Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty WriterUpdated on Feb 06, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processBronzer is an integral part of a makeup routine when we want the perfect sun-kissed glow without going to the beach. It is often confused with a contour, however, let us break the myth, that it is not what people think it is. The basic difference between a contour and bronzer is the undertone. A contour product has a grayish or cool undertone, while a bronzer has more warmth to it, thus it has an orange undertone. Now that you have understood the product’s basic application, these best drugstore bronzers listed below will help you boast off-the-beach glam that you have always dreamt off!
"Bronzer is a wardrobe basic, like a favorite pair of jeans," says Too Faced founder Jerrod Blandino, and he couldn't be more right! Bronzer alone can change your entire makeup look, especially when you have a cool undertone or pale skin. So, why wait? Get your glam on point, and take a look at these fail-proof products
Our top picks
13 Best Drugstore Bronzers
With 8 available shades, Physicians Formula comes up with a one-of-a-kind bronzer that suits almost every type of skin tone. It has a buttery texture that gives a sheer finish for a perfect sun-kissed glow! Plus, infused with murumuru butter, you can achieve the desired Brazilian-like skin effortlessly with just one swipe of this product. Adding to that, thanks to its lasting hydration powers and ultra-rich formula, the product doesn't feel dry on your skin and works relentlessly to offer healthier, glowing skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologically-approved
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Packaging could be sturdier
2
Contains SPF
RIMMEL NATURAL Bronzer
Rimmel offers you a waterproof bronzer that stays on your skin’s surface without moving. With 4 different shades available, the bronzer gives a velvety finish with its ultra-fine formula. So, now achieving the perfect Greek goddess-like glow is just a product away! The formula is perfect for people living in hotter and humid climates as the brand claims the product to last for more than 10 hours. Another impressive feature? It contains SPF 15 to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. However, we suggest you use extra SPF for better protection(1).
Pros
- Ultra-fine formula
- Waterproof
- Contains SPF 15
- Smooth application
- Lasts up to 10 hours
- Dermatologically-tested
Cons
- Comedogenic
3
Climate Pledge Friendly
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Baked Bronze-N-Brighten Bronzer
Explore the goodness of a baked bronzer that takes the upper hand at providing unwavering glam! The makeup product has a creamy consistency initially that is baked by professionals until it solidifies to give the desired texture. Adding to that, introduced by Laura Geller, it is rich in antioxidants and infused with white tea extracts that slow the aging process while providing a glam look. So, everyday is now a beach day for you with this multipurpose bronzer that leaves no trace of orangish hue.
Highlighting the importance of baked bronzers in our makeup stash, our contributor James Zhong, a beauty expert and founder of ‘Ask melon’- a cosmetic surgery marketplace, says, “Baked bronzers start as a cream or liquid and are then baked in an oven until they become a solid. They often have a smoother, finer texture and can deliver a more luminous, radiant glow. Due to the baking process, the shimmer in these bronzers can be more refined, leading to a more natural, subtle glow on the skin. They might be slightly sheerer upon initial application but can be built up for a more intense color.”
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Weightless
- Loaded with natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Climate-pledge friendly
Cons
- Could be more pigmented
4
Cruelty-free
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer
Available in five russet shades, the NYX Professional Matte bronzer can be the ultimate option to provide yourself with a tan glow without going to the beach. With a cruelty-free formula, the brand makes it even easier to pick it for the mindful users. Furthermore, the classic packaging allows you to take it along with you and toss it in the corner of your bag for instant touch-ups. C'mon, you know you need it! Bring it home right away!
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Gives definition to your face
- Classy packaging
- Available in a number of shades
- Creamy formula
Cons
- Tinted orange
5
Vegan-friendly
Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
Get sculpted cheeks with a sunkissed glow when you welcome this bronzer into your stash! Available in 4 shades, the product provides warmth to your face that looks majestic when you go with or without the base makeup. To note, it has a long-wearing formula that makes it one of the best drugstore bronzers available in the market. Last but not the least, formulated with pearl pigments, the bouncy-touch texture promises a weightless application and a glow from within.
Laying emphasis on the need for a bronzer in making the face appear fuller and more chiseled along with highlighted at the right high points, our contributor James Zhong says, “When you apply a glowy bronzer to the high points of your face (such as the top of your cheekbones), it makes those areas more prominent. It catches the eye and appears to bring those features forward, which can result in a fuller appearance.”
Pros
- Longwearing
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Weightless texture
Cons
- Could have safer packaging
6
Oil-resistant
Elizabeth Mott WHATUP BEACHES Matte Bronzer
Unlock your inner glow with this soft matte bronzer that comes in two different shades that suit all skin types. It has a long-lasting formula that stays on your skin’s surface for the longest possible time. Plus, with a superfine powdery texture, it is highly blendable and glides on smoothly when you apply it with an angular brush. A bonus — it is sweat and oil-resistant which is a boon for oily skin beauties.
Pros
- Finely milled
- Smooth consistency
- Blendable
- Oil-resistant
- Longwearing
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains talc
7
Longwearing
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK CITY Bronzer Powder
Maybelline offers you 3 versatile shades of bronzers that you can use according to your moods. With a lighter shade, you can achieve a soft glow, and go for the deeper hue for a more chiseled look! Meanwhile, its micro-milled powder needs special mention that is loaded with whipped cocoa butter to bestow you with a rich velvety finish. This means, you can now accentuate your face with a hint of warmth by eliminating an orangish hue with this product in your stash!
Pros
- Ultra-soft finish
- Provides dimension to your face
- Smooth application
- Attractive packaging
- Provides radiance
- Lasts up to 16 hours
Cons
- Lasts up to 16 hours
8
Provides Sheerness
.MILANI BAKED Bronzer
With an array of shades, the baked range of Milani consists of an array of bronzing shades that suit different skin tones. They promise a rich pigmented look with a hint of fine shimmers for natural glow! If you are looking for affordable bronzers, these 3 versatile shades can be your ultimate options. So, why wait? Enhance your complexion with a streak-free application that stays in place all day and unleash tantalizing tan to bring out the best facial features effortlessly with this product. All you need is a powder puff of brush to apply it all over when you want some warmth!
Pros
- Blends effortlessly
- Cruelty-free
- Streak-free glow
- Vegan-friendly
- op-of-the-line ingredients
- Provides alluring tan
Cons
- Rancid smell
9
Editor's Choice
The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer
Bring out your fresh-off-the-beach glow with the Bahama Mama Bronzer from The Balm that is known to be an absolute influencers' favorite. It features silica and mica for sheer glow while providing the warmth that you have been looking for! With a compact packaging, you can carry it along with you in your purse for instant touch-ups. Well, there’s something more – it has an attractive Caribbean-inspired packaging that will keep you hooked.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Pigmented
- Smooth application
- Travel-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Smooth application
Cons
- Contains orange undertone
10
L'OREAL PARIS COSMETICS TRUE MATCH LUMI BRONZE IT Bronzer
Be ready to get flattering compliments when you apply this True Match Lumi Bronzer that stands true to its name! It provides a healthy and natural sunkissed glow with a minimal hint of shimmer and the right amount of warmth. Furthermore, with a compact packaging, it is even more convenient to apply it on the right places with just one swipe by taking it in an angular brush! Lastly, we have found from using this product that it perfectly matches the requirements for individual skin tones, not appearing too dark or light.
Pros
- Natural sunkissed glow
- Matches all skin tones
- Goes on smoothly
- Compact packaging
- Has shimmer pigments
- Affordable
Cons
- Smells bad
11
IT Cosmetics Your Most Beautiful You Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer
A bronzer with anti-aging properties? Yes, please! Developed by plastic surgeons with dermatologically-tested ingredients, this drugstore bronzer is perhaps the safest option for your skin. Lay your hands on this bronzer when you want a lit-from-within-glow with a natural flush of colors on cheekbones. To be further noted, crafted using Drops of Light Technology, the product is loaded with peptides, silk, and hydrolyzed collagen that nourish the skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles(2).
Pros
- Provides airbrush application
- Anti-aging ingredients
- Minimizes fine lines
- Lit-from-within-glow
- Dermatologically-tested
- Smooth application
Cons
- Not cruelty-free
12
COVERGIRL QUEEN Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer
The Queen bronzer from Covergirl comes with a mineral-enriched formula that provides a matte finish without leaving any hint of shine. It is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, which leaves very less chance of your pores getting clogged. Addedly, the product takes the upperhand in providing a sunkissed glow with its creamy texture to even the most sensitive skin beauties. So, why wait? Use a puff or a brush and sweep it across the cheekbones to get the coveted look!
Pros
- Mineral-enriched formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Goes on smoothly
- Easy to apply
- Compact packaging
Cons
- Contains talc
13
Highly Pigmented
e.l.f. PUTTY Bronzer
Bestow yourself with a natural sunkissed glow that is powered by this bronzer’s highly pigmented formula, buildable shades, and creamy finish today! Its unique putty-to-powder formula also needs a special mention! To note further, packed with the goodness of vitamin E and argan oil, the product infuses a dose of hydration into your skin that won't leave a chance of patchy application. Last but not the least, it is lightweight, non-greasy and stays in place all day long!
Pros
- Pigmented
- Buildable color
- Nourishing ingredients
- Even application
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Not for mature skin
Now that you have seen our top recommendations for the best drugstore bronzers, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision.
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Bronzer?
Here are a few aspects to consider when bringing home a drugstore bronzer
a) Formula- Pick a formula that is smooth enough to glide over your skin effortlessly so that you don’t get any unflattering patchy finish. On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, a dermatologically-tested formula works wonders. People with oily skin should pick a powdery bronzer over a creamy one. Similarly, dry skin people can pick a stick bronzer with a hydrating formula to get the desired results.
b) Finish- Bronzers can come in two different finishes — matte and shimmery. Now, it depends on your preference as to which one you will pick! If you want a subtle finish for regular use, pick a matte one. On the other hand, if you are a party person, choose a shimmery one!
c) Pigmentation- Check the pigmentation before laying your hands on the product. However, if the product is buildable, a low pigmentation will work too!
d) Packaging- A travel-friendly packaging gets extra brownie points at any time! Pick a product with sturdy and compact packaging so that you can toss the product somewhere in your bag for instant touch-ups.
How to Use the Best Drugstore Bronzer?
Here are a few steps to keep in mind while applying a bronzer
a) After you are done applying the foundation and concealer, set it well with a setting powder if you are going to apply a powdery bronzer.
b) Take an angular brush with the product on it, and apply it in a dabbing motion to the highest points of your cheek, i.e., where sunlight will naturally hit.
c) Swipe it over the desired areas and blend it until you get the smooth finish.
d) In case it is a bronzer stick, apply it right after applying your foundation so that it glides on smoothly without leaving behind a patchy finish.
e) Apply it on the above mentioned places, and blend it well with a brush or with your fingers until you get the desired result.
f) Lock everything in with a setting powder. And, tada! You are all set for the day.
Conclusion
These best drugstore bronzers can be the holy grails when you are looking for a product to bestow yourself with an unwavering glam without burning a hole in your pockets! Our findings show that they come in a compact and handy packaging, lightweight formula, and promise a smooth application for letting you unleash the sun-kissed glow. So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab one! Happy shopping!
Contributor: James Zhong, Beauty expert and Founder of ‘Ask melon’- a cosmetic surgery marketplace
FAQ's
What is the purpose of a bronzer?
A bronzer provides warmth to your face that looks more like a sun-kissed glow.
What brush should you use for applying a bronzer?
A typical angular blush with dense bristles works the best for applying a bronzer.
Do you put bronzer on after foundation?
Yes. A bronzer should be applied on top of the foundation. However, if you are planning to skip the part, go ahead with the product alone.
Should bronzers be matte or shimmery?
Bronzers can be both! A matte bronzer often works as a contour while a shimmer bronzer works the best when you want to skip the highlighter!
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Sayantani, our makeup expert, dotes on bronzers — she says they are the perfect makeup product to add a subtle definition and create a perfect glam look. After testing the effectiveness of various products, she has created this list of the best drugstore bronzers that give a stunning sun-kissed glow without damaging the skin. She suggests using Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer for people who use vegan cosmetic products. It is available in 4 magnificent shades and promises a smooth and weightless application.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Article Sources +
1. Layering sunscreen with facial makeup enhances its sun protection factor under real‐use conditions- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/srt.13010
2. Collagen peptides and the related synthetic peptides: A review on improving skin health- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621003297
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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