We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The 9 Best Drugstore Bronzers We Tested for Every Skin Tone and Type
We found the best cream and powder bronzers that are readily available and budget-friendly at the drugstore.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer is our favorite drugstore bronzer after testing 45 formulas, thanks to its lightweight powder texture with a flexible shade range. We’re big fans of cream bronzers, too, and picked the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer as our top drugstore cream bronzer due to its silky texture and easy blendability.
Want to liven up your complexion and create a subtle sun-kissed look (without sun damage)? You need a top-rated bronzer in your makeup bag—specifically one that works for your skin tone, as a suitable bronzer for fair skin won’t perform the same on those with dark skin, and vice versa. Whether your go-to makeup look leans more full-glam or minimalist, you don’t need to spend a lot for an exceptional bronzer formula, as “great products are available at every price point,” notes celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Drugstore bronzers not only rival most high-end formulas in performance and shade range, but Sotomayor also mentions how “drugstore options are always less expensive to replace”—a bonus if bronzer is part of your everyday routine.
Given the number of drugstore bronzers available, we set out to find the absolute best options that work for a range of skin tones, skin types, and formula preferences. We tested 45 formulas over two weeks, using them three to four times a week, noting each one’s texture, pigment, blendability, and how they looked with the rest of our makeup. Based on our findings and makeup artist insights, we compiled this list of the absolute best drugstore bronzers.
Top Picks
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer at Amazon$16$13
Jump to Review
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer at Amazon$17$13
Jump to Review
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer at Amazon$12
Jump to Review
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo at Amazon$20
Jump to Review
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup at Amazon$12$10
Jump to Review
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze at Amazon$18
Jump to Review
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer at Amazon$6$5
Jump to Review
Best Overall
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
-
Shades match skin well
-
Texture is lightweight and creamy, especially for a powder
-
Easily buildable
-
Takes longer to blend with other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There is no shortage of standout attributes with this winner. We were impressed with how well the colors worked on the skin and how buildable the pigment was, easily adaptable based on the type of look desired. Despite being a powder, this felt lightweight and almost creamy on the skin; no need to worry about caking or creasing here.
While the finish is matte, it never looked flat—another major win. The only minor thing to note is that this formula required a bit more blending to score a more seamless end result. But once we did, it was more than worth it.
Byrdie
Christina, tester with cool undertones: “I would definitely recommend this product to most of my friends. A little goes a long way; the finish was subtle, the product can easily improve contouring, all while appearing natural and having minimal makeup on the face.”
Best Natural Finish
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
-
Silky texture
-
Doesn’t sink in to pores
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Included sponge isn’t the best option for application
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This one looks like a powder but feels (and acts) more like a cream, making the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer an editor favorite as well as a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge. You can totally feel the namesake ingredient in the formula (murumuru butter), which makes for a silky smooth texture that looks and feels amazing once applied. It never accentuated prominent pores or other texture irregularities. We even liked the tropical scent (though we recognize it may not be for everyone). We just wished that the included sponge applicator worked better; we had far better application success when using one of our own brushes.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Dara, tester with combo/acne-prone skin and a neutral skin tone: “The texture is exactly as described, very buttery! It’s soft, silky, and lightweight and never sat on top of my skin or left a cakey buildup.”
Best Shade Range
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer
-
Available in 8 shades from fair/cool to deep to rich/cool
-
Very pigmented
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Works equally well over foundation and bare skin
-
Feels a bit dry upon initial application
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Bronzers don’t always come in a ton of shades, and that goes double for drugstore bronzers. That’s what makes this pick—which comes in eight colors—that much more noteworthy. Further, the colors pack a punch, so you may actually need less product than you think.
Whether we applied this on bare skin or over foundation, it blended equally well. That said, it did feel slightly dry when it went on and required a bit of blending to melt more seamlessly into the skin. The directions say to use fingertips for application, but one tester found that a damp makeup sponge worked better and helped make the process easier.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Andrea, tester with oily skin and neutral/warm undertones: “The pigmentation of the bronzer was great, a little went a long way, and it blended well with a damp beauty blender.”
Best Cream
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
-
Creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly
-
Blends well over foundation and concealer
-
Doesn’t accentuate skin texture
-
Might be too dark for very fair skin tones
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.21 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, cream formulas are fabulous for those with dry skin, and this one is a prime example of why. It’s beautifully creamy and silky, immediately blending seamlessly into the complexion. Per the point of dry skin, it didn’t stick to or accentuate dry patches and breakouts on our tester’s cheeks. The buildable color and perfectly natural-looking finish that’s neither too flat nor too radiant round out the list of attributes. Just keep in mind that even the lightest shade might be a bit too dark for anyone super, super fair. This may also have a bit of a tacky feel, even after it dries down.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Sarah, tester with sensitive skin and a neutral skin tone: “Usually, I find cream bronzers tend to be a little stiff and need to be warmed up on the back of my hand. But this bronzer went on so smoothly at first swipe that I did a double-take. This has absolutely earned a spot in my makeup routine, and I’ll be reaching for it all summer long.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
-
Cream and powder bronzers work well together
-
Doesn’t cling to dry patches
-
Colors don’t skew muddy or orange
-
Nothing
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Can’t decide whether you want a cream or a powder bronzer? With this two-in-one, there’s no need to choose. Use one, the other, or layer them—the choice is totally up to you. We were big fans of how beautifully this applied and sat on the skin, never calling attention to things like dry patches or prominent pores.
All of the shades were gorgeous, too, and the shade range is wide enough to complement dark skin tones. The texture of both formulas felt smooth and lightweight. We truly couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about this product.
Byrdie
Irianna, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I mainly use high-end products, so for an affordable product to perform as well as this one is awesome.”
Best Blendability
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer
-
Blends great with other makeup
-
Glides on smoothly with both a brush and sponge
-
Creamy but never looks shiny
-
Contains fruity fragrance that some may not love
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cream bronzer was our favorite for how well it blended into the skin on its own and with other products. FYI, it may look a lot darker when you first put it on than you’d expect. But it blended easily into the skin, whether we applied it with a brush or a sponge. Despite being creamy, it never made our complexion appear oily or shiny. It’s worth noting that it has a fruity fragrance; our tester liked it, though keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Byrdie
Cara, tester with a neutral skin tone: “It’s very smooth and goes on feeling really lightweight. The texture worked well with my semi-dry skin and didn’t sink in or look cakey, which sometimes happens when I’m dry.”
Best Powder
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
-
Powder texture is smooth, not cakey
-
Pigment is easy to build up
-
Limited pigments work for multiple skin tones
-
Some say the packaging is flimsy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those who want to use the same bronzer to create different looks, this is the perfect option. The buildable pigment means you can easily tailor the amount of color to your liking. While it only comes in three shades, our tester felt it matched her skin tone surprisingly well. The texture was great too, smooth and blendable—more so than many other powder bronzers we’ve used in the past.
Long story short, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about this winner, except maybe the packaging—it seems like it may not hold up terribly well over time.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Ciara, tester with combination skin and a neutral skin tone: “The pigment was mild but buildable and blended easily, so I can wear it as my skin darkens or lightens throughout the seasons.”
Best Stick
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze
-
Easy-to-use stick format
-
Works well on face as well as décolletage
-
Provides a long-lasting glow
-
Nothing
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As the name suggests, this Pixi pick delivers serious glow. Also, as the name suggests, our tester loved using it for quick, on-the-go moments—so much so that she immediately added one to her gym bag and one to her purse. The balm-like formula is reminiscent of a lip balm in terms of feel and appearance—easy to swipe on and blend in. Both the color payoff and radiant finish are impressive; we liked using it on the face, but also highlighting areas below our chin, like our collarbone.
Byrdie
Erin, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I love the stick application. I’d swipe and go and felt like I was instantly glowing. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a five-minute makeup routine.”
Best Shimmery
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
-
Shimmery finish
-
Layers well over foundation and blush
-
Doesn’t get cakey
-
No muddy or orange undertones
-
Colors go on lighter than they appear
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This bronzer has full-on shimmer status for those who want to take it up a notch from glowy. It looks (and dries down) like a powder, but has a gel-like base, which is part of why it glides on smoothly and blends well. We loved the shimmery finish and how long it lasted, although our tester did lament that the colors don’t look as dark on the skin as they look in the pan.
Byrdie
Alisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture was smooth and lightweight. It worked well with my skin’s texture and didn’t get cakey. It was a natural shimmer and was just barely noticeable.”
What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer
- Shade: Finding your ideal bronzer shade is arguably the number one secret to achieving a bronzed look that looks completely natural. For that reason, Sotomayor suggests going only a few shades darker than your skin tone but also paying attention to the undertones of the hue you choose. “Most bronzers are neutral to warm, meaning they have gold and peach undertones to them. If you’re very fair, or makeup tends to look too orange on you, seek out bronzers with cooler undertones, such as taupe or olive,” he explains. And if you have a dark complexion, redder hues are most flattering, he adds.
- Texture: Powder or cream bronzer? The answer: It’s totally up to you. There really is no right or wrong way to go, but broadly speaking, cream formulas are better for drier skin types and tend to offer more of a dewy or radiant finish. Powders are best for combination to oily complexions and are often more matte.
How We Tested Drugstore Bronzers
Byrdie
- Formulas Tested: 45
- Testing Period: 2 weeks
- Methodology: After picking the shade they thought would work best, our testers rated how well it suited their skin tone and whether it appeared darker or lighter than in the packaging. We discarded any bronzers that looked too orange or muddy on our skin. While applying the bronzers, our testers noted how well they blended with their skin and the rest of the makeup. They also noted if the bronzer was buildable. We determined if each bronzer smoothed our skin and didn’t seep into lines or pores. We looked for powders and creams that felt lightweight and didn’t leave us overly matte or shiny. We also discarded any bronzers that clung to dry spots and rated how well the bronzer wore throughout the day, discarding formulas that faded too quickly.
- Attributes Considered: We evaluated each bronzer on its pigment, blendability, texture, and overall finish.
Meet Our Experts
To find the best drugstore bronzers and how to use them, Byrdie spoke to the following experts:
- Andrew Sotomayor is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
- Kristen Fortier is a South Florida makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Melanie Rud is a longtime writer, beauty editor, and Byrdie contributor. She’s a big fan of drugstore bronzers; the Maybelline and Physicians Formula products on this list have long been staples in her routine.
Ally Hirschlag
Related Stories
-
10 Best Drugstore Concealers Makeup Artists Swear Rival High-End Options -
The 17 Best Concealers for Every Skin Type and Concern, Tested by Our Editors -
The 10 Best Drugstore Setting Sprays We Tested for Long-Lasting Makeup -
The 9 Best Pore Minimizing Primers With Blurring Effects, According to Testers -
The 8 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles, Loved By Testers and Approved By Experts -
The 9 Best Makeup Sponges That Converted Me From an Exclusive Makeup Brush User -
I’m a Makeup Artist—Here’s My Honest Take on Merit Beauty -
The 15 Best Bronzers for a Sun-kissed Complexion, Awarded After 400 Hours of Testing
-
The 11 Best Eyeliner Pencils I’ve Tried for Bold Looks That Last (and I’ve Tried Over 50) -
10 Best Setting Powders That Keep Your Makeup Looking Freshly Applied All Day Long -
I’m a Makeup Artist—This K-Beauty Blush Is the Best I’ve Tried in Years -
These 10 Tinted Moisturizers Offer Natural-Looking Coverage and a Boost of Hydration -
The 11 Best Setting Sprays for Long-Lasting Makeup, Tested and MUA-Approved -
Byrdie Editors Tested 41 Cream Blushes—These 13 Impressed Us the Most -
The Best Mascara for Mature Women That Won’t Irritate Sensitive Eyes or Damage Fragile Lashes -
I Fill In My Eyebrows Daily—These Are the 11 Best Eyebrow Pencils I’ve Tried
We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The 9 Best Drugstore Bronzers We Tested for Every Skin Tone and Type
We found the best cream and powder bronzers that are readily available and budget-friendly at the drugstore.
Byrdie
TL;DR
The L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer is our favorite drugstore bronzer after testing 45 formulas, thanks to its lightweight powder texture with a flexible shade range. We’re big fans of cream bronzers, too, and picked the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer as our top drugstore cream bronzer due to its silky texture and easy blendability.
Want to liven up your complexion and create a subtle sun-kissed look (without sun damage)? You need a top-rated bronzer in your makeup bag—specifically one that works for your skin tone, as a suitable bronzer for fair skin won’t perform the same on those with dark skin, and vice versa. Whether your go-to makeup look leans more full-glam or minimalist, you don’t need to spend a lot for an exceptional bronzer formula, as “great products are available at every price point,” notes celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Drugstore bronzers not only rival most high-end formulas in performance and shade range, but Sotomayor also mentions how “drugstore options are always less expensive to replace”—a bonus if bronzer is part of your everyday routine.
Given the number of drugstore bronzers available, we set out to find the absolute best options that work for a range of skin tones, skin types, and formula preferences. We tested 45 formulas over two weeks, using them three to four times a week, noting each one’s texture, pigment, blendability, and how they looked with the rest of our makeup. Based on our findings and makeup artist insights, we compiled this list of the absolute best drugstore bronzers.
Top Picks
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer at Amazon$16$13
Jump to Review
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer at Amazon$17$13
Jump to Review
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer at Amazon$12
Jump to Review
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo at Amazon$20
Jump to Review
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup at Amazon$12$10
Jump to Review
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze at Amazon$18
Jump to Review
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer at Amazon$6$5
Jump to Review
Best Overall
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
-
Shades match skin well
-
Texture is lightweight and creamy, especially for a powder
-
Easily buildable
-
Takes longer to blend with other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There is no shortage of standout attributes with this winner. We were impressed with how well the colors worked on the skin and how buildable the pigment was, easily adaptable based on the type of look desired. Despite being a powder, this felt lightweight and almost creamy on the skin; no need to worry about caking or creasing here.
While the finish is matte, it never looked flat—another major win. The only minor thing to note is that this formula required a bit more blending to score a more seamless end result. But once we did, it was more than worth it.
Byrdie
Christina, tester with cool undertones: “I would definitely recommend this product to most of my friends. A little goes a long way; the finish was subtle, the product can easily improve contouring, all while appearing natural and having minimal makeup on the face.”
Best Natural Finish
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
-
Silky texture
-
Doesn’t sink in to pores
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Included sponge isn’t the best option for application
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This one looks like a powder but feels (and acts) more like a cream, making the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer an editor favorite as well as a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge. You can totally feel the namesake ingredient in the formula (murumuru butter), which makes for a silky smooth texture that looks and feels amazing once applied. It never accentuated prominent pores or other texture irregularities. We even liked the tropical scent (though we recognize it may not be for everyone). We just wished that the included sponge applicator worked better; we had far better application success when using one of our own brushes.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Dara, tester with combo/acne-prone skin and a neutral skin tone: “The texture is exactly as described, very buttery! It’s soft, silky, and lightweight and never sat on top of my skin or left a cakey buildup.”
Best Shade Range
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer
-
Available in 8 shades from fair/cool to deep to rich/cool
-
Very pigmented
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Works equally well over foundation and bare skin
-
Feels a bit dry upon initial application
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Bronzers don’t always come in a ton of shades, and that goes double for drugstore bronzers. That’s what makes this pick—which comes in eight colors—that much more noteworthy. Further, the colors pack a punch, so you may actually need less product than you think.
Whether we applied this on bare skin or over foundation, it blended equally well. That said, it did feel slightly dry when it went on and required a bit of blending to melt more seamlessly into the skin. The directions say to use fingertips for application, but one tester found that a damp makeup sponge worked better and helped make the process easier.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Andrea, tester with oily skin and neutral/warm undertones: “The pigmentation of the bronzer was great, a little went a long way, and it blended well with a damp beauty blender.”
Best Cream
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
-
Creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly
-
Blends well over foundation and concealer
-
Doesn’t accentuate skin texture
-
Might be too dark for very fair skin tones
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.21 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, cream formulas are fabulous for those with dry skin, and this one is a prime example of why. It’s beautifully creamy and silky, immediately blending seamlessly into the complexion. Per the point of dry skin, it didn’t stick to or accentuate dry patches and breakouts on our tester’s cheeks. The buildable color and perfectly natural-looking finish that’s neither too flat nor too radiant round out the list of attributes. Just keep in mind that even the lightest shade might be a bit too dark for anyone super, super fair. This may also have a bit of a tacky feel, even after it dries down.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Sarah, tester with sensitive skin and a neutral skin tone: “Usually, I find cream bronzers tend to be a little stiff and need to be warmed up on the back of my hand. But this bronzer went on so smoothly at first swipe that I did a double-take. This has absolutely earned a spot in my makeup routine, and I’ll be reaching for it all summer long.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
-
Cream and powder bronzers work well together
-
Doesn’t cling to dry patches
-
Colors don’t skew muddy or orange
-
Nothing
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Can’t decide whether you want a cream or a powder bronzer? With this two-in-one, there’s no need to choose. Use one, the other, or layer them—the choice is totally up to you. We were big fans of how beautifully this applied and sat on the skin, never calling attention to things like dry patches or prominent pores.
All of the shades were gorgeous, too, and the shade range is wide enough to complement dark skin tones. The texture of both formulas felt smooth and lightweight. We truly couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about this product.
Byrdie
Irianna, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I mainly use high-end products, so for an affordable product to perform as well as this one is awesome.”
Best Blendability
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer
-
Blends great with other makeup
-
Glides on smoothly with both a brush and sponge
-
Creamy but never looks shiny
-
Contains fruity fragrance that some may not love
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cream bronzer was our favorite for how well it blended into the skin on its own and with other products. FYI, it may look a lot darker when you first put it on than you’d expect. But it blended easily into the skin, whether we applied it with a brush or a sponge. Despite being creamy, it never made our complexion appear oily or shiny. It’s worth noting that it has a fruity fragrance; our tester liked it, though keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Byrdie
Cara, tester with a neutral skin tone: “It’s very smooth and goes on feeling really lightweight. The texture worked well with my semi-dry skin and didn’t sink in or look cakey, which sometimes happens when I’m dry.”
Best Powder
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
-
Powder texture is smooth, not cakey
-
Pigment is easy to build up
-
Limited pigments work for multiple skin tones
-
Some say the packaging is flimsy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those who want to use the same bronzer to create different looks, this is the perfect option. The buildable pigment means you can easily tailor the amount of color to your liking. While it only comes in three shades, our tester felt it matched her skin tone surprisingly well. The texture was great too, smooth and blendable—more so than many other powder bronzers we’ve used in the past.
Long story short, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about this winner, except maybe the packaging—it seems like it may not hold up terribly well over time.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Ciara, tester with combination skin and a neutral skin tone: “The pigment was mild but buildable and blended easily, so I can wear it as my skin darkens or lightens throughout the seasons.”
Best Stick
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze
-
Easy-to-use stick format
-
Works well on face as well as décolletage
-
Provides a long-lasting glow
-
Nothing
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As the name suggests, this Pixi pick delivers serious glow. Also, as the name suggests, our tester loved using it for quick, on-the-go moments—so much so that she immediately added one to her gym bag and one to her purse. The balm-like formula is reminiscent of a lip balm in terms of feel and appearance—easy to swipe on and blend in. Both the color payoff and radiant finish are impressive; we liked using it on the face, but also highlighting areas below our chin, like our collarbone.
Byrdie
Erin, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I love the stick application. I’d swipe and go and felt like I was instantly glowing. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a five-minute makeup routine.”
Best Shimmery
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
-
Shimmery finish
-
Layers well over foundation and blush
-
Doesn’t get cakey
-
No muddy or orange undertones
-
Colors go on lighter than they appear
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This bronzer has full-on shimmer status for those who want to take it up a notch from glowy. It looks (and dries down) like a powder, but has a gel-like base, which is part of why it glides on smoothly and blends well. We loved the shimmery finish and how long it lasted, although our tester did lament that the colors don’t look as dark on the skin as they look in the pan.
Byrdie
Alisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture was smooth and lightweight. It worked well with my skin’s texture and didn’t get cakey. It was a natural shimmer and was just barely noticeable.”
What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer
- Shade: Finding your ideal bronzer shade is arguably the number one secret to achieving a bronzed look that looks completely natural. For that reason, Sotomayor suggests going only a few shades darker than your skin tone but also paying attention to the undertones of the hue you choose. “Most bronzers are neutral to warm, meaning they have gold and peach undertones to them. If you’re very fair, or makeup tends to look too orange on you, seek out bronzers with cooler undertones, such as taupe or olive,” he explains. And if you have a dark complexion, redder hues are most flattering, he adds.
- Texture: Powder or cream bronzer? The answer: It’s totally up to you. There really is no right or wrong way to go, but broadly speaking, cream formulas are better for drier skin types and tend to offer more of a dewy or radiant finish. Powders are best for combination to oily complexions and are often more matte.
How We Tested Drugstore Bronzers
Byrdie
- Formulas Tested: 45
- Testing Period: 2 weeks
- Methodology: After picking the shade they thought would work best, our testers rated how well it suited their skin tone and whether it appeared darker or lighter than in the packaging. We discarded any bronzers that looked too orange or muddy on our skin. While applying the bronzers, our testers noted how well they blended with their skin and the rest of the makeup. They also noted if the bronzer was buildable. We determined if each bronzer smoothed our skin and didn’t seep into lines or pores. We looked for powders and creams that felt lightweight and didn’t leave us overly matte or shiny. We also discarded any bronzers that clung to dry spots and rated how well the bronzer wore throughout the day, discarding formulas that faded too quickly.
- Attributes Considered: We evaluated each bronzer on its pigment, blendability, texture, and overall finish.
Meet Our Experts
To find the best drugstore bronzers and how to use them, Byrdie spoke to the following experts:
- Andrew Sotomayor is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
- Kristen Fortier is a South Florida makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Melanie Rud is a longtime writer, beauty editor, and Byrdie contributor. She’s a big fan of drugstore bronzers; the Maybelline and Physicians Formula products on this list have long been staples in her routine.
Ally Hirschlag
Byrdie
TL;DR
The L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer is our favorite drugstore bronzer after testing 45 formulas, thanks to its lightweight powder texture with a flexible shade range. We’re big fans of cream bronzers, too, and picked the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer as our top drugstore cream bronzer due to its silky texture and easy blendability.
Want to liven up your complexion and create a subtle sun-kissed look (without sun damage)? You need a top-rated bronzer in your makeup bag—specifically one that works for your skin tone, as a suitable bronzer for fair skin won’t perform the same on those with dark skin, and vice versa. Whether your go-to makeup look leans more full-glam or minimalist, you don’t need to spend a lot for an exceptional bronzer formula, as “great products are available at every price point,” notes celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Drugstore bronzers not only rival most high-end formulas in performance and shade range, but Sotomayor also mentions how “drugstore options are always less expensive to replace”—a bonus if bronzer is part of your everyday routine.
Given the number of drugstore bronzers available, we set out to find the absolute best options that work for a range of skin tones, skin types, and formula preferences. We tested 45 formulas over two weeks, using them three to four times a week, noting each one’s texture, pigment, blendability, and how they looked with the rest of our makeup. Based on our findings and makeup artist insights, we compiled this list of the absolute best drugstore bronzers.
Top Picks
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer at Amazon$16$13
Jump to Review
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer at Amazon$17$13
Jump to Review
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer at Amazon$12
Jump to Review
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo at Amazon$20
Jump to Review
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup at Amazon$12$10
Jump to Review
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze at Amazon$18
Jump to Review
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer at Amazon$6$5
Jump to Review
Best Overall
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
-
Shades match skin well
-
Texture is lightweight and creamy, especially for a powder
-
Easily buildable
-
Takes longer to blend with other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There is no shortage of standout attributes with this winner. We were impressed with how well the colors worked on the skin and how buildable the pigment was, easily adaptable based on the type of look desired. Despite being a powder, this felt lightweight and almost creamy on the skin; no need to worry about caking or creasing here.
While the finish is matte, it never looked flat—another major win. The only minor thing to note is that this formula required a bit more blending to score a more seamless end result. But once we did, it was more than worth it.
Byrdie
Christina, tester with cool undertones: “I would definitely recommend this product to most of my friends. A little goes a long way; the finish was subtle, the product can easily improve contouring, all while appearing natural and having minimal makeup on the face.”
Best Natural Finish
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
-
Silky texture
-
Doesn’t sink in to pores
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Included sponge isn’t the best option for application
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This one looks like a powder but feels (and acts) more like a cream, making the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer an editor favorite as well as a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge. You can totally feel the namesake ingredient in the formula (murumuru butter), which makes for a silky smooth texture that looks and feels amazing once applied. It never accentuated prominent pores or other texture irregularities. We even liked the tropical scent (though we recognize it may not be for everyone). We just wished that the included sponge applicator worked better; we had far better application success when using one of our own brushes.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Dara, tester with combo/acne-prone skin and a neutral skin tone: “The texture is exactly as described, very buttery! It’s soft, silky, and lightweight and never sat on top of my skin or left a cakey buildup.”
Best Shade Range
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer
-
Available in 8 shades from fair/cool to deep to rich/cool
-
Very pigmented
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Works equally well over foundation and bare skin
-
Feels a bit dry upon initial application
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Bronzers don’t always come in a ton of shades, and that goes double for drugstore bronzers. That’s what makes this pick—which comes in eight colors—that much more noteworthy. Further, the colors pack a punch, so you may actually need less product than you think.
Whether we applied this on bare skin or over foundation, it blended equally well. That said, it did feel slightly dry when it went on and required a bit of blending to melt more seamlessly into the skin. The directions say to use fingertips for application, but one tester found that a damp makeup sponge worked better and helped make the process easier.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Andrea, tester with oily skin and neutral/warm undertones: “The pigmentation of the bronzer was great, a little went a long way, and it blended well with a damp beauty blender.”
Best Cream
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
-
Creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly
-
Blends well over foundation and concealer
-
Doesn’t accentuate skin texture
-
Might be too dark for very fair skin tones
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.21 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, cream formulas are fabulous for those with dry skin, and this one is a prime example of why. It’s beautifully creamy and silky, immediately blending seamlessly into the complexion. Per the point of dry skin, it didn’t stick to or accentuate dry patches and breakouts on our tester’s cheeks. The buildable color and perfectly natural-looking finish that’s neither too flat nor too radiant round out the list of attributes. Just keep in mind that even the lightest shade might be a bit too dark for anyone super, super fair. This may also have a bit of a tacky feel, even after it dries down.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Sarah, tester with sensitive skin and a neutral skin tone: “Usually, I find cream bronzers tend to be a little stiff and need to be warmed up on the back of my hand. But this bronzer went on so smoothly at first swipe that I did a double-take. This has absolutely earned a spot in my makeup routine, and I’ll be reaching for it all summer long.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
-
Cream and powder bronzers work well together
-
Doesn’t cling to dry patches
-
Colors don’t skew muddy or orange
-
Nothing
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Can’t decide whether you want a cream or a powder bronzer? With this two-in-one, there’s no need to choose. Use one, the other, or layer them—the choice is totally up to you. We were big fans of how beautifully this applied and sat on the skin, never calling attention to things like dry patches or prominent pores.
All of the shades were gorgeous, too, and the shade range is wide enough to complement dark skin tones. The texture of both formulas felt smooth and lightweight. We truly couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about this product.
Byrdie
Irianna, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I mainly use high-end products, so for an affordable product to perform as well as this one is awesome.”
Best Blendability
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer
-
Blends great with other makeup
-
Glides on smoothly with both a brush and sponge
-
Creamy but never looks shiny
-
Contains fruity fragrance that some may not love
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cream bronzer was our favorite for how well it blended into the skin on its own and with other products. FYI, it may look a lot darker when you first put it on than you’d expect. But it blended easily into the skin, whether we applied it with a brush or a sponge. Despite being creamy, it never made our complexion appear oily or shiny. It’s worth noting that it has a fruity fragrance; our tester liked it, though keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Byrdie
Cara, tester with a neutral skin tone: “It’s very smooth and goes on feeling really lightweight. The texture worked well with my semi-dry skin and didn’t sink in or look cakey, which sometimes happens when I’m dry.”
Best Powder
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
-
Powder texture is smooth, not cakey
-
Pigment is easy to build up
-
Limited pigments work for multiple skin tones
-
Some say the packaging is flimsy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those who want to use the same bronzer to create different looks, this is the perfect option. The buildable pigment means you can easily tailor the amount of color to your liking. While it only comes in three shades, our tester felt it matched her skin tone surprisingly well. The texture was great too, smooth and blendable—more so than many other powder bronzers we’ve used in the past.
Long story short, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about this winner, except maybe the packaging—it seems like it may not hold up terribly well over time.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Ciara, tester with combination skin and a neutral skin tone: “The pigment was mild but buildable and blended easily, so I can wear it as my skin darkens or lightens throughout the seasons.”
Best Stick
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze
-
Easy-to-use stick format
-
Works well on face as well as décolletage
-
Provides a long-lasting glow
-
Nothing
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As the name suggests, this Pixi pick delivers serious glow. Also, as the name suggests, our tester loved using it for quick, on-the-go moments—so much so that she immediately added one to her gym bag and one to her purse. The balm-like formula is reminiscent of a lip balm in terms of feel and appearance—easy to swipe on and blend in. Both the color payoff and radiant finish are impressive; we liked using it on the face, but also highlighting areas below our chin, like our collarbone.
Byrdie
Erin, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I love the stick application. I’d swipe and go and felt like I was instantly glowing. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a five-minute makeup routine.”
Best Shimmery
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
-
Shimmery finish
-
Layers well over foundation and blush
-
Doesn’t get cakey
-
No muddy or orange undertones
-
Colors go on lighter than they appear
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This bronzer has full-on shimmer status for those who want to take it up a notch from glowy. It looks (and dries down) like a powder, but has a gel-like base, which is part of why it glides on smoothly and blends well. We loved the shimmery finish and how long it lasted, although our tester did lament that the colors don’t look as dark on the skin as they look in the pan.
Byrdie
Alisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture was smooth and lightweight. It worked well with my skin’s texture and didn’t get cakey. It was a natural shimmer and was just barely noticeable.”
What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer
- Shade: Finding your ideal bronzer shade is arguably the number one secret to achieving a bronzed look that looks completely natural. For that reason, Sotomayor suggests going only a few shades darker than your skin tone but also paying attention to the undertones of the hue you choose. “Most bronzers are neutral to warm, meaning they have gold and peach undertones to them. If you’re very fair, or makeup tends to look too orange on you, seek out bronzers with cooler undertones, such as taupe or olive,” he explains. And if you have a dark complexion, redder hues are most flattering, he adds.
- Texture: Powder or cream bronzer? The answer: It’s totally up to you. There really is no right or wrong way to go, but broadly speaking, cream formulas are better for drier skin types and tend to offer more of a dewy or radiant finish. Powders are best for combination to oily complexions and are often more matte.
How We Tested Drugstore Bronzers
Byrdie
- Formulas Tested: 45
- Testing Period: 2 weeks
- Methodology: After picking the shade they thought would work best, our testers rated how well it suited their skin tone and whether it appeared darker or lighter than in the packaging. We discarded any bronzers that looked too orange or muddy on our skin. While applying the bronzers, our testers noted how well they blended with their skin and the rest of the makeup. They also noted if the bronzer was buildable. We determined if each bronzer smoothed our skin and didn’t seep into lines or pores. We looked for powders and creams that felt lightweight and didn’t leave us overly matte or shiny. We also discarded any bronzers that clung to dry spots and rated how well the bronzer wore throughout the day, discarding formulas that faded too quickly.
- Attributes Considered: We evaluated each bronzer on its pigment, blendability, texture, and overall finish.
Meet Our Experts
To find the best drugstore bronzers and how to use them, Byrdie spoke to the following experts:
- Andrew Sotomayor is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
- Kristen Fortier is a South Florida makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Melanie Rud is a longtime writer, beauty editor, and Byrdie contributor. She’s a big fan of drugstore bronzers; the Maybelline and Physicians Formula products on this list have long been staples in her routine.
Ally Hirschlag
TL;DR
The L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer is our favorite drugstore bronzer after testing 45 formulas, thanks to its lightweight powder texture with a flexible shade range. We’re big fans of cream bronzers, too, and picked the Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer as our top drugstore cream bronzer due to its silky texture and easy blendability.
Want to liven up your complexion and create a subtle sun-kissed look (without sun damage)? You need a top-rated bronzer in your makeup bag—specifically one that works for your skin tone, as a suitable bronzer for fair skin won’t perform the same on those with dark skin, and vice versa. Whether your go-to makeup look leans more full-glam or minimalist, you don’t need to spend a lot for an exceptional bronzer formula, as “great products are available at every price point,” notes celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Drugstore bronzers not only rival most high-end formulas in performance and shade range, but Sotomayor also mentions how “drugstore options are always less expensive to replace”—a bonus if bronzer is part of your everyday routine.
Given the number of drugstore bronzers available, we set out to find the absolute best options that work for a range of skin tones, skin types, and formula preferences. We tested 45 formulas over two weeks, using them three to four times a week, noting each one’s texture, pigment, blendability, and how they looked with the rest of our makeup. Based on our findings and makeup artist insights, we compiled this list of the absolute best drugstore bronzers.
Top Picks
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer at Amazon$16$13
Jump to Review
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer at Amazon$17$13
Jump to Review
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer at Amazon$12
Jump to Review
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo at Amazon$20
Jump to Review
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer at Amazon$8
Jump to Review
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup at Amazon$12$10
Jump to Review
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze at Amazon$18
Jump to Review
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer at Amazon$6$5
Jump to Review
Best Overall
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
-
Shades match skin well
-
Texture is lightweight and creamy, especially for a powder
-
Easily buildable
-
Takes longer to blend with other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There is no shortage of standout attributes with this winner. We were impressed with how well the colors worked on the skin and how buildable the pigment was, easily adaptable based on the type of look desired. Despite being a powder, this felt lightweight and almost creamy on the skin; no need to worry about caking or creasing here.
While the finish is matte, it never looked flat—another major win. The only minor thing to note is that this formula required a bit more blending to score a more seamless end result. But once we did, it was more than worth it.
Byrdie
Christina, tester with cool undertones: “I would definitely recommend this product to most of my friends. A little goes a long way; the finish was subtle, the product can easily improve contouring, all while appearing natural and having minimal makeup on the face.”
Best Natural Finish
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
-
Silky texture
-
Doesn’t sink in to pores
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Included sponge isn’t the best option for application
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This one looks like a powder but feels (and acts) more like a cream, making the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer an editor favorite as well as a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge. You can totally feel the namesake ingredient in the formula (murumuru butter), which makes for a silky smooth texture that looks and feels amazing once applied. It never accentuated prominent pores or other texture irregularities. We even liked the tropical scent (though we recognize it may not be for everyone). We just wished that the included sponge applicator worked better; we had far better application success when using one of our own brushes.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Dara, tester with combo/acne-prone skin and a neutral skin tone: “The texture is exactly as described, very buttery! It’s soft, silky, and lightweight and never sat on top of my skin or left a cakey buildup.”
Best Shade Range
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer
-
Available in 8 shades from fair/cool to deep to rich/cool
-
Very pigmented
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Works equally well over foundation and bare skin
-
Feels a bit dry upon initial application
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Bronzers don’t always come in a ton of shades, and that goes double for drugstore bronzers. That’s what makes this pick—which comes in eight colors—that much more noteworthy. Further, the colors pack a punch, so you may actually need less product than you think.
Whether we applied this on bare skin or over foundation, it blended equally well. That said, it did feel slightly dry when it went on and required a bit of blending to melt more seamlessly into the skin. The directions say to use fingertips for application, but one tester found that a damp makeup sponge worked better and helped make the process easier.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Andrea, tester with oily skin and neutral/warm undertones: “The pigmentation of the bronzer was great, a little went a long way, and it blended well with a damp beauty blender.”
Best Cream
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
-
Creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly
-
Blends well over foundation and concealer
-
Doesn’t accentuate skin texture
-
Might be too dark for very fair skin tones
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.21 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, cream formulas are fabulous for those with dry skin, and this one is a prime example of why. It’s beautifully creamy and silky, immediately blending seamlessly into the complexion. Per the point of dry skin, it didn’t stick to or accentuate dry patches and breakouts on our tester’s cheeks. The buildable color and perfectly natural-looking finish that’s neither too flat nor too radiant round out the list of attributes. Just keep in mind that even the lightest shade might be a bit too dark for anyone super, super fair. This may also have a bit of a tacky feel, even after it dries down.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Sarah, tester with sensitive skin and a neutral skin tone: “Usually, I find cream bronzers tend to be a little stiff and need to be warmed up on the back of my hand. But this bronzer went on so smoothly at first swipe that I did a double-take. This has absolutely earned a spot in my makeup routine, and I’ll be reaching for it all summer long.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
-
Cream and powder bronzers work well together
-
Doesn’t cling to dry patches
-
Colors don’t skew muddy or orange
-
Nothing
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Can’t decide whether you want a cream or a powder bronzer? With this two-in-one, there’s no need to choose. Use one, the other, or layer them—the choice is totally up to you. We were big fans of how beautifully this applied and sat on the skin, never calling attention to things like dry patches or prominent pores.
All of the shades were gorgeous, too, and the shade range is wide enough to complement dark skin tones. The texture of both formulas felt smooth and lightweight. We truly couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about this product.
Byrdie
Irianna, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I mainly use high-end products, so for an affordable product to perform as well as this one is awesome.”
Best Blendability
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer
-
Blends great with other makeup
-
Glides on smoothly with both a brush and sponge
-
Creamy but never looks shiny
-
Contains fruity fragrance that some may not love
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cream bronzer was our favorite for how well it blended into the skin on its own and with other products. FYI, it may look a lot darker when you first put it on than you’d expect. But it blended easily into the skin, whether we applied it with a brush or a sponge. Despite being creamy, it never made our complexion appear oily or shiny. It’s worth noting that it has a fruity fragrance; our tester liked it, though keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Byrdie
Cara, tester with a neutral skin tone: “It’s very smooth and goes on feeling really lightweight. The texture worked well with my semi-dry skin and didn’t sink in or look cakey, which sometimes happens when I’m dry.”
Best Powder
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
-
Powder texture is smooth, not cakey
-
Pigment is easy to build up
-
Limited pigments work for multiple skin tones
-
Some say the packaging is flimsy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those who want to use the same bronzer to create different looks, this is the perfect option. The buildable pigment means you can easily tailor the amount of color to your liking. While it only comes in three shades, our tester felt it matched her skin tone surprisingly well. The texture was great too, smooth and blendable—more so than many other powder bronzers we’ve used in the past.
Long story short, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about this winner, except maybe the packaging—it seems like it may not hold up terribly well over time.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Ciara, tester with combination skin and a neutral skin tone: “The pigment was mild but buildable and blended easily, so I can wear it as my skin darkens or lightens throughout the seasons.”
Best Stick
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze
-
Easy-to-use stick format
-
Works well on face as well as décolletage
-
Provides a long-lasting glow
-
Nothing
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As the name suggests, this Pixi pick delivers serious glow. Also, as the name suggests, our tester loved using it for quick, on-the-go moments—so much so that she immediately added one to her gym bag and one to her purse. The balm-like formula is reminiscent of a lip balm in terms of feel and appearance—easy to swipe on and blend in. Both the color payoff and radiant finish are impressive; we liked using it on the face, but also highlighting areas below our chin, like our collarbone.
Byrdie
Erin, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I love the stick application. I’d swipe and go and felt like I was instantly glowing. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a five-minute makeup routine.”
Best Shimmery
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
-
Shimmery finish
-
Layers well over foundation and blush
-
Doesn’t get cakey
-
No muddy or orange undertones
-
Colors go on lighter than they appear
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This bronzer has full-on shimmer status for those who want to take it up a notch from glowy. It looks (and dries down) like a powder, but has a gel-like base, which is part of why it glides on smoothly and blends well. We loved the shimmery finish and how long it lasted, although our tester did lament that the colors don’t look as dark on the skin as they look in the pan.
Byrdie
Alisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture was smooth and lightweight. It worked well with my skin’s texture and didn’t get cakey. It was a natural shimmer and was just barely noticeable.”
What to Look for in a Drugstore Bronzer
- Shade: Finding your ideal bronzer shade is arguably the number one secret to achieving a bronzed look that looks completely natural. For that reason, Sotomayor suggests going only a few shades darker than your skin tone but also paying attention to the undertones of the hue you choose. “Most bronzers are neutral to warm, meaning they have gold and peach undertones to them. If you’re very fair, or makeup tends to look too orange on you, seek out bronzers with cooler undertones, such as taupe or olive,” he explains. And if you have a dark complexion, redder hues are most flattering, he adds.
- Texture: Powder or cream bronzer? The answer: It’s totally up to you. There really is no right or wrong way to go, but broadly speaking, cream formulas are better for drier skin types and tend to offer more of a dewy or radiant finish. Powders are best for combination to oily complexions and are often more matte.
How We Tested Drugstore Bronzers
Byrdie
- Formulas Tested: 45
- Testing Period: 2 weeks
- Methodology: After picking the shade they thought would work best, our testers rated how well it suited their skin tone and whether it appeared darker or lighter than in the packaging. We discarded any bronzers that looked too orange or muddy on our skin. While applying the bronzers, our testers noted how well they blended with their skin and the rest of the makeup. They also noted if the bronzer was buildable. We determined if each bronzer smoothed our skin and didn’t seep into lines or pores. We looked for powders and creams that felt lightweight and didn’t leave us overly matte or shiny. We also discarded any bronzers that clung to dry spots and rated how well the bronzer wore throughout the day, discarding formulas that faded too quickly.
- Attributes Considered: We evaluated each bronzer on its pigment, blendability, texture, and overall finish.
Meet Our Experts
To find the best drugstore bronzers and how to use them, Byrdie spoke to the following experts:
- Andrew Sotomayor is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert.
- Kristen Fortier is a South Florida makeup artist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Melanie Rud is a longtime writer, beauty editor, and Byrdie contributor. She’s a big fan of drugstore bronzers; the Maybelline and Physicians Formula products on this list have long been staples in her routine.
Ally Hirschlag
Best Overall
L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
-
Shades match skin well
-
Texture is lightweight and creamy, especially for a powder
-
Easily buildable
-
Takes longer to blend with other products
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Size: 0.31 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There is no shortage of standout attributes with this winner. We were impressed with how well the colors worked on the skin and how buildable the pigment was, easily adaptable based on the type of look desired. Despite being a powder, this felt lightweight and almost creamy on the skin; no need to worry about caking or creasing here.
While the finish is matte, it never looked flat—another major win. The only minor thing to note is that this formula required a bit more blending to score a more seamless end result. But once we did, it was more than worth it.
Byrdie
Christina, tester with cool undertones: “I would definitely recommend this product to most of my friends. A little goes a long way; the finish was subtle, the product can easily improve contouring, all while appearing natural and having minimal makeup on the face.”
Best Natural Finish
Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer
-
Silky texture
-
Doesn’t sink in to pores
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Included sponge isn’t the best option for application
Finish: Natural | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This one looks like a powder but feels (and acts) more like a cream, making the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer an editor favorite as well as a favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge. You can totally feel the namesake ingredient in the formula (murumuru butter), which makes for a silky smooth texture that looks and feels amazing once applied. It never accentuated prominent pores or other texture irregularities. We even liked the tropical scent (though we recognize it may not be for everyone). We just wished that the included sponge applicator worked better; we had far better application success when using one of our own brushes.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Dara, tester with combo/acne-prone skin and a neutral skin tone: “The texture is exactly as described, very buttery! It’s soft, silky, and lightweight and never sat on top of my skin or left a cakey buildup.”
Best Shade Range
e.l.f Cosmetics Luminous Putty Bronzer
-
Available in 8 shades from fair/cool to deep to rich/cool
-
Very pigmented
-
Lightweight on skin
-
Works equally well over foundation and bare skin
-
Feels a bit dry upon initial application
Finish: Radiant | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Bronzers don’t always come in a ton of shades, and that goes double for drugstore bronzers. That’s what makes this pick—which comes in eight colors—that much more noteworthy. Further, the colors pack a punch, so you may actually need less product than you think.
Whether we applied this on bare skin or over foundation, it blended equally well. That said, it did feel slightly dry when it went on and required a bit of blending to melt more seamlessly into the skin. The directions say to use fingertips for application, but one tester found that a damp makeup sponge worked better and helped make the process easier.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Andrea, tester with oily skin and neutral/warm undertones: “The pigmentation of the bronzer was great, a little went a long way, and it blended well with a damp beauty blender.”
Best Cream
Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
-
Creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly
-
Blends well over foundation and concealer
-
Doesn’t accentuate skin texture
-
Might be too dark for very fair skin tones
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.21 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, cream formulas are fabulous for those with dry skin, and this one is a prime example of why. It’s beautifully creamy and silky, immediately blending seamlessly into the complexion. Per the point of dry skin, it didn’t stick to or accentuate dry patches and breakouts on our tester’s cheeks. The buildable color and perfectly natural-looking finish that’s neither too flat nor too radiant round out the list of attributes. Just keep in mind that even the lightest shade might be a bit too dark for anyone super, super fair. This may also have a bit of a tacky feel, even after it dries down.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Sarah, tester with sensitive skin and a neutral skin tone: “Usually, I find cream bronzers tend to be a little stiff and need to be warmed up on the back of my hand. But this bronzer went on so smoothly at first swipe that I did a double-take. This has absolutely earned a spot in my makeup routine, and I’ll be reaching for it all summer long.”
Best Cream & Powder Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
-
Cream and powder bronzers work well together
-
Doesn’t cling to dry patches
-
Colors don’t skew muddy or orange
-
Nothing
Finish: Natural matte | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Can’t decide whether you want a cream or a powder bronzer? With this two-in-one, there’s no need to choose. Use one, the other, or layer them—the choice is totally up to you. We were big fans of how beautifully this applied and sat on the skin, never calling attention to things like dry patches or prominent pores.
All of the shades were gorgeous, too, and the shade range is wide enough to complement dark skin tones. The texture of both formulas felt smooth and lightweight. We truly couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about this product.
Byrdie
Irianna, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I mainly use high-end products, so for an affordable product to perform as well as this one is awesome.”
Best Blendability
Makeup Revolution Cream Bronzer
-
Blends great with other makeup
-
Glides on smoothly with both a brush and sponge
-
Creamy but never looks shiny
-
Contains fruity fragrance that some may not love
Finish: Natural | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This cream bronzer was our favorite for how well it blended into the skin on its own and with other products. FYI, it may look a lot darker when you first put it on than you’d expect. But it blended easily into the skin, whether we applied it with a brush or a sponge. Despite being creamy, it never made our complexion appear oily or shiny. It’s worth noting that it has a fruity fragrance; our tester liked it, though keep this in mind if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Byrdie
Cara, tester with a neutral skin tone: “It’s very smooth and goes on feeling really lightweight. The texture worked well with my semi-dry skin and didn’t sink in or look cakey, which sometimes happens when I’m dry.”
Best Powder
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder Makeup
-
Powder texture is smooth, not cakey
-
Pigment is easy to build up
-
Limited pigments work for multiple skin tones
-
Some say the packaging is flimsy
Finish: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.24 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For those who want to use the same bronzer to create different looks, this is the perfect option. The buildable pigment means you can easily tailor the amount of color to your liking. While it only comes in three shades, our tester felt it matched her skin tone surprisingly well. The texture was great too, smooth and blendable—more so than many other powder bronzers we’ve used in the past.
Long story short, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about this winner, except maybe the packaging—it seems like it may not hold up terribly well over time.
-
Credit: Byrdie -
Credit: Byrdie
Ciara, tester with combination skin and a neutral skin tone: “The pigment was mild but buildable and blended easily, so I can wear it as my skin darkens or lightens throughout the seasons.”
Best Stick
Pixi On-the-Glow Bronze
-
Easy-to-use stick format
-
Works well on face as well as décolletage
-
Provides a long-lasting glow
-
Nothing
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As the name suggests, this Pixi pick delivers serious glow. Also, as the name suggests, our tester loved using it for quick, on-the-go moments—so much so that she immediately added one to her gym bag and one to her purse. The balm-like formula is reminiscent of a lip balm in terms of feel and appearance—easy to swipe on and blend in. Both the color payoff and radiant finish are impressive; we liked using it on the face, but also highlighting areas below our chin, like our collarbone.
Byrdie
Erin, tester with a neutral skin tone: “I love the stick application. I’d swipe and go and felt like I was instantly glowing. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a five-minute makeup routine.”
Best Shimmery
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
-
Shimmery finish
-
Layers well over foundation and blush
-
Doesn’t get cakey
-
No muddy or orange undertones
-
Colors go on lighter than they appear
Finish: Glowy | Shades: 4 | Size: 0.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This bronzer has full-on shimmer status for those who want to take it up a notch from glowy. It looks (and dries down) like a powder, but has a gel-like base, which is part of why it glides on smoothly and blends well. We loved the shimmery finish and how long it lasted, although our tester did lament that the colors don’t look as dark on the skin as they look in the pan.
Byrdie
Alisa, tester with a neutral skin tone: “The texture was smooth and lightweight. It worked well with my skin’s texture and didn’t get cakey. It was a natural shimmer and was just barely noticeable.”
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-drugstore-bronzer