The Best Cream Bronzers of 2023

Every now and then, a product comes along that changes the beauty game, and cream bronzers are just that. They seamlessly blend into your natural complexion, offering an array of shades to create a radiant, sun-kissed glow that looks as effortless as it feels. Trust us, once you’ve incorporated these into your daily routine, there’s no looking back.

Here’s the scoop on cream bronzers—their winning attribute is how seamlessly they blend into the skin. Unlike some powder bronzers, cream bronzers provide a warm, natural glow without harsh lines or an orange undertone. Plus, they’re often packed with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate as they beautify. It’s like they’re working a double shift, giving you that sun-kissed look while taking care of your skin at the same time.

In terms of textures, they come in an array of options from whipped to stick to compact, providing a range of finishes like matte, luminous, or satin. With coverage that spans sheer to full, these bronzers cater to various preferences. Whether you’re hunting for a versatile, all-in-one makeup staple, or seeking that extra dash of sunlit radiance, cream bronzers could be your perfect beauty companion. However, much of the beauty industry still needs to address the limited shade range currently available. While most options cater well to light-to-medium skin tones, there’s an undeniable need for a more inclusive spectrum of shades.

Now, if you’re wondering how to navigate the vast sea of bronzing options, worry no more. Our editors have put in tireless hours scouring the web, comparing products, and consolidating reviews to compile a definitive list of the best cream bronzers currently on the market. From examining their ingredients and testing formula to scrutinizing their finish, we’ve done the groundwork to ensure that you can find the cream bronzer that will best suit your complexion and makeup needs.

This cream bronzer from Saie Beauty takes the cake.

It melts into the skin for a natural, velvet finish and leaves you with a gorgeous bronzed glow that lasts all day. You can use it as a soft-sculpt contour, or blend and buff onto areas where the sun naturally hits like your cheekbones and nose bridge.

The skin-loving ingredients include colloidal oatmeal to soothe and smooth, grapeseed oil, and elderberry extract to give you some extra hydration on top of that healthy glow. There are also 6 shades available for various skin tones—from fair to deep!

“First time using bronzer and I love this product! It blends so easily (I bought the brush to go with it) and adds a nice warmth and glow to my makeup while still looking natural,” shared one reviewer.

Tower 28 Beauty’s hallmark bronzer is the perfect product for anyone looking for a subtle, natural-looking glow.

The five buildable shades range from light to dark, so you can choose exactly how much warmth you want on your face. And it’s formulated with moisturizing mango butter and green tea extract to help soothe and condition your skin.

With a light-catching sheen that doubles as a highlight, this balm glides on smoothly and evenly—making it easy to use every day. It’s a great pick for those who want to look naturally radiant without any fuss!

According to beauty enthusiasts, “Have always been a cream bronzer girl and this did not disappoint. It’s creamy and blends like a dream definitely something I’m reaching for daily.”

Milk Makeup’s Matte Cream Bronzer Stick is a must-have for every girl on the go.

This stick is formulated with hydrating ingredients that create an instant sunkissed glow, and it has a natural-looking matte finish. It arrives in five buildable, blendable colors that add subtle warmth to your skin without the need for shimmer or glittery effects.

It also works both as a face bronzer and a contour stick so you can use it for quick touchups during the day without having to carry around multiple products. The subtle coconut scent adds a nice touch, too!

“I’m truly in love with the creaminess of the product because it just glides right on the skin as well as how hydrating it leaves the skin,” wrote one shopper. “Last but not least, I love how small the product is because it’s so easy for traveling since it fits everywhere.”

Another stunning pick, this moisturizing cream bronzer from REFY allows you to blend and bronze as an all-over base.

It has a natural, velvety finish and can be built up for more coverage. Not to mention, it also has warm undertones that give your skin a radiant summer glow.

The most impressive thing about this product is how moisturizing it is. The formula contains ingredients like sunflower seed wax, jojoba esters, and vitamin E to ensure that any excess oils on your skin are removed while leaving behind a hydrated feel.

According to buyers, “I use the cream bronzer every day as a full face cover instead of using foundation. It’s sheer, glowy, and leaves my skin looking so fresh and hydrated.”

Chanel’s cream-gel bronzer is an incredible product.

It’s a lightweight formula that gives your skin a sun-kissed glow and also gives you the option to apply it with a brush or your fingers. The product offers a matte finish, so it looks natural on the skin and doesn’t feel heavy or oily at all.

The soft-focus powders deliver an immediate smoothing effect, while mineral waxes and powders ensure effortless application. Meanwhile, silica and light-reflecting pigments give this product its unique ability to give your skin a healthy glow without looking like you’ve been in the sun for hours on end.

“It’s so worth the money. It blends like a dream, looks beautiful, smells good, and lasts all day. I will always have this in my makeup routine,” explained one reviewer.

When it comes to bronzers, we’re a firm believer that less is more.

You want the look of your natural skin but with a little extra glow—and that’s exactly what NARS’ Laguna Bronzing Cream is. This creamy formula is infused with five sunkissed shades and inspired by the label’s best-selling Laguna for an instant sun-kissed bronze finish.

The texture of this product is silky smooth, so it’s easy to apply in small amounts for targeted areas like cheekbones or temples. It also goes on smoothly and evenly without any effort, making it great for beginners who might be intimidated by other bronzers with more intimidating textures (i.e., powders).

Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer is a must-have for anyone who wants a natural-looking or contoured bronzed look.

The 7 no-fuss shades are perfect for all skin tones and work in any lighting to give you the most natural glow possible. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can use it as a highlighter, blush, or even eyeshadow.

It comes in a sleek black compact with a mirror inside, making it easy to carry around. The formula is silky smooth, but not greasy at all—it melts into your skin effortlessly.

Plus, it’s water-resistant and stays put all day long without caking up or feeling heavy on your face.

“My go-to cream bronzer, looks so natural, blends easily without losing pigment, doesn’t dry my skin out, and it works perfectly with other Fenty products,” stated one wearer.

Anastasia Beverly Hills makes a lot of great products, but this bronzer is really special.

The formula is lightweight and cream-based, so it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all—but it gives you the perfect amount of color to make your skin look naturally sun-kissed, not orange or muddy. And it sets itself with a natural matte finish that doesn’t look patchy or streaky at all!

The product comes in ten shades that range from fair to deep, so everyone can find something that works for them. The second-skin seamless look means that once it’s on your face, you don’t even know it’s there—it just feels comfortable and looks amazing!

This bronzer stick is a must-have for anyone who wants to add a pop of color to their complexion in an easy, blendable way.

The formula is formulated with rosehip oil, which helps to hydrate and replenish your skin, and green tea extract, which contains antioxidant benefits that soothe and replenish skin. It goes on smooth and gives a gorgeous, natural glow to your complexion.

It really does an incredible job at blurring the look of imperfections and texture—making it perfect for contouring! The five shades are buildable without looking unnatural or caked on.

“If you’re actually second guessing yourself about this product, please don’t and if you’re able to get it somehow, please do,” raved one reviewer. “I love this product, everything about it, and it’s not too expensive”

If you’re looking for a bronzer that’s natural-looking and easy to use, Glossier’s gel crème bronzer is a great option.

The bronzer features multi-colored pearls and pigments, each tint capturing how the sun warms each and every skin tone. It’s infused with an emulsion of jojoba, aloe, baobab, and watermelon to give you a natural-looking glow without any harsh lines or unnatural colors.

Plus, the price point and easy-to-use container are great for beginners!

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How to Choose the Perfect Bronzer

Skin Tone

When it comes to choosing the perfect bronzer, it’s paramount to consider its compatibility with your skin tone. Much like a symphony of colors, bronzers come in a multitude of shades, from warm golden hues to deeper, more chocolatey undertones. If you’re more on the fair side, a soft, light-reflective bronzer will add that desired warmth without overwhelming your complexion. For medium to darker skin tones, bronzers with rich pigmentation will do wonders in enhancing your natural warmth.

Formula and Finish

In the universe of bronzers, the formula and finish are essential elements to consider. You’ll find bronzers in powder, cream, or liquid formulations, each providing a unique application experience. Powder bronzers are often easier to control and blend, making them great for beginners. Cream and liquid bronzers, on the other hand, can create a more natural, dewy finish. Regarding the finish, bronzers can range from matte to shimmer. While matte bronzers offer a natural, sun-kissed look, shimmer bronzers can provide that extra glow.

Blendability

Blendability is an underrated yet crucial characteristic when it comes to bronzers. A bronzer that blends seamlessly allows you to achieve a natural, sun-touched look without any harsh lines or patches. It’s the key to an effortless, natural finish that looks like you’ve spent the perfect amount of time basking in the sun.

Ingredients

Last but not least, taking a peek at the ingredient list is essential when selecting a bronzer. It’s wise to steer clear from products packed with excessive chemicals and fillers. Instead, opt for bronzers that incorporate nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, natural oils, or even SPF for added skin protection. Bronzers with skin-loving ingredients not only enhance your complexion but also take care of it.

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FAQ

What does a bronzer do?

The magic of bronzer lies in its ability to impart a sun-kissed glow on your skin. Think of it as bottled sunshine that adds warmth and depth to your complexion. It’s the go-to tool for mimicking a natural tan, enhancing the look of sun-touched skin. A well-applied bronzer can make you look radiant, as if you just returned from a beach vacation.

How do you apply a cream bronzer?

Applying cream bronzer requires a different approach compared to its powder counterpart. To start with, dip your brush or sponge into the product and gather a small amount. You can also use your fingers if you prefer a hands-on approach. Next, apply the bronzer to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit—the top of your forehead, bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and chin. Remember, it’s easier to build up the product than to take it away, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

How do you blend a cream bronzer?

The secret to a natural-looking bronzer is all in the blending. After you’ve applied the cream bronzer to your face, use a brush or sponge to blend it into your skin. Move in small, circular motions and ensure the product is evenly distributed. If you’re using your fingers, blend the product using a tapping motion. This will help the bronzer merge with your skin for a seamless, natural finish.

What is the difference between bronzer and contour?

Though they might appear similar at first glance, bronzer and contour serve different purposes in the realm of makeup. Bronzer is all about adding warmth and a sun-kissed glow to your skin, applied to areas where the sun would naturally hit your face. On the other hand, contour is used to create shadows and define your features, typically applied under your cheekbones, along the jawline, and on the sides of your nose.

While bronzer brings life and radiance to your complexion, contour sculpts and defines your facial structure. It’s like the difference between a spotlight and a silhouette – each has its unique role in crafting the final picture.