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Bronzer can make you look like you’re glowing. Bronzer can also make you look like you just lost a battle with Cheetos dust. These two statements can both be true, and the one that will be true for you depends 100 percent upon the bronzer formula that you choose and your application methods. When used with restraint, in a formula format that is ideal for your skin type, bronzer can give you a well-rested appearance, like you just returned from a week-long vacation in Aruba. It provides that much sought-after sunless glow we crave, the one that doesn’t come with all of the risks involved in baking under actual UVA and UVB rays.
And yet this cosmetic is one of the most feared. One wrong move and you’ll be forced to leave the house with bright orange streaks across your face and not enough time to correct the problem. Before we get anywhere near that worst-case scenario, let’s focus on the positive: there are so many great bronzers on the market. And if you have mature skin and are concerned about making creasing in fine lines and pores, these two cream bronzers are your best bet for a sun-kissed glow that seems like it’s being emitted from within.
The key to finding a cream bronzer that will glide on skin and won’t seep into fine lines and wrinkles is to hone in on ingredients that are known to be moisturizing. Today’s dewy bronzers are almost like balms on the skin. They look practically transparent and provide a natural-looking glow. Key ingredients to be on the watch for include soothing oils and hyaluronic acid.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer ($58)
Is there anything Charlotte Tilbury makes that we don’t immediately want? This cult-favorite bronzer is way up there on the list, thanks to its vibrant, believable color and ingredients that include intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid and provitamin D3. The formula is designed to last up to 16 hours, through humidity and sweat, and it can be used on the body and face. The downside is, yes, its a bit pricey. But it doesn’t take much of this bronzer to provide the glow you’re looking for, so you may find one compact lasts a long time. The addition of finely milled pearls will not only make you feel like royalty, but it helps reflect light for a lit-from-within finish. It comes in four shades.
Charlotte Tilbury’s bronzer is a top pick for women of all ages, but it’s especially great for mature skin, thanks to its moisture content. The product consistently gets high ratings and rave reviews, with many focusing on how realistic it looks and how smooth it applies.
One reviewer wrote: “I love my sun-kissed glow bronzer! It gives my skin a nice, natural sun kissed glow without looking brown and obvious. My skin has been softer and smoother since I started using it! Also, it doesn't sit in my pores or clog them. My friends comment on my tan!”
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer ($7)
If you love the idea of a cream bronzer that glides on smoothly, but can’t bring yourself to splurge on one that costs a pretty penny, the e.l.f. Putty Bronzer is the under-$10 solution that’s certainly no consolation prize. This budget pick holds its own nicely with a moisturizing formula that contains argan oil, vitamin E, and is vegan and cruelty-free. Its texture is described more like a cream putty that transforms into a lightweight powdery texture once it’s applied. It has the distinction of winning the 2022 Glamour Beauty Awards and it comes in eight shades, so you’ll have no trouble matching one to your skin tone.
As far as reviews and ratings go, the e.l.f. bronzer has them aplenty and most are Team Cream Putty Bronzer all the way. With that said, you have to expect to make some concessions for the lower price, and in this case, it seems to be a formula that’s maybe not as highly pigmented as others and may possibly not last as long. But the majority of its reviewers still flip for this one. One reviewer raved, “This bronzer, is very nice and blendable, it is also buildable, and looks matte after application.”
And another wrote: “Blends like a dream and such and inclusive shade range!”
Choosing the right bronzer formula in the right shade is step one of Project Get Bronzer Right. Steps two through the end are all about your application strategy. Pros recommend never relying on bronzer to deliver all-over color — the purpose of it isn’t to make you look like your skin is actually tanned. Rather, think of it as a bronzing contour and highlighter that delivers color to just the right places to provide definition and glow.
Using a damp sponge or your fingers, apply bronzer to your cheekbones, forehead, and temples, where the sun would naturally hit if you were lounging by the pool for a few hours. Then blend, blend, blend, and blend some more. The only way to ensure you aren’t streaky is by putting that makeup brush to good use.
Finally, without adding more product to your sponge or fingers, sweep the remaining bronzer across your nose, chin, and neck to complete your look. You can then take a soft, fluffy makeup brush and use it to add the finishing blending touches. Remember: bronzer is a finishing-touch cosmetic that should be applied after foundation, concealer, and powder. As a last step, grab a hydrating makeup setting spray like Rare Beauty Long Lasting Setting Spray and add a spritz or two to set your makeup.
Done well, bronzer will help you look like YOU — only a more relaxed, vacation-ready version of you.
