Here’s How to Apply Liquid, Cream and Powder Bronzers

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

Although this is not a traditional cream bronzer, it can be used to add glow to the skin when mixed with foundation. We love that it gives your finished look a glowy, warm touch.

LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick

For a bronzer that’s easy to reapply on the go, opt for this bronzing stick. It’s  super creamy and pigmented, and it can be used to add a little warmth to the temples, cheekbones or all over for a little glow.

Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

If you prefer a little shimmer for your bronzer, try this option in the West Coast or Best Coast hues. It can be used for a subtle sparkle on your temples or blended in with your foundation for major shimmer.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

This bronzing stick gives off a creamy, pigmented finish and a sun-kissed glow. It has a variety of shades that keep undertones in mind — cool, warm and neutral — and can be easily swiped on with a brush or your fingers.

How to Apply Liquid Bronzer

Liquid bronzers are quite easy to work with once you get the hang of them. “I use liquid bronzers on clients who want to have a naturally contoured appearance,” says Oliver. “And because liquid bronzer almost melts into the skin, it’s easy to blend and sits well on top of textured skin, like acne, rosacea and eczema.” You can blend this type of formula using a synthetic hair brush or a sponge. Keep scrolling to check out a few of our favorites.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer

Add subtle shimmer to your look with this fluid sheer glow enhancer that comes in a bronze hue. It can be used on the cheekbones for a layer of dimension or mixed in with your foundation.

NYX Professional Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

Although not a traditional bronzer, this liquid illuminator comes in a bronze shade that will give you a dreamy, golden glow.

Iconic London Sheer Bronze Liquid Bronzer

If you want a medium, buildable coverage formula, opt for this liquid pick that will give you a subtle shimmer and bronze finish. It’s oil-free, which makes it a great pick for blemish-prone skin types.

Live Tinted Hueglow in Dusk

This liquid bronzer stands out from the pack because  it can be used anywhere on the body for a little extra warmth and shimmer. Apply it to your face, decolletage or even on your legs for a sparkling glow that will make you feel like it's summertime (even if it's not!).

How to Apply Powder Bronzer

Powder bronzer is one of the more traditional types of bronzers used by makeup lovers and is typically applied with an angled bronzer brush. It’s a great option for those with oily skin. “When using a powder, make sure to tap off any excess product from the brush,” says Oliver. “Create a ‘3,’ starting from the forehead (moving outward, toward the temple), then under the cheekbone and along the jawline.” 

Of course, powder bronzer is also great for contouring.To contour with powder, use a smaller contouring brush for more precise application. In terms of shades, Oliver prefers a taupe bronzer versus a red or terracotta one, as cool tones are better for sculpting. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer

This drugstore option is a great find if you’re looking for a pigmented, matte bronzer finish. It’s soft to the touch and leaves behind a velvety finish, which is ideal if you have an oily complexion or if you’re looking for a long-lasting look. 

Maybelline New York The City Bronzer

This matte bronzer is a great option if you prefer a powder formula or if you have an oily to combination skin complexion. It will help minimize the appearance of shine throughout the day and give you a matte (but not flat!) finish.

Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

For a silky powder finish, opt for this bronzer that can be applied all over the face or anywhere on the body. We love that it leaves behind a smooth look that can help correct the appearance of uneven skin texture.

Valentino Beauty Go-Clutch Refillable Compact Powder in Bronzer

Add a shimmery bronze to your makeup with this refillable compact powder. It can be used for contour or sparkling highlight or for your face and chest.

Lancôme Star Bronzer Powder

If you’re in search of a radiant finish that will give your skin a major glow-up, look no further than this luminous powder. It comes in four bronzing shades and will give you a sun-kissed finish for hours.

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

This bronzer is a cult-favorite for good reason — it’s super buildable, matte and leaves behind a soft-focus finish. It comes in multiple shades and can be used all over for a subtle, yet noticeable glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer

Get an air-brushed look with this velvety, matte bronzer. It comes in four versatile shades and can be used on a variety of skin tones for a warm flush of glow.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

For a bronzer that packs a punch, opt for this dual product that contains cream and powder. Simply pop on the cream product as a base shade and brush the matching powder hue overtop.