The 20 Best Bronzers for Maximum Glow at Every Budget

Like many other makeup products, not all bronzers are created equal. When shopping for a product to give your complexion a little extra dose of glow, you want to make sure you’re getting the most bronze for your buck. 

When it comes down to it, though, drugstore bronzers can totally be comparable to their higher-end alternatives. And then sometimes the high-end options are truly worth the splurge. Ahead, we break down the 20 best bronzers for every budget, both affordable and high-end.

Best Powder Bronzers

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer — $

The most pigmented and the most affordable of the bunch, this NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer will change your bronzing routine for seasons to come. At $9 a pop, this matte bronzer is great for sculpting out a contour or simply dusting along your temples and cheekbones for a little glow.

Maybelline New York City Bronzer — $

With its luxurious velvety matte finish, you’d never guess that you could pick up the Maybelline New York City Bronzer at your local drugstore. Hundreds of five-star customer reviews attest to the blendable, buildable color of this powder. 

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Soft Matte Bronzer — $

For color that will last through your busiest days and nights, opt for the Infallible 24H Soft Matte Bronzer. This incredible bronzer is waterproof, sweatproof, transfer-proof, heat-proof and humidity-proof. 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer Powder — $$

The Bye Bye Pores Bronzer Powder also acts as an airbrush-finish setting powder to give your skin a sunkissed look while simultaneously erasing the appearance of pores. We love that it’s infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E.

Urban Decay Stay Naked Threesome Palette — $$

Give your skin dimensional color and glow with the Stay Naked Threesome Palette, a trio of bronzer, blush and highlighter. (On that note, with this compact, you’re really getting three different products for around $37!) These lightweight pressed powders are comfortable to wear and never cakey with lasting power up to 14 hours.

IT Cosmetics Your Most Beautiful You Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer, Radiance Luminizer and Brightening Blush Palette — $$

This highlighter, blush and bronzer palette has all of the face makeup you need conveniently in one place. This complexion trio is all about bringing out the existing luminosity of your skin. Like many of IT Cosmetics’ other products, the Your Most Beauty You Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer, Radiance Luminizer and Brightening Brush Palette is an ideal choice for mature skin. 

Urban Decay Beached Bronzer — $$

Be prepared for everyone to ask you if you just got back from vacation whenever you use this radiant, beachy bronzer. Dust this creamy powder all over your face and décolletage for a sheer, natural-looking glow. 

IT Cosmetics Ombré Radiance Bronzer — $$

This ombré bronzer from IT Cosmetics is our pick for a versatile and customizable bronzed look, whether you’re looking for subtle warmth or a matte glow. Plus, the unique, peptide-packed formula has anti-aging benefits. 

Valentino Beauty Go-Clutch Refillable Compact Powder — $$$

Though definitely on the pricey side at $205, this luxe powder doubles as a high-fashion accessory. It’s a refillable compact-slash-clutch in Valentino’s signature gorgeous red packaging, complete with a crossbody chain so you can glow on the go. 

Thrive Causemetics Sun Chaser Blur + Sculpt Bronzing Powder — $$

Brush the Sun Chase Blur + Sculpt Bronzing Powder along your temples, jawline and below your cheekbones for a sculpted contour. Your skin will instantly look smooth and seamless while hydrating over time thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the powder.

Best Liquid Bronzers

NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum — $

Unlike NYX Professional Makeup’s matte pressed powder bronzer, the Bare With Me Luminous Cheek Serum is buildable and sheer for that perfect no-makeup-makeup look. Use this liquid bronzer for a pretty, sunkissed flush.    

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer — $

The True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer is an illuminating skin tint that can be worn alone or with your face makeup to boost your skin’s luminosity. It’s infused with glycerin and shea butter for all-day hydration. 

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer — $$

The Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer is a multi-use liquid complexion product that can be used as a highlighter, bronzer, blush or all three depending on the shade you choose. This is a great option if you gravitate towards more dewy, natural makeup looks.

Glossier Solar Paint — $$

Capture the magic of summer skin all year round with Glossier Solar Paint. This gel-like creme contains light-reflecting pearls for a slightly shiny finish, almost like a bronzer and highlighter in one product.

Best Cream Bronzers

YSL Beauty Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint — $$

Tap the peachy Pinch shade of the YSL Beauty Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint onto your cheekbones for a bronzer-like effect. It has a soft, balm texture that glides effortlessly across your skin, combined with the staying power of a stain. 

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer — $

You don’t have to choose between a powder and a cream with the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer. This bronzer feels soft and silky on your skin while giving you a lit-from-within radiance.  

Saie Sun Melt Cream Balm Bronzer — $$

Find the right bronzer to match your skin tone with the Melt Cream Balm Bronzer’s range of light to dark shades. As the name suggests, this soothing balm positively melts into your skin and feels nourishing while you wear it.

Merit Beauty Bronze Balm — $$

We’re obsessed with the sheer, buildable Bronze Balm from Merit Beauty. Application doesn’t get any easier than with this travel-friendly and mess-free stick. It’s also safe to use if you have acne-prone skin, so you won’t have to worry about breakouts.   

Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm — $$

The Jones Road Beauty Miracle Balm is a shimmery, dynamic balm unlike any other complexion product. It can go on your cheeks, lips and eyelids to give your face some color and shine. For a bronzer effect, choose between the shades Magic Hour, Bronze, Tawny and Sunkissed.

Westman Atelier Beauty Butter — $$$

This buttery matte bronzer is shimmer-free, but it still gives you a healthy glow as if you just returned from a scenic stroll on the beach. It’s made with innovative technology that protects your skin from environmental stressors.

Design: Juliana Campisi