The Best Bronzer Sticks of 2023

For a sun-kissed glow that whispers of sandy beaches and sunkissed sunsets, bronzer sticks have climbed to the top of our makeup must-have list. These handheld wonders have redefined the world of bronzers, providing ease of use and application that effortlessly mimics a natural tan, regardless of the season.

Bronzer sticks are celebrated for their remarkable ability to sculpt and define the face, adding depth and dimension in all the right places. They lend your skin a healthy warmth, bridging the gap between your natural complexion and the sun-kissed tone we all covet. Moreover, their cream-based formulas blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a smooth, natural finish that’s hard to achieve with their powder counterparts.

Bronzer sticks come in various forms and shades, from sleek, twist-up tubes to chunky, oversized crayons. Regardless of the packaging, the principle remains the same: draw, blend, and glow. Their simple application process is practically foolproof, even for those new to the bronzer game. If you happen to apply too much, simply blend it out or lighten it up with a touch of foundation. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance that suits your skin tone and desired look.

What truly sets bronzer sticks apart is their versatility. They cater to a broad spectrum of skin tones, from the fairest of fair to the deepest of deep. Whether you’re aiming for a soft, sun-dappled glow or a dramatic, contoured definition, there’s a bronzer stick out there that’s been meticulously crafted for your needs. The market today is filled with a plethora of options, each promising to deliver that coveted warmth and depth to your complexion.

Navigating the realm of bronzer sticks can be daunting with the variety of choices available. But fear not, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve explored a myriad of options, analyzing each based on their ease of application, blendability, shade range, and overall finish.

Stay tuned as we unveil our favorite bronzer sticks in every category, each one selected to help you achieve that effortless, sun-kissed glow all year round.

Milk Makeup’s Matte Cream Bronzer Stick is the perfect all-in-one product for a natural, sunkissed glow.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients to nourish the skin, this product can be used anywhere you want a warm, radiant glow—on your cheeks, forehead, lips, eyelids or wherever you want to add some shimmer-free warmth. The creamy texture is blendable and buildable for just the right amount of color.

It contains mango butter and apricot oil to hydrate for a glowing finish. The stick itself has sleek white packaging that’s small enough to fit into any makeup bag or purse—perfect for on-the-go touchups!

“This product blends easily and beautifully for a quick and gorgeous result. I also apply a little to my eyelids for an even glow,” wrote one person.

Fenty Beauty’s Contour Stick is a game-changer.

It’s a light-as-air, matte formula that can be applied anywhere you want to contour—and it layers beautifully! The stick is made to work with your skin, so whether you’re fair or dark, this product will give you the edge you’ve been looking for.

Featuring a creamy texture that melts into powder on application, this contour stick will not crease or cake up on your skin. You’ll be able to layer it on for hours with no mess, and it won’t leave behind any residue when it comes time to wash it off at the end of the day.

This makes it perfect for targeted application anywhere you want to contour: cheekbones, nose bridge and tip, jawline—even lips! The shade range is extensive enough for all skin tones: nine different shades are available so everyone can find their perfect match.

UOMA Beauty’s Contour Stick is a double-ended applicator with both a contour and highlight stick.

The contour side offers a soft matte finish, while the illuminating highlighter side gives you a radiant sheen. Its long-wear buildable formula won’t budge, no matter how much you apply, making it ideal for all skin tones.

Moreover, the formula allows for easy application, and it features an adjustable finish that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Plus, it’s also infused with lychee fruit extract to hydrate your skin while providing an optimal application experience.

Nudestix’s Nudies Bronze can be used all over the face, eyes, and lips to give you a subtle warmth that is perfect for the winter months.

The cream bronzer stick is another dual-ended design with a brush tip on one end and an angled tip on the other end. Furthermore, the angled tip allows you to stipple in a patting motion with a brush or fingers to blend out any harsh lines created from the brush tip.

The product comes in eight shades so you can find your perfect match. Just one swipe delivers enough product for a subtle warm glow that will last throughout the day.

Makeup By Mario’s Shaping Stick is a dual-ended, buildable formula that swipes on seamlessly for true-to-skin definition.

It dries down to a natural matte finish and works well with every type of complexion. The shades complement complexions regardless of undertones, making them perfect for any skin tone.

The removable angled buffing brush makes it easy to apply the Shaping Stick without any streaks or mistakes—you can even use it to set your makeup! It’s also perfect for achieving the contour you want without having to worry about orange or muddy tones.

LYS Beauty’s Creamy Bronzer is the perfect product for anyone who wants a glow that’s subtle, yet insanely pigmented.

It helps naturally shape and define facial features while giving skin a second-skin finish. It’s great for darker complexions, too, gently blending into the hallows of the cheek, temples of the forehead, and jawline.

The formula contains green tea extract to soothe and hydrate skin; watermelon seed extract to retain moisture levels; and rosehip oil with vitamins A, C, and E to help reduce the look of dark spots.

I’ve been through dozens of cream bronzers and can never seem to find the right one for my skin tone. It’s the perfect shade for me to bronze or contour with, and it blends effortlessly,” wrote one reviewer.

If you’re looking for a sheer bronzer with a satin finish and buildable formula, MERIT’s Bronze Balm is the perfect choice.

This product gives your skin a wash of natural warmth and depth without any orangeness or streaks. It’s made with fatty acids that condition skin and lock in moisture, so you can be sure your skin will be in good hands while wearing it.

The label recommends using the wide side of the applicator to swipe anywhere the sun naturally hits, then blending out with a brush for more coverage where needed.

According to one buyer, “What can I say? I absolutely love the stick bronzer! I love how easy it is to work with and how creamy it is!”

We love all kinds of beauty products, but something about a bronzing stick really excites us. This product is like a dream come true for anyone who wants to look sun-kissed and glowy but doesn’t want to be bothered with the mess of brushes or the hassle of cream. Just swipe on, blend, and go!

We were lucky enough to try Rare Beauty’s Bronzing Stick, which comes in eight shades. The smooth-glide texture makes it easy to softly sculpt cheeks and eyes, and the built-in 2-in-1 applicator makes application quick and easy.

It contains a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white water lily that gives you all the benefits of natural ingredients without the mess or hassle of mixing your own colors together

It’s not easy to find a bronzer that works for every skin tone. That’s why we love Pixi Beauty’s On-the-Glow Bronze.

It comes in one shade, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re pale or dark—it’ll work for you. But it’s not just about being universal; this stuff is also packed with fruit extracts, vitamin E, and ginseng to nourish and renew your complexion while balancing your skin tone.

The result? Your skin will look radiant and healthy without any sign of orange-y undertones. As if that weren’t enough, it also doubles as a cheekbone highlight or lip color! Just sweep it on, and voila: a fresh face for every occasion.

If you’ve been looking for a new way to achieve flushed cheeks and an insanely glowy complexion, look no further. MegaGlo is a makeup stick from Wet n Wild that will surely answer your prayers.

It’s available in three shades—Oaks On You, Call Me Maple, and Where’s Walnut?—and its velvety cream-to-powder formula makes it ultra-blendable on the skin. It’s so easy to precisely control the intensity of your blush that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

---

What to Look for in Bronzer Sticks

Formulation and Consistency

When shopping for a bronzer stick, the formulation and consistency play a pivotal role in its performance. A good bronzer stick should glide smoothly onto the skin and blend easily. It should feel lightweight on the skin and not cakey or heavy. Creamy textures are particularly desirable, as they often provide a more natural, dewy finish and can double as contour sticks.

Shade Range

The shade range of the bronzer stick is also an important consideration. A diverse shade range caters to a broader spectrum of skin tones, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect match. For a natural sun-kissed look, opt for a shade that’s one or two tones darker than your natural skin tone. Warmer undertones work best for a bronzed effect, while cooler tones can help sculpt and define facial features.

Staying Power

Bronzer sticks should have impressive staying power, maintaining their color and finish throughout the day. High-performing bronzer sticks resist sweating, humidity, and sebum, making them ideal for long-wear, especially during the summer months or in hotter climates.

Ingredients

Considering the ingredients in your bronzer stick is crucial, especially if you have sensitive skin. Look for products that are free of potential irritants like fragrances and parabens. In addition, bronzers enriched with skincare ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, or hydrating elements can provide an added benefit by nourishing your skin as you wear them.

---

FAQ

What is a bronzer?

Bronzer is a type of makeup product designed to give the skin a sun-kissed glow. It typically comes in shades of brown and can have either matte or shimmery finishes. Bronzer is often used to create a healthy, tanned appearance, to enhance a natural tan, or to emphasize features through a technique known as bronzing.

How do you use a bronzer stick?

A bronzer stick is a bronzer in a solid, often cream-based form. To use it, you simply need to apply the product directly onto the skin and then blend it out. The areas where you would typically apply bronzer are where the sun would naturally hit your face: the top of your forehead, along the bridge of your nose, and the tops of your cheekbones. After applying the bronzer stick to these areas, use your fingers, a brush, or a sponge to blend the product into your skin until you achieve the desired level of color and no harsh lines are visible.

Can you use bronzer as a contour?

Bronzer can indeed be used as contour in some cases, but it’s essential to understand the difference between bronzing and contouring. Bronzing is intended to make the skin look sun-kissed and healthy, while contouring is meant to create shadows to define and reshape facial features. Typically, contouring products are matte and have a cool or neutral undertone to mimic natural shadows, while bronzers often have a warm undertone. However, if you have a bronzer that is matte and the correct shade for your skin tone, you can use it for a subtle, natural-looking contour.

Based on my complexion, what shade of bronzer should I pick?

Choosing the correct shade of bronzer depends on your specific skin tone. If you have fair to light skin, opt for a bronzer that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone and has a peachy or honey hue to avoid looking orange or muddy. For medium skin tones, a rose-bronze or gold-flecked bronzer usually works well. If you have dark or deep skin, choose a rich, warm bronzer that’s a few shades darker than your skin tone and has a reddish or amber undertone. Remember, the goal of bronzer is to create a warm, sun-kissed effect, so it should be subtly warmer than your natural complexion but not so dark that it appears unnatural or stark.