The 8 Best Cream Bronzers for a Radiant Straight-From-Vacation Glow
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023Get that sun-kissed glow all year round with the best cream bronzers you can easily swipe on and blend out.
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No matter the season, having a bit of a glow (perhaps post-vacation) is one of the most covetable looks in beauty. There are countless methods to achieving that just-tanned glow, like using self-tanning drops, but the best cream bronzers are the most tried and true. With blendable and buildable formulas, as well as nourishing ingredients, it’s no secret why makeup lovers use them. Whether you’re in the dead of winter or the heat of the summer sun daydreaming of sweat-proof makeup, a cream bronzer is made to effortlessly blend into your skin and last through hectic days.
Unlike powder bronzers, a cream bronzer is able to nourish and hydrate the skin, resulting in a dewy, glowy finish—no trip to a resort in Aruba needed. No matter your skin type, prepare for a kissed-by-the-sun finish with the best cream bronzers.
Ilia Multi-Stick
Ilia’s Multi-Stick gives a soft and subtle warmth without sparkles or glitter, making it one of the best cream bronzers for an instant glow on the skin. Applied with a makeup brush to the high points of the face (where the light hits), the stick has nourishing butters and oils, allowing for hydration during application. However, this cream bronzer won’t sink into any fine lines and wrinkles, keeping your face looking younger and radiant.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer
Charlotte Tilbury’s beloved bronzer is exactly what you need to achieve that post-island glow without fear of having to reapply. The cream bronzer has a 16-hour wear guarantee and helps to blur skin while also hydrating with hyaluronic acid. With four “universally” flattering shades, the powdery-cream finish allows for easily buildable color. So whether you’re looking for just a natural tint or a more defined, contoured look next to your blush, you can tackle both with this bronzer.
Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
Tower 28 Beauty is an excellent brand to try if skin sensitivities are a concern in your makeup or skin care routine. Its Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer instantly warms up any look with subtle shimmer and buildable shades. The light-catching bronzer doubles as a highlighter, so apply wherever the light naturally hits the face. This must-have best cream bronzer calms and soothes the skin, thanks to ingredients like mango butter and green tea extract.
Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream
The ultimate go-to bronzer is Nars’ Laguna, and it has the special bonus of a light scent from the brand’s signature Monoi de Tahiti Oil, immediately transporting you to the beaches of Tahiti. The creamy formula applies effortlessly onto the skin for a flawless finish and gorgeous beach glow. The long-lasting bronzer also locks in moisture, making it a smart choice for mature skin that may need extra hydration.
Rare Beauty Effortless Bronzer Sticks
If you’re new to bronzer, Rare Beauty’s Effortless Bronzer Sticks are an easy way to dip your toe into the sun-kissed pond. The liquid-like cream swipes on almost like a crayon, giving you full control over the desired result. Available in eight shades, the weightless and non-greasy formula blends easily into the skin and layers seamlessly over foundation. Use it for buildable color and a natural makeup look.
Milk Makeup Bionic Sunkissed Cream Bronzer
A lesser-known product from the trendy Milk Makeup line is its Bionic Bronzer, an easy-to-use bronzer that allows for an ultra-sheer glow to a fully sun-kissed finish (sans the self-tanner). The shimmer-free formula applies effortlessly over makeup without creating smudges or streaks. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom to hydrate and plump the skin during wear.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer
This cream bronzer from e.l.f Cosmetics is actually a creamy “putty-to-powder” formula, allowing for a semi-matte look that is naturally sun-kissed. The highly pigmented bronzer features buildable color for easy control over the amount you apply, nailing that post-vacay look. Plus, the formula’s argan oil and vitamin E ingredients add extra moisture without that greasy feel. The lightweight formula works well for adding all-over bronze with a makeup sponge or just as a contour.
Huda Beauty Tantour Contour and Bronzer Cream
This ultra-pigmented and blendable bronzer cream was created with darker skin tones in mind, like all Huda Beauty products. It’s a versatile contour and bronzer formula available in five shades. The luxe cream-to-powder finish allows for a sun-kissed complexion or a dramatic contour, depending on the application. Additionally, using primer can make the results more dramatic.
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