Just because you have fair skin doesn't mean you can't get a summer glow
The best bronzers can lift a face within seconds. If you are tired, pale or just generally feeling a little shitty a good application of bronzer has the ability to transform. But make sure you get it right. It can be tricky to find the best bronzer – there’s a chance you could get it very wrong and end up looking like a cast member of TOWIE. A lot of factors have to be taken into account. Whether you want shimmer or not. Does a red undertone suit your skin tone. And your skin type – dry, combination or oily. All of these things will effect how your bronzer looks on the skin. Thank goodness we’re here to help…
Best bronzers for pale skin
You might think a bronzer on pale skin will look too garish, but there’s a whole host of new products on the market that are catered for lighter skin tones. The key is to go no more than one or two shades darker than your natural complexion. You should also choose a formula with pink, peachy or golden undertones. The result? Skin that looks sun-kissed rather than an odd shade of orange.
Best bronzers for medium and olive skin
For those of you with warmer skin tones you’re in luck, because you can choose to go subtle with your bronzer or really pack it on. Be wary of formulas that are too shimmery though, as this can make you look washed out. If you want a touch of shimmer, make sure the particles are super fine. If you’ve got olive undertones, try copper shades. And if you’ve got yellow undertones, go with more golden and peachy options.
Best bronzers for darker skin
Deeper skin tones can benefit from the best bronzer too. Go for ones with reddish copper tones – Glossier’s new Cloud Paint shade Dawn works beautiful on black skin – and gold-flecked brown formulas. They’ll illuminate your skin while giving it a subtle sculpt.
Speaking of sculpting – the best contour kits are perfect for creating that defined contoured look – but if you prefer something a little more subtle, try adding contour with a light shade of bronzer.
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Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, from £20.10, Fabled
With 8 different shades on offer, this bronzing powder suits all skin tones from pale to deep.
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Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel, £40 Boots
This super subtle and creamy bronzer has just the right level of warmth to make it wearable on all skin tones. And because it's buildable, you can get a slight glow or a full-on summer tan look.
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Clarins Bronzing Duo SPF15 Mineral Powder Compact, £30, John Lewis
Because this powder bronzer is two-toned it’s a cinch to blend the right shade for your skin tone. You can use either shade on their own to add a touch of warmth to your face or use both to contour to sculpt.
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Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, £37, House of Fraser
If you prefer the matte look, you'll love this. It naturally reproduces varying shades of the sun and is enriched with moisturising active ingredients, so it doesn't dry out your skin. Guerlain are also the reigning champions of bronzers, so you know you're in good hands. One of these is sold every 25 seconds worldwide.
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NARS Bronzing Powder, £30, Fabled
Diffused powders with golden shimmer create an all-over warmth or contour for the face perfect for creating or enhancing the look of tanned skin. Laguna is the chief Nars bronzer. EVERYONE loves it, because it suits all skin tones.
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Tom Ford Bronzing Powder, £52 House of Fraser
If you’re after a bronzer with a touch of shimmer you must try this one by Tom Ford. It not only looks beautiful lightly dusted over the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, but it looks incredible over shoulders and shins too.
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Rimmel Bronzing Powder, £4.49 Fabled
If you were born in the late 80s, it's likely that Rimmel was one of the first bronzers you bought with your pocket money. Guess what? It was good then and it's good now.
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Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, £25.50 Fabled
You know why Hoola is on this list. It really is one of the best bronzers on the market. There's no sparkle or shine to it - it's completely matte making it super natural. If you've always been put off by the dark shade, they now do a Hoola Lite.
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Clinique Glow Gelee Bronzer Universal Glow, £24.50 Fabled
Sometimes you want a creamy, liquid texture. Like when you're on holiday or if you have dry skin. You can mix this in with your foundation or day cream or if you want to use it as a final step, pop a little bit on the back of your hand and then use a brush to apply. This will stop you going overboard.
