Every teenage girl in the early 2000s was guilty of caking on MAC face powder in a color two shades too dark. Not only did the color not match their skin, but it also violated every major natural beauty rule. Today, we know better and have many options. Bronzer is a great way to provide a little color to your skin without giving you the leathered look from the sun. The best bronzer for your skin will look natural, apply easily, and give you a great glow. You can choose from a matte bronze option, or if you like a little extra glamour, select a shimmer bronzer. If you are a beginner in the makeup world, you may need a little more help.
What Is Bronzer?
Bronzer is a make-up product used to mimic sun-kissed skin. It is usually a brown color and may include some glittering components. Make-up subscription service Ipsy describes it best, “Bronzer is the easiest way to nab a tropical vacation glow without ever leaving your cubicle. It's usually warm-toned and meant to mimic the sun's natural tanning effect on your skin, so it's perfect for those days when you want a sun-kissed natural look." Sun-kissed skin without sun damage? Count us in. Bronzer is a great tool to have in your make-up kit. 
History of Bronzers
While many people credit the Kardashians for the use of bronzers, the truth is, bronzers have been used for a long time. Actors in the Shakespearian era would use chalk on their faces to help playgoers see their expressions from far away. Similar effects worked their way through the years until it landed in Hollywood. Movies such as "Gone With The Wind" in 1940 highlight the use of face sculpting make-up techniques. It was around this same time that tanning as a whole became popular. Many parts of the world still treasure pasty white skin, but in American culture, many love the tanned look. Using bronzer is a great way to give your skin a bit of color and definition without the harmful effects of UV rays.
Benefits of Bronzers
Bronzers provide many benefits to your makeup routine. Here are some top reasons to use a bronzer.
Adds Dimension
If you feel like your face could use a little something extra, try using a bronzer. Bronzer has a way of adding dimension. If you have ever taken an art class, you likely studied shadows and shading. The same concepts apply to your face. Adding bronzer can help create definition and sculpt your face to create the look you are trying to achieve. Lighter skin tones will want to choose a light brown bronzer to keep a natural look. For a darker skin tone, choose a deeper brown option. Bronzers can also improve specific facial features. Do you feel you have a wide nose? A little bronzer in the right place can help. While many argue that you should love your skin the way it is, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best and improve upon your natural beauty.
Sun Color Without the Damage
One of the biggest benefits of using bronzer is getting a sun-kissed glow without ever having to go outside. Women have often subjected themselves to harmful UV rays outside and in indoor tanning booths. With the wide variety of bronzers available, you can find a great bronzer regardless of your skin tone or type while protecting your skin from the sun.
Skin Pigmentation
Bronzer can also help hide uneven skin or acne scarring by giving you an additional layer of coverage. Many people are self-conscious about scarring or other skin issues. Using bronzer to hide these uneven skin pigmentations can give you more confidence in the appearance of your skin.
Self Confidence
Bronzer is also a great tool to help boost your confidence. Have you heard the quote, “Look good, feel good"? This applies to your makeup as well. If you are feeling good about yourself, your whole day can be transformed. Bronzer is one great tool to help you get to your best appearance.
These benefits all sound great. But, how do you know which type of bronzer to choose?
Types of Bronzers
There are four main types of bronzer: powders, creams, gels, and liquids. Each provides different benefits. Here is an inside look at the different types of bronzers.
Powder Bronzer
Powder bronzer is the most popular choice among the different types of bronzers. It is extremely easy to use and comes in a variety of shades. Powder bronzer usually comes in a compact style container or as part of a palette. Some companies offer a powder bronzer alongside a highlighter for the perfect shimmering combination. They may also be paired with blush. Powder bronzer can be applied to your face, chest, or even your shoulders. Powder bronzer is effective for all skin types. For those with oily skin, powder bronzer is often the best choice.
Cream Bronzer
The cream bronzer has a velvety feel. It is a great choice if you have dry skin as cream bronzers are generally very hydrating. Cream bronzers often come in a stick form or in a jar. Cream bronzers are easy to use and won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. This type of bronzer is usually matte and doesn’t contain any shimmer. If you like a little bit of color without the sparkle and shine, a cream bronzer is a great choice. 
Gel Bronzer
Gel bronzer is exactly as it sounds, a gel with bronzing capabilities. Gel bronzer is long-lasting and great for those who need their look to last. Gel bronzer usually comes in a tube. It can be applied with your finger, make-up brush, or a beauty blender. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. Bronzing gel is also often used for contouring. Gel bronzer is a good choice for giving yourself a sun-kissed glow.
Liquid Bronzer
Liquid bronzer is a fairly new option to the bronzer market. A liquid bronzer usually has a pearly or shimmer-like undertone. It is a good choice for those who like dewy or shiny skin. Liquid bronzers often have a medicine dropper for application. This can be intimidating for some. But, liquid bronzers are buildable. This means you can start with a tiny amount and build layers as needed. This is a good option for those who like a natural look as you can get a small amount of sheer coverage without a ton of powdered bronzer. A liquid bronzer can give you the color you desire while still keeping a natural glow.
Best Bronzers for a Natural Look
No matter what formula of bronzer you prefer, there are some great options available. Regardless of your skin type, skin texture, or skin tone, there is a bronzer that will work wonders for your appearance. Here are some of the best bronzers for a natural look.
1. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a great cream bronzer choice. This product includes, “a blend of murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter from the nutrient-rich Amazon, this makeup is packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that soften, condition, and moisturize the skin." These ingredients create a soft, smooth texture that is easy to apply. It is made for sensitive skin and is cruelty-free. This option comes in seven additional colors to match any skin tone. It has a light shimmer and provides a great sun-kissed glow. The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. It is offered at $10.64.
Photo source: Amazon.com
2. Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze
Rimmel Natural Bronzer in the Sun Bronze color is one of the best bronzers for a natural look. This product is long-lasting and said to provide color for up to 10 hours. The bronzing powder has a matte finish and little to no shimmer. It is also water-proof and makes a great choice for your outdoor activities (with SPF, of course!). This bronzer has neutral undertones and will work well for any skin tone. The Rimmel Natural Bronzer is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. It comes in three additional colors and is offered at a low price of $2.43. This product would make a great addition to your makeup regimen.
Photo source: Amazon.com
3. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer is another great option for your next bronzer. This product is a matte bronzer with no shimmer. It provides a sun-kissed appearance to any skin type. It helps to bring definition to your facial features and is cruelty-free. This bronzer option is available in 5 colors to fit your skin tone. The NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer is also a part of a full make-up line from NYX. The product is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is currently offered on sale at a budget-friendly $7 and is normally listed for $9.
Photo source: Amazon.com
4. Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder
The Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder is a vegan and cruelty-free formula. This bronzing powder is said to be lightweight and will enhance your natural skin tone. The super fine bronzing powder allows for easy application and buildable/blendable coverage. The minerals in this bronzing powder also help to absorb excess oil and keep your skin oil and shine-free. The Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Facial Bronzing Powder is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is currently on sale for $15 and is regularly offered at $30. This bronzing powder is a good option for those with oily skin.
Photo source: Amazon.com
5. Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush
Another choice from Physicians Formula is the Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush. The product has a “fresh and vibrant mix of blushing tones infused with a pop of color to create a healthy glow." This mix of blush and bronzer will add a ton of color and pigmentation to your skin. This choice comes in a compact. The youthful heart pattern on the product may be a fun choice for the makeup beginner. The product also has a violet scent for those who prefer scented make-up products. The Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars and is offered at $11.
Photo source: Amazon.com
6. Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom Bronzer
The Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom Bronzer is a good option for your makeup tool kit. The bronzing powder comes in a convenient compact and has a brush included for easy application. This choice is a “custom bronzer” as it features a small circle design with many shades of bronzer. You can easily sweep the brush over the formula to get the colors of your choice. This also works great if your skin varies in color over the seasons. In the summer, you can use darker colors and use lighter colors in the winter. The Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom Bronzer is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is also budget-friendly as it is listed for $15 and is currently on sale for $11.
Photo source: Amazon.com
7. Haus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Heat Spell Bronzer Duo
The Heat Spell Bronzer Duo by Haus Laboratories is a solid pick for your bronzer. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. This weightless powder formula offers superior color-true coverage. With this product, you know the color you are getting. The bronzer and highlighter duo colors are complementary to one another and said to “melt together." The bronzer also has a buildable smooth and creamy application. This is a great option for a natural look. The bronzer and highlighter duo comes in 5 colors for you to find your best match. The Heat Spell Bronzer Duo is originally priced at $26 but is currently on sale for $13. This choice is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. It is a solid choice to meet your bronzing powder needs.
Each of these options is a great choice for a drugstore bronzer. But, if you are looking for a luxury pick, there are some other great choices.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Luxury Bronzers
If you have been wearing bronzer for quite some time and are ready to get a little spendy, there are some great products available. If you use bronzer regularly, it may be worth it to splurge a little, especially for special events. Here are some luxurious choices for a natural look.
1. Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Matte Bronzer
The Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Matte Bronzer is a cult classic. Many people rave about this bronzer choice. It offers deep color and is infused with 100% cocoa powder. This product is known for its amazing chocolate scent. It is also known for great buildable coverage. The product lasts for up to eight hours and comes in 3 shades. The Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Matte Bronzer is $34 and is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Sephora.com.
Photo source: sephora.com
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer
Another wildly popular selection is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer. This option is said to give you a glowing-goddess complexion. The bronzer is a “hyaluronic-acid infused, smoothing, pore-blurring effect matte bronzer for the face and body." The airbrush DNA of the product has taken the cosmetic market by storm. The Charlotte Tilbury website explains that there is one of the Airbrush Flawless Filter powder sold every minute. With technology this great, this bronzer may be worth it. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer is $56 and rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on the company website.
Many make-up artists will tell you if you are ready to add a sun-kissed glow to your pale skin without the damaging effects of the sun, bronzer is the way to go. No matter your skin tone, skin type, or skin texture there is an option that will fit your needs. From creams to powders, bronzer can give you the glow you have been searching for. Bronzer can create the appearance of slim, sleek, and well-defined facial features. You can also use a body bronzer to take the defined look past your face. Whether you choose a drug store bronzer or a luxury option, bronzer is essential for achieving your skin's best natural sun-kissed glow.
Photo source: charlottetilbury.com
