Best cream bronzers for a summer glow
The easy to use cream bronzer went viral on TikTok, with shoppers “obsessed” with how similar it is to a much more expensive version.
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Makeup trends come and go, but a bronzed skin is always going to be a fan-favourite.
When it comes to bronzer, it can go one of two ways – you can go for something warm toned and glowy to make you look totally summer-ready. Or you can opt for a cool-toned shade that will help you contour those cheekbones and make you look absolutely snatched.
For those who reach for a cream and liquid bronzer rather than a powder, this is the guide for you.
“Cream/liquid bronzers will generally deliver more of a natural, luminous glow to the cheeks and will have more of a skin-like finish,” explains Megan Miloshis, makeup artist and Adore Beauty’s Social and Content Coordinator.
“Powder bronzers are more likely to deliver a matte, satin like finish to the skin.”
Read on for our guide to the best cream bronzers you can buy right now, including the $29 bronzer that TikTok is “obsessed” with and shoppers claim is a dupe for a much more expensive brand.
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST CREAM BRONZERS
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer, $56 at Adore Beauty
WHAT IS IT? A best-selling lightweight cream bronzer
SHOPPERS LOVED: How easily it blends “like butter”, buildability and shade range.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some claimed it was too “warm toned” for their complexion.
OUR VERDICT: Available in ten shades, this cream bronzer is inclusive and great for those who want a natural glow that’s easy to apply.
MCoBeauty Contour Wand, $29 at MCoBeauty
WHAT IS IT? A creamy bronzer that went viral on TikTok when it launched and gets likened to Charlotte Tilbury’s sellout $60 Hollywood Contour Light Wand.
SHOPPERS LOVED: The easy application and value for money.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some on TikTok claim the bronzer itself wasn’t as similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s formula as they would have hoped.
OUR VERDICT: An easy to apply and affordable cream bronzer that’s great for contouring or adding general glow along your cheeks – just don’t expect it to be identical to the Charlotte Tilbury wand.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, $59.25 at Fresh Beauty Co.
WHAT IS IT? A silky smooth cream bronzer, created by the queen Rihanna herself, that effortlessly melts into the skin with a buildable formulation.
SHOPPERS LOVED: The shade range and how easy it is to work into the skin.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some shoppers claim it could have been more pigmented.
OUR VERDICT: Available in seven diverse shades, Fenty Beauty’s cream bronzer is a staple for those who love an effortless makeup application and overall look. The subtle colour is buildable and easy to work with, even beginners.
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
Barry M Flawless Chisel Cheeks Contour Cream Stick 2 Pieces, $19.95 at Amazon Australia
WHAT IS IT? A cream bronzer and highlighter stick for contouring and highlighting that is popular on Amazon.
SHOPPERS LOVED: Easy to use for a natural, buildable makeup look
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some claim the sticks are too “fat” to contour easily with or isn’t suited to oily skin types.
OUR VERDICT: Great value for money for teenagers or those who want to try contouring for the first time.
MOST VERSATILE
Silk Oil Of Morocco Total Radiance Argan Face Bronzing Liquid, $49.90 at The Iconic
WHAT IS IT? A versatile liquid bronzer that can be used to add glow to chosen parts of your face, or mix in with your foundation for an added bronze.
SHOPPERS LOVED: How it has multi uses on the face or body and is easy to apply.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: There aren’t many reviews yet so nothing negative so far.
OUR VERDICT: A great cream bronzer if you want something that can double as a wash-off tan for the face and body.
BEST LIQUID TO POWDER
Napoleon Perdis Cheek Switch Crème Bronze Stick, $49 at Adore Beauty
WHAT IS IT? A cream to powder stick bronzer in four shades that’s buildable and has a velvety finish.
SHOPPERS LOVED: Few reviews on this, but shoppers so far say it’s easy to use.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some reviews mentioned it may not be the best pick for those with oily skin types, as the product moved around on their face after a while.
OUR VERDICT: This is a cream bronzer for those who want the ease of a cream stick bronzer when applying, but want a more powder-like finish.
BEST HYDRATING BRONZER
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun Kissed Glow Bronzer, $75 at Charlotte Tilbury
WHAT IS IT? A cream bronzer enriched with hyaluronic acid and provitamin D3 that blurs while adding a sun-kissed glow.
SHOPPERS LOVED: How longlasting and pigmented it is while still looking natural.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Not much, some said they didn’t like the cream formula or that the shades didn’t suit their skin tone.
OUR VERDICT: Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup has a cult following for a reason and their Beautiful Skin bronzer is no exception — this is a great investment if you wear cream bronzer every day.
BEST OIL-FREE CREAM BRONZER
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour, $48 at Myer
WHAT IS IT? A contouring bronzer stick that’s creamy and oil-free.
SHOPPERS LOVED: Customers rave about how easy it is to use, especially if you’re inexperienced when it comes to contouring.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some lament it’s not available in more shade ranges as the bronzer colour doesn’t suit their skin.
OUR VERDICT: A great option if you want a cream bronzer for easy contouring.
BEST TRAVEL BRONZER
NUDESTIX Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze, $57 at Sephora
WHAT IS IT? A dual brush and bronzer stick that leaves a matte finish and can be used on the cheeks, lips or eyes.
SHOPPERS LOVED: How travel friendly and easy it is to use.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some (but not many) found it too pigmented and didn’t like the consistency.
OUR VERDICT: A well-priced bronzer that’s perfect for beginners and throwing in your handbag.
BEST LIQUID BRONZER
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, $45 at Sephora
WHAT IS IT? A stick bronzer with liquid-like consistency from Selena Gomez’s highly regarded beauty brand.
SHOPPERS LOVED: Customers praise its creamy consistency and say it’s good to layer with other products.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: Some were underwhelmed with the shade range and claim it doesn’t stack up to similarly priced brands.
OUR VERDICT: Perfect for a natural glow, this will be ideal for adding a subtle glow to a full face of makeup.
BEST NATURAL BRONZER
Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer, $52 at Sephora
WHAT IS IT? A liquid bronzer made from 90 per cent natural ingredients that can be used for more than just contouring.
SHOPPERS LOVED: How great it is for a subtle “no makeup” look, easy application and how it can be used for an all-over glow or to contour.
SHOPPERS DISLIKED: You need to shake the bottle before use as the formula separates and it didn’t last as long as hoped for some.
OUR VERDICT: A liquid bronzer that isn’t glittery and great for a subtle all over a glow or on its own on the cheeks.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CREAM AND POWDER BRONZER?
The simplest answer is that their “texture, consistency and opacity” will be different, says Megan.
This is because the bronzer product’s “carrier” (aka what delivers the coloured pigment to the skin) will be different depending on if it is cream or powder based.
“In cream/liquid bronzers, carriers are usually silicones or humectants while powder formulations stick with powder based carriers,” Megan said.
HOW DO YOU APPLY CREAM BRONZER?
“I have found that the easiest way to apply a cream bronzer is to first take the product onto your brush (less is more when working with cream) and then lightly pounce the product onto your skin using a synthetic brush, a beauty sponge or your fingers!” Megan advises.
“By applying the bronzer this way you are able to build light layers of bronzer until you have reached your desired amount of pigment and coverage.
“This technique ensures that you don’t apply too much product directly onto the face and also helps to ensure that you don’t disturb any foundation/makeup that may be sitting underneath the bronzer.”
If you’d like a cheeky discount on your next shop check out news.com.au Coupons with discount codes for big brands like Adore Beauty and Sephora.
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