beauty
Radiant skin right this way
By Chelsea Candelario
•
Published Mar 21, 2024
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We love a matte moment, but lately we've been turningmoreto dewymakeup. Fromcreamy blushes to silky eyeshadows, and most recently, liquidbronzers, they'rea breeze toapply and give us most natural-looking glow.Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly find likeClinique, the most viral product like Charlotte Tilbury or our absolutely favorite one like Drunk Elephant, we got you covered on the 15 best liquid bronzers of 2024.
The Best Liquid Bronzers at a Glance
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Meet the Experts
- Sara Wren is a professional makeup artist and director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. She has 18 years of experience, specializing in developing brand campaigns, educating staff and participating in social media content. She previously held positions at Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, MAC Cosmetics and Shu Uemura.
- Georgina Graham is a celebrity makeup artist with experience in beauty, editorial and fashion. She has worked with brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Glossier, plus her previous clients include Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and Angelina Jolie.
- Lauren O'Leary is a celebrity makeup artist, hair stylist and men's groomer. She specializes in editorial, commercial and celebrity work. Her previous clients include Shaq, Niki Taylor and Charlotte McKinney.
- Fernando Cadavid is a global makeup artist, who specializes in editorial, commercial and media work. He has over 17 years of experience with his work being featured on red carpets, magazine covers and in movies.
How We Chose the Best Liquid Bronzers
We tapped editors and professional makeup artists, who each shared their tried-and-true liquid bronzers, and their honest opinions on each product.We alsolooked at the highest rated liquid bronzers atretailerslike Ulta, Sephora and Amazon, and scannedthrough viral products on social media (includingTikTok, of course).From there, wenarrowedthings down further to bring you this list of the 15best liquid liquid bronzers to get a sun-kissed glow all year round.
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Best Overall
1. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops
What We Like
- evens skin tone
- offers soft sun-kissed look
- transfer-proof
What We Didn't Like
- small bottle
- pricey
Drunk Elephant
Yes, we’re always seeking *the* glow. But when a liquid bronzer also has skincare benefits, it’s only right to add it to your cart asap. The vegan formula includes cocoa extract, which features antioxidants that brighten the complexion and reduce redness. You'll also find platinum peptides and chronocyclin (which is similar to vitamin D) that help soothe and hydrate your skin. Say hello to a bronzed complexion and goodbye to dullness and fine lines.
Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu recently reviewed the bronzer and only had high praise for it. "After applying one drop under each cheekbone and blending the excess into my jawline, I was pleased to see that there was a gentle contour. Overall, testing the D-Bronzi drops was a fun, easy experience and convenient way to do “no makeup” makeup," she says.
Best Matte Finish
2. Iconic London Sheer Bronze Liquid Bronzer
What We Like
- available in six shades
- easy to blend
- oil-free formula
What We Don't Like
- finicky packaging
Iconic London
This oil-free formula has a sheer finish to it that doesn't look greasy by the end of the day. It also comes in six flexible shades that blend into the skin seamlessly. (I found the "Caramel Glow" works the best for my tan complexion.) It can also be used for contouring, especially if you're going for a more dramatic, sculpted look. All in all, it's a standout product because it's extremely buildable, and I'm able to mix it with my foundation (or moisturizer) to customize my glow.
Easiest to Blend
3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
What We Like
- available in two shades
- offers a semi-matte finish
- soft sponge applicator
What We
- flimsy applicator
- fast-drying formula
Charlotte Tilbury
If you're seeking a more sculpted look, this contour wand should be in your collection. Thanks to the sponge applicator, it's designed to easily glide over the planes of your face, including your cheekbones, temples and jawline. The lightweight formula includes siloxanes, a silicone-based compound that softens and smooths over the skin, so you can get a better blend and it doesn't dry up by the end of the day.
"I love how smoothly the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand blends out and the color lasts all day long. I don't like most liquid bronzers, but a little goes a very long way with this one so I never feel like I'm blending out too much product when I add it to my makeup look," says Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor at PureWow.
Great for Sensitive Skin
4. Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer
What We Like
- offers semi-matte finish
- contains hydrating ingredients
- subtle shine
What We Don't Like
- available in only one shade
Physicians Formula
If you're going for a natural glow, check out this liquid bronzer from Physicians Formula. It's formulated with murumuru, cupuaçu and tucuma butters, whichsoften and moisturize your skin.Upon application, I found itabsorbsnicelyintomydry skin and issuper easy to blend.I canwear it alone or underneath my makeup and get a nice glow either way.
Best for Dull Skin
5. Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops
What We Like
- available in two shades
- contains hydrating ingredients
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- hints of sparkle
Versed
This liquid illuminator is loaded with fine, light-reflecting pigments to enhance your natural glow and even out your skin tone. It also acts as a serum to plump and hydrate with ingredients like polyglutamic acid and blackberry extract at the forefront. For Wu, it did an excellent job at the boosting her complexion. "I got a soft glow—which I’m not mad about. Contouring isn’t usually something I do in my makeup routine, so for half the price, I’m content with a wisp of color and sparkle. I’d liken this more to highlighter than bronzer, and it does a marvelous job of adding a little boost to the complexion," she shares.
Top Tinted Serum
6. Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops
What We Like
- easy to blend
- hydrating ingredients
- non-greasy formula
What We Don't Like
- not buildable
Indeed Labs
This tinted serummakes your skinglow,whileblurring anyimperfections. It's formulated withheliostatine, a pea extract that acts as a tan enhancer and improvesyour complexion. The formula also features blumilight (a blend ofactives like cacao seed extract) foraddedprotectionagainst environmental stressorsand blue light, and hyaluronic acid to hydrateyourskin. During an episode of PureWow's What the Dupe?, creator Matthew Boyd shared his review of the bronzer, stating that it blended well into the skin and offered subtle shimmer. He shares, "The Indeed Labs [bronzer] went on a little bit more even and really worked with the moisturizer. This one feels like it went into the skin, so it makes it feel like you're not wearing as much, which makes it more natural and hydrating."
Best with SPF
7. Naked Sundays Cabana Glow Mineral Glow Serum Drops
What We Like
- SPF 50
- available in three shades
- suitable for all skin tones
What We Don't Like
- not suitable for oily skin
Naked Sundays
Looking for a bronzer that provides a sun-kissed glow and protects your skin against the sun? One editor recommends this Naked Sundays serum to give you the best of both worlds. "My dry winter skin is loving this one since it has hyaluronic acid, SPF 50 and it melts nicely into the skin. I mix it with a bit of moisturizer (tinted or not) and blend with my fingers to tone it down. It does have a subtle shimmer, but it comes off more lit-from-within than blinding body glitter. It's also so easy to use, no brush or contouring skills required!" says Catrina Yohay, executive managing editor at PureWow.
Most Hydrating
8. Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer
What We Like
- available in four shades
- offers a natural finish
- easy to blend
What We Don't Like
- thick consistency
Milk Makeup
Wren recommends this liquid bronzer for its hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump your skin. Add some snow mushroom, reishi mushroom and collagen and you’re pretty much guaranteed a smoother, more hydrated canvas. "It looks great while you wear it, but also helps improve the look of skin texture, elasticity and firmness," she says.
Multi-tasker
9. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
What We Like
- available in five shades
- offers sheer coverage
- buildable formula
What We Don't Like
- has a shimmer finish
Armani Beauty
If you want to streamline your mornings, add this 3-in-1 to your makeup routine. The “glow enhancer” acts as a highlighter, a blushand abronzer. Reviewers say the lightweight texture makes blending a breeze and it boosts your skin’s natural radiance. It's also a favorite of O'Leary's, who praises it for looking natural and being easy to blend with any product.
Great for Mature Skin
10. Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer
What We Like
- has a creamy formula
- offers a natural finish
- long-wear for 12 hours
What We Don't Like
- not suitable for oily skin
- pricey
Chantecaille
This gel bronzer will ensure you’re rocking a glow all night long. It features fruit extracts (raspberry and bearberry complex) and a special polymer that hydrates, calms and absorbs evenly into the skin. According to the brand, the bronzer can last for up to 12 hours without turning greasy or cakey. "One of my all-time favorite fool-proof products that I like to use to warm up a foundation and illuminate the face is this Chantecaille bronzer. The golden-brown elixir will give you that sunset glow to the skin," says Cadavid.
Most Lightweight
11. Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Bronzer
What We Like
- oil-free formula
- fragrance-free
- dermatologist-tested
What We Don't Like
- super pigmented
Clinique
Looking for the fastest way to glow? Mix a bit of this liquid bronzer withyour favorite foundation(or moisturizer) for a sun-kissed finish. Shoppers say the lightweight formula blends seamlessly and brightens the complexion. Although it comes in one universal tone, it can be adjusted based on what beauty product you combine it with. "I'm very fair and this works incredibly well as a mix-in with foundation. It adds a subtle amount of color that looks natural (not overly orange or yellow). New favorite!," says one Sephora reviewer.
Customizable Formula
12. Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops
What We Like
- available in three shades
- has clean ingredients
- offers a subtle glow
What We Don't Like
- not great for acne-prone skin
Pai Skincare
Whether you have dry, oily or mature skin, this liquid bronzer can help. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, sea kelp and vitamin C, reviewers note that it's super hydrating without feeling overly greasy. FYI: For the best application, add a few drops onto your fingertips and blend the bronzer directly onto your skin. You can also add a few drops into your moisturizer, body cream or sunscreen if you want a softer glow. "This one is simply perfection for summer. I often just blend it with my moisturizer and I'm all ready to go, instant freshness," shares one reviewer.
Best Splurge
13. Sisley Paris Phyto-Touche Sun Glow Gel
What We Like
- available in two shades
- offers sheer coverage
- non-greasy formula
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Sisley Beauty
OK, this bronzer has a hefty price tag, but trust us on this one. The shade promises to enhance your natural complexion and even out your skin without ever having to lay out in the sun. Plus, the plant extracts and lavender and rosewood essential oils soften and hydrate your skin. According to reviewers, you only need a dime-sized amount, so you won't have to worry about breaking the bank on a new tube anytime soon. "I love this sun glow gel. I use a small amount on my face after my skincare routine and it really does create a subtle glow that lasts all day," says one Nordstrom customer.
Dewiest Finish
What We Like
- available in three shades
- vegan formula
- AAPI-owned
What We Don't Like
- not suitable for oily skin
Live Tinted
Thisserum-meets-moisturizerhybrid deliversaninstant dewy glow.The lightweight formulaadds a subtle shimmer to your dailymakeupand is packed with ingredientslikesqualaneto plump your skin with moisture. "I love the way this looks on my skin. It gives the glowy, wet look without being too obvious, so I can wear it without any other makeup on—just to add a little glow. It's so beautiful and light to the skin," says one Ulta reviewer.
Newcomer
15. Glossier Cloud Paint Bronzer
What We Like
- available in five shades
- offers natural finish
- hydrating ingredients
What We Don't Like
- not pigmented enough
Glossier
If you're a fan of the brand's Cloud Paint blush then you'll need to add their gel bronzer to your rotation. Infused with soluble collagen and blurring powder pigments, the formula leaves a silky, smooth finish. Reviewers say it offers light coverage and a subtle warmth to cheeks that won't look too drastic against your daily makeup look. "The formula is just a dream, so easy to blend and buildable for a sheer wash of color or a more pigmented look. This is one of those effortless makeup products that can be applied and blended with fingers, it’s a must try!," shares one Sephora fan.
What to Consider When Buying a Liquid Bronzer
- Shade: The experts recommend staying within two to three shades of your skin tone. Wren notes, "You want your liquid bronzer shade to actually look like you—just with a tan!"
- Skin Type: Luckily, liquid bronzers come in a variety of formulas. If you have oily skin, search for oil-free formulas, whereas those with dry skin should look for hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) in their bronzers.
- Coverage: Select a liquid bronzer that offers sheer coverage, but is buildable to add more warmth to your skin. O'Leary shares, "Find something that's easily blendable, so it leaves a nice even finish on the skin. You want something that makes you look like have a healthy glow."
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Liquid Bronzer So Good?
Whenself-tanningtakes too long or there’s not much sun in the sky, aliquid bronzer can giveyouaradiantboostin seconds.Theyoften have shimmer and ultra-fine pearl mineralsin themto give off a glowier finish than most powder bronzers. They alsotend to bemore forgiving ondry and mature skin since liquid formulas usually contain hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil)tolock inmoisture. Bottom line: A liquid bronzer isincrediblyversatile, as you can wear it alone or mixa few dropsof itinto any face product (i.e, foundation, moisturizerorsunscreen) for a sun-kissed finish.
How Do You Apply Liquid Bronzer?
According to Graham, you can use your fingers, a brush or a beauty sponge to get the job done. However, the tool will determine how much coverage you get and the finish. "A dense brush will apply the most pigment in a concentrated area, while a fluffy brush applies the product softer and across a bigger area," she notes.
Once you choose your preferred tool, the expert has a few tips for a smooth application. "I like to apply with a damp (not wet) makeup sponge for a sheer, skin-like finish. When applying liquid bronzer, it's important to start small and build it up. You can always add more product and layering allows for a subtle gradient finish with no harsh lines," she explains.
Where Are the Best Places to Apply Liquid Bronzer?
Similar to powder and cream bronzers, you want totarget any areasthe sun would typically hit like your cheekbones, jawline, forehead and the temples (aka the perimeter of your face). If you want to amp up your faux tan, add a dot at bridge of liquid bronzer along the bridge of your nose, cupid's bow and over your eye lids.
When Do You Implement a Liquid Bronzer into Your Routine?
According to Wren, there are two techniques to apply a liquid bronzer in your makeup routine: underpainting and priming.
1. Underpainting: "I use [a bronzer] to underpaint. This technique creates the most seamless transition between your contour, bronzer and concealer. It's great for clients who don't feel super confident in their blending skills or just want to wear softer layers of makeup," she explains.
2. Priming: "I use it after applying primer, foundation and concealer. I apply all my creams and liquids before I go in with any powder or setting spray," she says.
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Chelsea Candelario
Beauty and Cultures Editor
- Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
- Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
- Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz
read full bio
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