The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (2024)

Table of Contents
Radiant skin right this way The Best Liquid Bronzers at a Glance Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops Iconic London Sheer Bronze Liquid Bronzer Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops Naked Sundays Cabana Glow Mineral Glow Serum Drops Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer Meet the Experts How We Chose the Best Liquid Bronzers Best Overall What We Like What We Didn't Like Drunk Elephant Best Matte Finish What We Like What We Don't Like Iconic London Easiest to Blend What We Like What We Charlotte Tilbury Great for Sensitive Skin What We Like What We Don't Like Physicians Formula Best for Dull Skin What We Like What We Don't Like Versed Top Tinted Serum What We Like What We Don't Like Indeed Labs Best with SPF What We Like What We Don't Like Naked Sundays Most Hydrating What We Like What We Don't Like Milk Makeup Multi-tasker What We Like What We Don't Like Armani Beauty Great for Mature Skin What We Like What We Don't Like Chantecaille Most Lightweight What We Like What We Don't Like Clinique Customizable Formula What We Like What We Don't Like Pai Skincare Best Splurge What We Like What We Don't Like Sisley Beauty Dewiest Finish What We Like What We Don't Like Live Tinted Newcomer What We Like What We Don't Like Glossier What to Consider When Buying a Liquid Bronzer Frequently Asked Questions What Makes a Liquid Bronzer So Good? What Makes a Liquid Bronzer So Good? How Do You Apply Liquid Bronzer? How Do You Apply Liquid Bronzer? Where Are the Best Places to Apply Liquid Bronzer? Where Are the Best Places to Apply Liquid Bronzer? When Do You Implement a Liquid Bronzer into Your Routine? When Do You Implement a Liquid Bronzer into Your Routine? Beauty and Cultures Editor Why You Should Trust Us References

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Radiant skin right this way

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (1)

By Chelsea Candelario

Published Mar 21, 2024

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (2)

Paula Boudes/PureWow

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

1

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (3)

Best Overall

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops

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2

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (4)

Best Matte Finish

Iconic London Sheer Bronze Liquid Bronzer

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3

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (5)

Easiest to Blend

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

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4

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (6)

Great for Sensitive Skin

Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer

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5

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (7)

Best for Dull Skin

Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops

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6

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (8)

Top Tinted Serum

Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops

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7

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (9)

Best with SPF

Naked Sundays Cabana Glow Mineral Glow Serum Drops

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8

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (10)

Most Hydrating

Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer

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9

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (11)

Multi-tasker

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer

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10

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (12)

Great for Mature Skin

Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer

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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

14. Live Tinted Hueglow

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

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Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.

The 15 Best Liquid Bronzers for a Sun-Kissed Glow, Vetted By Editors and Makeup Artists (2024)

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