We Found the 6 Cream Bronzers That Give Our Faces a Deceivingly Natural Tan (2024)

I always strive to look like I just returned from Santorini’s sunny coast with glowing and refreshed skin, but even taking a faux-cation still requires work (hi, self-tanning). However, the best cream bronzers have hydrating formulas that warm up my complexion in 30 seconds or less. “Since cream formulas often contain emollients and humectants, the bronzer will blend into the skin seamlessly, whereas powder bronzers can sometimes sit on the surface of the skin and accentuate fine lines,” explains makeup artist Neil Scibelli, whose client roster includes stars such as Elle MacPherson and John Legend.

To get radiant, summery skin in the warm seasons and beyond, you must first consider a few factors, like how skilled you are at applying bronzers and whether a matte or dewy finish better suits your complexion. I spent a month testing a dozen cream bronzers against these variables (plus a few others, such as longevity and shade pigmentation). The following six gave me a year-round glow.

Our Testing Process

After speaking with makeup artists, digging deep into the market, and consulting with the InStyle beauty team, I selected 12 cream bronzers to test. For four weeks, I incorporated the bronzers into my everyday makeup routine, wearing them at work, on vacation, and during different events. I evaluated how well they held up throughout the day and night, noting any color changes and how long it took for each formula to fade. I also considered the ease of application, including whether the product blended into my skin seamlessly, layered well with other makeup, and caused any pilling. Additionally, I judged each bronzer’s overall look, determining whether it had the versatility for both casual and high-glam looks, gave my skin a gorgeous warmth, and looked natural against my skin tone.

What to Keep in Mind

• Finish: Whether you choose a matte or radiant finish depends on the look you want to achieve. If you’re seeking an all-around radiance, try a cream bronzer with a shimmery formula that accentuates the areas where you apply it. Matte finishes tend to look a bit more natural and can work well if you’re trying to define a certain area of the skin, such as the high points of your cheekbones, or if you want to add shadows to your features after applying foundation. Skin type also plays a role in your decision. “If you tend to be on the oilier side, you want to lean into matte versus satin and shimmers,” says makeup artist Jessica Candage.
• Shade: Regardless of your skin tone, Brown says the first rule of choosing the right bronzer is to go one or two shades deeper than your natural skin tone. But it’s not enough to only look at the shade’s depth, according to Uzo, the global artistry director for Nars. It is equally important to consider the shade’s undertone and find one that matches yours—whether it's cool, neutral, or warm. In general, makeup artist Elizabeth Seropian says warm undertones work well with yellow, peach, or golden hues. For neutral undertones, “a light tan brown shade gives the most natural glow without looking orangey,” says Uzo. Finally, soft colors such as beiges and light pinks complement cool undertones best.
• Skin Type: Many powder bronzers have natural matte finishes that make them a popular option for those with oily skin. However, don’t be intimidated to try a cream, even if you have shiny skin. Many formulas on this list have a lightweight texture that blends into complexions seamlessly for pillow-soft skin without the added dewiness. You can also opt for this type of bronzer when you want to add hydration back into dry complexions or seek a more dramatic look.

Your Questions, Answered

Is cream bronzer better for older skin?

Mature skin can rock any type of bronzer—cream, liquid, or powder. However, Candage explains that since mature skin is typically drier and has texture from fine lines and wrinkles, a dewier formula may blend better across this skin type. “Cream bronzer doesn’t grab the dry bits of skin like a powder can, and it doesn’t accentuate the lines on the face like a powder, which is why our mature skin friends feel much more confident with a cream,” she says.

Is a cream bronzer the same as a cream contour?

Using any bronzer is similar to contouring. However, whereas contour is meant to add dimension by shaping and sculpting the face, Uzo explains that “bronzers are a shortcut to adding natural-looking warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the skin” without stepping foot in the sun. Brown adds that contour shades are “usually more matte and cool-toned, whereas bronzer can also be matte, but most have a natural shimmer to create an overall glow.”

However, keep in mind that makeup really has no hard-and-fast rules, especially when it comes to a product as versatile as a bronzer. You can mimic the appearance of shadows, like you would with a contour, by taking a deep-shaded bronzer to your cheeks’ inner hollows. Or you can use a lighter contour shade to add warmth to the top of your cheekbones or jawline. At the end of the day, it’s whatever gets the job done and feels best to you.

How do you apply cream bronzer?

Scibelli tells us to consider the “three” technique when it comes to your bronzer placement, applying it around the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. These are the places where the sun naturally hits your skin. And don’t forget to blend down your neck, he says.

“Since the formula is a cream, you'll want to apply it with a synthetic makeup brush—I like a fluffy foundation brush,” suggests Scibelli. If you prefer a more chiseled look, Uzo adds that you can apply the bronzer “to the perimeter of the forehead (along the hairline), hollows of the cheekbones, and under the jawline” with a smaller, denser angled brush.

Why Shop with Us

Irene Richardson is a fashion and beauty commerce writer for InStyle. For this story, she researched and tested a dozen bronzers. She also interviewed the following experts:

• Neil Scibelli is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients such as Elle MacPherson and John Legend. You can also find Neil's work in print and online editorial magazines, across major runways during New York Fashion Week, and on performing arts stages at Lincoln Center and Broadway.
• Jessica Candage is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist. Her clients have included Lainey Wilson and Brittany Aldean.
• Uzo, whose clients include Naomi Campbell, Kirsten Dunst, and Tessa Thompson, has over 30 years of beauty industry experience. She’s currently the global artistry director for Nars Cosmetics and recently launched her own skincare and cosmetics brand, UZO.
• Kyle Brown is a makeup artist based in New York City. He’s supervised makeup for Broadway shows and worked with brands such as Smashbox Cosmetics.
• Elizabeth Seropian is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist with over a decade of professional experience. She’s worked with celebrities such as Cindy Crawford and Noah Cyrus.