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The Best Bronzers On The Planet, According To One Obsessive Beauty Editor
Meet the summer's new school of tan-enhancing creams, liquids and balms
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So many of us are unwavering in our opinion that we simply look better with a bit of a tan – especially now we're through the world's longest winter and that Mykonos glow is fast approaching. But, as we all know, a real suntan is so 2014 (despite what the worrying recent sunbed revival might be suggesting).
The answer lies in a decent bronzer – and today, we’re spoilt for choice. The days where the bronzer category was stuffed with drying powders and shimmer-soaked pigment are truly behind us, as lighter formulas and skin-mimicking shades come to the fore, ensuring there's really no risk of you looking like a reality TV star from the early Noughties. (The era's vintage bags might be back, but the terracotta skin tones? Not so much).
Which Bronzer Formula Is Best?
'Whether it's a matte, cream or illuminating bronzer that brings you joy, a good formula should spark your natural warmth and add a little "zing" to your face and skin anytime of the year,' says make-up artist Amalie Russell. 'Making sure you get the right bronzer for your skin tone is so important: the wrong one can either make you look orange, ashy or like there’s no make-up on you. It’s all about getting the balance right here.'
But with so many bronzers on the shelves, how do you know which one to choose? Select the wrong shade, and you might end up more terracotta than tanned. And when you’re trying to keep things natural, the wrong glitter ratio is sure to hamper your efforts.
Russell considers a cream bronzer the most modern option, as they give a natural, skin-like finish. ‘Feathering one on your forehead, cheeks, and the bridge of your nose with a blending brush will give a soft veil of healthy, skin-like glow,' she says.
But while bronzing drops, creams and oils (yes really – stay with me) are the best choice for skin glossing, a good old powder will always win in the longevity stakes. Today’s best are much more luminous than that tangerine compact we all carried around in the 00’s, and many come with dual tones to allow for some sneaky contouring, too.
Now for the most important part: placement. As make-up artist Gucci Westman explains, 'you don't want to go into the nose or below the cheek. When applying bronzer I focus on the upper half of the face. Blend it so it finishes naturally on your cheeks, or you’ll struggle to fade the colour out.'
You also don't want to end up with bronzer on your neck. 'I find that if you go too far down towards your jawline, it’s tricky to get a soft fade of the product – it’s all about the blending, which is easiest to do on the cheek,' she adds.
From the latest bronzing liquids for a translucent tan to the stick you can apply with your fingers, these are the very best bronzers of the bunch, according to someone who is never without an out-of-the-bottle glow.
The Very Best Bronzers To Shop Now
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has over fifteen years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find.
Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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