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The Best 8 Bronzers for Fair Skin Tones and How to Apply Them
Although vampires are trending, they may not be your preferred beauty aesthetic. We’ve found the best bronzers for light, cool-toned skin so you can have sun-kissed skin—all year long.
If you're "the fairest of them all" and struggle matching bronzers to your face, we've got the skinny for you. We spoke with New York–based makeup artist Flynn Pyykkonen to help explain what to research before buying a bronzer for fair, cool-toned skin.
Choosing a bronzer
"First, you need to consider the difference between a bronzer and a contour shade," she says. Bronzers are meant to warm the skin, whereas a contour acts like a shadow on a cooler mauve tone, creating those nice elongated cheekbones we desperately chase. Pyykkonen suggests selecting a shade roughly two to three shades darker than your skin tone for your bronzer. "Any darker, you run the risk of the bronzer appearing too harsh; any lighter, you will be too close to the foundation shade, and you will lose the effect of the bronzer," she warns.
How to apply
When applying bronzer, start from the hollow of the cheekbone toward the top of the ear, suggests Pyykkonen, using a fluffy brush in light, upward strokes. Placing bronzer around the perimeter of your face with a light dusting (emphasis on light) can accentuate your features. "An easy way to remember where to place your bronzer is to create the shape of the number three," says Pyykkonen, "with a light amount of product from the forehead to the cheekbone and around the jaw." Your bronzer does not need to be expensive and can be selected at the drugstore. Below, Pyykkonen shares her favorite picks and quality buys to help you choose your ideal shade. Shall we?
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
Pros
- Comes in a very light color
Cons
- Does not include fragrance
Available in four shades with the lightest color being Pyykkonen's pick and highly recommended for pale skin beauties, this buildable formula comes in a matte finish and is a fan favorite.
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Pros
- Infused with murumuru butter
Cons
- May add a satin sheen
"Another great option you can get at the drugstore is Physicians Formula's Butter Bronzer, which smells delicious," says Pyykkonen. It's affordable and has a smooth, luxurious texture, infused with murumuru butter for ultimate radiance and satin sheen.
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder Bronzer
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder Bronzer
Pros
- Lightweight, buildable texture
Cons
- Cracks appear in the bronzer early on and may break apart before using it all
"What I enjoy most about this bronzer is the blendability, pigmentation, and matte finish," raved one customer. This Golden Light shade is lightweight and buildable for a sun-kissed look (even in the middle of winter) and effortlessly glides on mature, fine-lined skin.
Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand
Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand
Pros
- Blends nicely
- Provides an effortless glow
Cons
- Can feel heavy on your face
Equipped with a cushion tip, this contouring liquid formula blends easily into skin. It's enriched with squalane, which provides hydration mimicking your skin's natural oils, and is available in five magical shades.
DIOR Forever Natural Bronze Powder Bronzer
DIOR Forever Natural Bronze Powder Bronzer
Pros
- Long-lasting and hydrating
Cons
This no-fail bronzer is worth the price and dermatologist-approved. It keeps your natural hydration locked in while creating a soft yet warm glow that stays in place from day to night.
Saie Hello Sun Melt Duo
Pros
- Best Value
- Melts onto skin with warm hues and blends well
Cons
- The light bronze can come off a little orange on some
This kit has everything you need for sleek and defined cheekbones, including a small, soft-bristled brush for a seamless finish. Overall, it's an excellent value that'll leave you sun-kissed.
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Face Powder
Pros
- Available in a wide range of shades
Cons
- Chalky texture
"The shade Give Me Sun's luminous finish is a great option if you are trying to bring warmth and radiance to the face," offers Pyykkonen. This bronzer provides a natural, dimensional finish.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick Ganache
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick Ganache
Pros
- Creates a hydrated look
Cons
- Very expensive for product amount
This bronzer is grounded in natural-based ingredients that provide a natural, creamy finish for vegan-conscious users. It blends nicely and leaves users satisfied with their newly emphasized cheekbones.
Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she's not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she's off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, The Everygirl, and well, you get the idea.
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