There comes a point every summer when your bronzer start to look believable. When foundation starts to feel heavy and your face is longing for something lighter, that's where a great bronzer comes in. Our favourite formulas are lighter, easier to apply and far more realistic than they used to be, adding warmth, definition and that healthy, just-back-from-a-weekend-away glow without ever looking caked on. The right texture will melt seamlessly into your skin and bring your whole complexion back to life.
Sweep it across your cheeks, temples and wherever the sun would naturally catch your face, and you'll look brighter and healthier in seconds. From creamy sticks and dewy drops to classic powders, we've swiped, buffed and blended our way through the lot. These are the six summer bronzers genuinely worth making room for in your makeup bag.
6 of the Best
Summer Bronzers
Pocket Bronze: The One That Lives In Every Handbag
This is the bronzing stick currently living in every cool girl's handbag. Rhode's Pocket Blush delivers that believable, just-back-from-a-long-weekend warmth rather than a full-on holiday tan. It has a creamy formula that melts into your skin, it blends in seconds and never feels sticky, making it ideal for quick touch-ups on trains, in taxis or mid night out. It will deliver soft definition and a healthy glow with very little effort.
Water Bronzer: The Freshest, Dewiest Finish
This clever cushion bronzer delivers a sheer, weightless glow that melts into your skin like skincare rather than makeup. With a water-based formula, it builds easily, it never streaks and it leaves behind a fresh, sunkissed radiance. It’s effortless, dewy and hard to overdo.
Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder:
The Classic
Bronzers come and go but Bronze Goddess has really stood the test of time. This finely milled powder delivers natural-looking warmth, subtle sculpting and a convincing holiday glow, that keeps shine firmly under control. It’s a classic that earns its place in every summer makeup bag. It looks expensive, radiant and has excellent staying power.
Sun Tone Bronzing Cream: The Makeup Artist Favourite
This is the bronzer for people who don't usually indulge in one. Gucci Westman's cult cream compact creates the kind of soft, believable glow you'd normally get from a week somewhere warm rather than five minutes in front of a mirror. Its clever two-tone formula adds depth and dimension without ever looking muddy, while the velvety cream-to-powder finish melts into your skin for that expensive, healthy-looking finish for which Westman Atelier has become famous.
Summer Skin Bronzing Drops: The Best Budget Buy
Zara’s lightweight bronzing drops add warmth, radiance and just enough colour to make your skin look healthier, fresher and far more awake. Effortless, blendable and impossible to spot on your skin, they deliver that coveted "have you been away?" glow without the hefty airfare.
Golden Glow Bronzer: The Foolproof Everyday Glow
Trinny London's Golden Glow is designed to be dotted wherever the sun would naturally hit… cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin, creating a believable glow rather than an obvious bronzer. It has a creamy formula that blends effortlessly with your fingertips and melts into your skin leaving behind a healthy warmth, that's become Trinny's calling card. It’s foolproof, flattering and easy to apply.
FASHION DIRECTOR ★ JULIA MAY MORGAN
CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR ★ AMBER GRAAFLAND