Types of Bronzers

4 Types of Bronzers to Suit Every Single Summer Vibe

Every glow, covered.

While the sun may kiss us on the cheeks with the ultimate bronze glow in summer, I think we all like to be in charge of the shade range. Some of us prefer deep tan shades, and some of us like golden browns. Some of us like it matte, and some love it dewy. But here’s another way to expand the range: trying different bronzer types.

Bronzer doesn’t only come in powder form. There are other formulas, and each has a unique benefit. They differ in the amount of coverage, blendability, texture, and consistency.

So if you’re ready to look the part this summer and on the lookout for a bronzer, below are the different types of bronzers and which one to choose for a sun kiss that suits you best.

Types of Bronzers

Types of Bronzers

1. Powder Bronzer

Powder bronzers are the most popular form. Because of this, they come in a ton of shades and finishes to match every possible skin type and tone. They’re non-gimmicky, easy, and practical.

They can work for both long-time makeup lovers and makeup beginners. A powder bronzer comes in a compact form and works for all skin types, including dry skin. The color payoff is the best with powder options.

Close-up of a powder bronzer example

My personal favorite: Nars Powder Bronzer (sorry about the mess), but this is the type that should come to mind when discussing bronzers.

Choose a powder bronzer if:

  • You’re a makeup beginner
  • This is your first time using a bronzer
  • You have difficulty finding a bronzer shade for your skin tone
  • You don’t want to experiment
  • You have oily, acne-prone skin
  • You’re in for fresh summer vibes

2. Cream Bronzer

Cream bronzers bring a French girl vibe to bronzing. These usually come in a pot with varying textures. Don’t assume that cream bronzers are literally creams with a bit of tint. Most of them have a whipped texture, almost like cream-to-powder, making them wearable instead of wet and smudgy.

Cream bronzers tend to have a natural radiance to them because of their formula. The only downside is that they can move a bit on your face, especially when you don’t set your makeup or you spend a lot of time in hot weather.

Close-up of a cream bronzer example

The beloved Chanel Les Beiges Cream Bronzer! Photo from my archives, I no longer have this bronzer, but it was one of my go-tos for cream-bronzing without a shimmery finish.

Choose a cream bronzer if:

  • You want something flattering for dry skin
  • You prefer natural-looking makeup
  • You have mature skin or fine lines and want youthful-looking makeup
  • You prefer radiant, dewy finish bronzers
  • You can handle a bit of makeup moving around
  • You’re in for sun-kissed, flower dress vibes

3. Stick Bronzer

This is like a cream bronzer in stick form. The formula is very similar, but stick bronzers are a bit more emollient and moisturizing for the skin. Needless to say, the application only takes a few swipes across the face, making it easy to use.

You can blend with a brush, but also use your hands for application. An overlooked advantage of a stick bronzer is that you can try neutral colors and make your stick bronzer work like a contour stick as well!

My current choice of stick bronzer. The shade Mocha is on the neutral/cool side, allowing it to double as a contour stick and light bronzer.

Choose a stick bronzer if:

  • You like multi-purpose products
  • You want to contour too
  • You’re on the go
  • You want an easy application
  • You can blend bronzer with your fingers
  • You’re in for beachy summer vibes

4. Liquid Bronzer

Though not as common as other formulas, there are liquid bronzers that deliver amazing results. Liquid bronzers can vary in consistency. Some come in as bronzing drops, and some are in a gel form that turns into liquid as you blend it.

The color payoff with liquid bronzer is usually less, as it requires more blending, which disperses the pigments. But in terms of the finished look, I think liquid bronzers are the most flattering for the skin. They bring about this wet, dewy look on the skin and really blend in seamlessly.

A great example of a liquid bronzer is Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee. It’s not super runny, so it blends without creating a mess.

Choose liquid bronzer if:

  • You want a formula that won’t settle in fine lines
  • You want a natural finish
  • You have dry skin and want a hydrating formula
  • You like glowing skin
  • You want something that can be mixed with foundation
  • You prefer sheer but buildable color
  • You’re in for glossy lips, vibrant cheeks vibes

So these are the different types of bronzers. You can’t go wrong with bronzer. The right formula can make you look and feel prettier and more confident. If you need help finding your shade, here’s how to choose a bronzer color for your skin tone.

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