These 14 Bronzers Fake a Post-Vacation Glow for $13 or Less
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@symphanisotoOne wouldn't necessarily think finding a great bronzer would be all that difficult, but when it comes to finding a formula that doesn't leave you overly dry, overly shimmery, or orange, the task gets frustrating. Oh, and don't think for a second that spending more money on a bronzer will automatically assure your safety from any of the above. In fact, some of the most well-known bronzers have left us looking like disco balls or like we applied too much cheap self-tanner. That's not exactly the vibe we're going for.
When it comes down to it, some of the best formulas we've tried during our careers as beauty editors cost less than your average latte in Los Angeles, and if the hoards of stellar reviews amount to anything, beauty shoppers everywhere seem to agree.
Since we've swiped plenty of dupes, duds, and downright scary formulas over the years, we have a pretty good bearing on what to shop and what to avoid when searching for the best drugstore bronzers. Below, we're sharing 14 of our favorites that also happen to have amazingly robust reviews. Looking to fake the look of a Hawaiian vacation for $13 or less? Keep scrolling! Your ultimate drugstore bronzer awaits.
Beauty editors, YouTubers, and even makeup artists go wild for this beloved buttery bronzer from natural drugstore makeup brand Physicians Formula. Even though it's a powder, it has this unique and amazing creamy formula that feels like satin and blends like a dream into your cheekbones and forehead. The secret? A signature infusion of murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter, along with ultra-fine pearl and soft-focus pigments for a bright and radiant finish.
Pros: Super-silky formula with natural-looking pigment.
Cons: None.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Eight shades
-0.38 ounces
Customer review: "I was looking for a product that I could use on my cheeks to leave a subtle color that looked like I've been out in the sun. A lot of the bronzers are too dark for my fair complexion, but this is perfect. It has a neat buttery consistency that makes it very easy to apply."
Whether you look on Amazon or Walmart, this fan-favorite drugstore bronzer from Milani rakes in stellar review after stellar review. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, comes in three flattering shades and offers a silky matte finish that's the next best thing to an actual tan.
Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free, silky and blendable formula.
Cons: There are only three shades.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Three shades
-0.14 ounces
Customer review: "I've tried other brand names and popular bronzers, and I always find myself coming back for this Milani bronzer. It's a more cooler-toned bronzer that gives the face a nice glow but is not too orange. I love it!"
This sleek compact from Nyx is one of the highest-rated bronzers on the market and also one of the most affordable. It has a near-perfect rating on Walmart's website, with a whopping 200+ reviews. The finish is matte, so this is a great option if you're not into shimmer.
Pros: Matte finish, silky and blendable formula.
Cons: Some of the shades aren't available.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Five shades (only three currently available)
-0.33 ounces
Customer review: "I was afraid it was going to be too dark, but it's perfect. I have yellow undertones and an olive-to-tan skin tone. In the winter, I tend to get lighter, and in the summer, I can get extremely dark and tan. I can use this for all seasons."
If you're the kind of makeup lover who does appreciate a little hint of shimmer (I'm with you, especially around the holidays!), this best-of-the-best bronzer is one of our favorites. It's waterproof, promises 10 hours of budge-proof wear, and offers a pretty sheen that's not over-the-top or tacky.
Pros: Super affordable, waterproof, silky, and blendable formula.
Cons: Some people might not like the shimmer.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Four shades
-0.49 ounces
Customer review: "This is my favorite bronzer ever! I have been wearing this for years and have recently found it hard to find in stores. It is just the perfect shade and works well whether I am winter pale or summer tan. No matter what color my skin is, this looks natural. I buy the sunlight color, and it doesn't have too much sparkle in it like some of the other colors. I am pretty pale naturally with freckles, and this works to make me look sun-kissed every day. I love it!"
I'm a self-professed makeup snob, and I'm more than happy to admit that I keep several Wet n Wild's Color Icon bronzers on hand in my bathroom drawer at all times. They do have some shimmer, and they do offer a heftier boost of color, but I've found this drugstore option to be my go-to before a big night out or before an event when I know there will be lots of photos, and I don't want my complexion to look flat or washed out.
Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free, high-pigment formula with subtle shimmer.
Cons: Because it has a high-pigment formula, it may not be suitable for daytime use.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Four shades
-0.38 ounces
Customer review: "I've never been disappointed with Wet n Wild products. This bronzer is beautiful. Not powdery like Wet n Wild bronzers used to be. It has a beautiful sheen. It's a very, very light color. Great for fair or very light skin. [It] also goes great with darker bronzer to use as a contour, and use this one as a light bronzer on top of the other bronzer or blush. Price is unbeatable."
Surprise! Essence is one of my favorite drugstore makeup brands. I'm actually obsessed with its blushes. That said, this matte bronzer has some seriously amazing ratings on Ulta's website, so you can imagine that this $5 compact will be the next on my list.
Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free, matte finish.
Cons: There are only three shades.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Three shades
-0.52 ounces
Customer review: "I have been a loyal fan of a major company's bronzer for years. It's so expensive, though, especially considering how little product you get. I decided to give this [a try ages] ago, and my hopes honestly weren't terribly high based on the price point. I am completely obsessed!! This is at least as good, if not better, than my $38 bronzer. I'm in shock in the best way possible."
I realize this super-luminous drugstore bronzer from L'Oréal looks a bit intense in terms of its shimmer ratio, but trust me when I say it gifts your cheekbones and décolletage with the prettiest, summer-touched kiss of color. It is on the sparkly side, but definitely not outrageously so. I love layering it over a body lotion or oil for a super-glowy vibe.
Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free, shimmer finish.
Cons: Some people might not like the shimmer, and there are only three shades.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Three shades
-2.89 ounces
Customer review: "This powder is like a bronzer with a highlighter. I love it!! It adds a beautiful shine to your makeup. I have it in both the light for winter and the dark for summer, and there are days I apply it all over my face as a stand-alone powder when I don't want to do my makeup, and I get a ton of compliments."
Not a powder person? Fear not. This cult-loved bronzer stick from Burt's Bees is a game changer and perfect for executing the perfect dose of bronze or contour in a mess-free jiffy. Choose from a handful of shades that immediately brighten your face with a stunning glow, just as the product's name alludes.
Pros: Vegan and cruelty-free, cream formula.
Cons: There are only two shades of bronzer.
Product Details:
-Cream
-Two shades
-0.30 ounces
Customer review: "This is a great bronzer stick. It blends well with my foundation and has a nice bit of shimmer that's lightening and not overpowering. Its shade is true to the picture, and it looks great. It's not too thick or heavy. Overall, good, and I like the look and feel of it."
Maybe it's Hawaii, maybe it's… Maybelline. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) Anyway, this contour-and-bronzing hybrid from the brand is one of the best and is even infused with whipped cocoa butter to keep your complexion moisturized and healthy this season.
Pros: Whipped cocoa butter formula, silky and blendable.
Cons: There are only three shades.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Three shades
-0.32 ounces
Customer review: "I am seriously fair, and this is one of the only bronzers I've ever tried that actually gives me a pretty glow and not an orange-toned mess. This bronzer is just right to get a healthy, sun-kissed look on lighter skin and blends like a dream. I'm a fan!"
This innovative product doubles as a bronzer and a highlighter, so it's basically the only product you need for an instantly sun-kissed glow.
Pros: Bronzer-highlighter hybrid.
Cons: There are only three shades.
Product Details:
-Cream
-Three shades
-0.32 ounces
Customer review: "This is literally the only makeup product I have finished and wanted to buy again. It's perfect for a dewy look, and it doesn't feel heavy on your face. It smells really good, is easy to blend out, and is light and buildable. Love it."
Skip the primer and use this bronzer. Not only is it matte, but it also locks onto your face to ensure a glow that lasts from dawn until dusk.
Pros: Bronzer-primer hybrid.
Cons: There is only one shade available, so it might not work for deep skin tones.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-One shade
-0.35 ounces
Customer review: "I'm fair at my lightest and light-medium at my most tan. This works for me when I'm fair or tan. It's buildable and has the perfect balance of neutral and warm tones. I can even use it to do my nose contour. Has great staying power. I reach for THIS over higher-end options, like Benefit Hoola."
With a pearlescent finish, this bronzer ensures that sun-kissed, glowy look you'd get on the beach.
Pros: Cruelty-free, pearlescent finish
Cons: Some people might not like the shimmer, and there are only two shades.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-Two shades
-0.35 ounces
Customer review: "This bronzer is beautiful on my skin. You don't have to scrub it with your brush in order to actually get any on the brush. A quick swipe and it goes on beautifully. No issues with my sensitive skin either."
If you're scared of packing on a powder bronzer and would rather opt for something a bit more sheer and blendable, go for this water-based bronzer. It never leaves streaks or looks cakey, and the result looks natural.
Pros: Water-based formula, sheer and blendable.
Cons: Some people might want more pigment.
Product Details:
-Cream
-Four shades
-0.19 ounces
Customer review: "I absolutely love Undone Beauty's water blushes and bronzers. They are super easy to apply and literally look so pretty and natural. It is buildable, and you can also use the bronzer as a soft contour. Get it!"
Another E.l.f. Cosmetics product, this one is four bronzers in one. You can mix and match to create a custom result. Dial it up for a night out or go more natural for everyday wear.
Pros: Four bronzers in one, can mix and match, both matte and shimmer finishes.
Cons: Works best for medium skin tones.
Product Details:
-Pressed powder
-One shade of the palette
-0.56 ounces
Customer review: "Very smooth formula and blends in so easily. Minimal effort!"