smell that bronzers sometimes carry which is always a bonus.
If there’s one thing to note, it’s the shade range: it’s very limited, only going as dark as tan.
But overall, it’s practically all positives and we love.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 4, Vegan: Yes
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick, £23
Pros: Cream formula stays in place, blends effortlessly, choice of shades
Cons: None
Rating: 10/10
There are a lot of powders in this roundup, but let me introduce you to my favourite cream contender: Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Matte Skinstick.
Cream bronzers can be a little tricky because they can either slide if not set properly, set too quickly and be difficult to blend out – or can be incredibly harsh if the shade isn’t quite right.
I’m happy to say, though, that this bronzer glides past these issues with ease.
After a day of wear, the contour was still very much in place under my cheekbones, on the top of my forehead, under my jaw – and I even put a couple a lines down my nose that stayed put effortlessly.
Worried about blending it out? After only a few circles with a flat-topped brush to buff it in, this bronzer melted into the skin like butter.
And to complete our checklist, there are nine varied shades, in keeping with Rihanna’s mission to strive for more inclusivity in the beauty industry.
Formula: Cream, No. of shades available: 9, Vegan: Not stated
Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder
Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder, £33
Pros: Perfect for adding shimmer, sits well on top of foundation, quality packaging
Cons:
Rating: 9/10
The Nars Bronzing Powder is one of the most famous powder bronzers out there.
So, my expectations were high: how could they not be, after almost entirely positive reviews from the public and journos alike?
Unlike some of the others on our list, this has a shimmer blended into the formula, so it’s not one for contouring, but it is certainly one for sweeping across cheeks to give a genuinely radiant shade. Granted, that sounds like an oxymoron, but it really does add depth to your cheeks while making them glow.
There are nine shades varying in neutral, warm or red undertones. I found that it warmed up my skin with just a sweep over the forehead, cheeks and nose (everywhere the sun naturally hits your face) and sat beautifully on top of my foundation.
In typical NARS fashion, the packaging is sleek and solid and it feels like you’re holding a product that’s been made with care and attention.
A perfect addition to any makeup bag.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 9, Vegan: Not stated
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer
Benefit Hoola 8g, £32.50 £26
Pros: Pigmented and blendable, perfect handbag size, includes brush
Cons: The included brush is good for basic contouring, but you’ll need a rounder brush to soften lines
Rating: 7/10
Benefit Hoola is the definition of a cult classic. No list of bronzers would be complete without the inclusion of this little tub of bronze goodness.
There are a few different Hoolas now including the Glow Shimmer, and four shades of the original matte – meaning there’s something for everyone.
It’s the perfect size to slip into your handbag, or, if you’re travelling, then it might be worth checking out the mini 2.5g version.
Whichever one you go for, once you’ve opened up the distinctive purple cardboard packaging, the powder is pigmented and blendable, meaning you can brush it under cheekbones for that carving contour or sweep it on cheeks for a healthy, ‘I’ve just got back from holiday’ glow.
The little brush it comes with is handy for creating a basic shape for contouring under the cheeks, jaw and on the forehead, but make sure to blend out with a rounder brush so you’re not left with any harsh lines.
Formula: Powder, No. of shades available: 4, Vegan: Not stated
Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker, £29
Pros: Looks good with and without makeup, can be added to moisturiser, lightweight, temporary
Cons: Possibly too red-toned for very pale skin
Rating: 4/5
While Clinique’s Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker might seem a tad extravagant at £29 for a diminutive 30ml bottle, its versatility makes it worth every penny.
I experimented by blending a drop into my daily SPF for a subtle bronzed glow, mixing it with my winter foundationto to add a touch of summer warmth, and lightly patting it onto my complexion’s high points for a natural, sun-kissed effect. I’m pleased to report that all three techniques looked amazing.
What sets it apart is its unexpected texture; unlike typical bronzing products, it boasts an ultra-lightweight, silky gel formula rather than a heavy moisturizer or creamy bronzer.
This unique consistency creates a believably natural finish. Plus, it’s easily removed with your regular cleanser, offering a temporary fix for those moments when you crave a quick dose of color but forgot to apply your tan.
Formula: Gel, No. of shades available: One, Vegan: Not stated
Review by Isabel Deibe
Where can I buy bronzers in the UK?
Shopping for bronzer? There are lots of places to pick one up in the UK, so first it’s best to decide on your budget as well as the type of bronzer you’re after.
For example, do you want a matte powder to build a bit of natural colour or would you prefer a liquid or cream formula for more of a dewy finish?
High street retailers like Boots and Superdrug are great for shopping a wide variety of beauty brands at different price points, while stockists like Cult Beauty and Lookfantastic carry a wide range of products.
And of course, you can shop from your favourite brands directly if there’s one you love and trust.
We’ve listed a few places below for quick reference:
How much do bronzers cost in the UK?
It all depends on what you’re looking to spend on a bronzer really, as prices vary by quite a lot depending on the brand.
For the big beauty names like Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, Nars, Dior and so on, you can expect to pay anywhere between £20 and £40 as a rough guide.
However, it’s definitely possible to pick up a decent bronzer for under a tenner.
To give you more of an idea, the cheapest bronzer we tried in this round-up was the NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer at just £8.50 while the priciest was the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer at £45.