Take Notes—2 Celeb Makeup Artists Share the Best Bronzers for a Vacation-Like Glow

Harper Rose2 October 2024Last Updated: 2 October 2024

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Take Notes—2 Celeb Makeup Artists Share the Best Bronzers for a Vacation-Like Glow

It’s no secret that finding the right bronzer for your skin tone, texture, and concerns can be more challenging than fun. While spending countless hours sifting through bronzers at your beauty retailer of choice could sound like heaven for some, it may be awful for others, especially if they’re shopping without a clear idea of what they should be looking for. Long before I became a beauty editor, I found myself in the latter group—hoping that one day my hands would graze over my perfect bronzer pairing.

With summer drawing to a close on the western hemisphere and a few years in the beauty industry under my belt, I’m hunting for the perfect bronzers to give me that year-round vacation-like glow. Below, two celebrity makeup artists weigh in on the best bronzers on the market and offer helpful tips for how to create the sun-kissed makeup look of your dreams. Believe me. This is one you won’t want to miss.

What should be considered while shopping for bronzer?

Celebrity makeup artists Tomy Rivero and Michele Probst both agree that consumers should consider how they would like their bronzer to serve their makeup goals before taking to the stores in hopes of finding their perfect bronzer. “It totally depends on how bronze you want to be. Your skin tone and undertones matter. Typically, you want a shade or two darker than your natural skin color,” explains Probst. “I advise a sample test on a small portion of your face to provide accuracy. The goal is to have a radiant, healthy glow.”

According to Rivero, swatching different shades can be done by creating a square swatch on both arms, blending the product as if you’re trying to tan and then allowing it to sit for a few hours to determine which color looks the most natural on your skin without appearing too dark or orange. “You have to wear bronzer to see how it oxidizes for the best natural color match,” Rivero tells us. He suggests going two to three shades darker to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow.

Shoppers may also find it helpful to compare potential bronzer options to the shade of their skin when it’s naturally tanned. “If you’re someone who tans and doesn’t burn, pick up the color that is closest to your darkest tan in the summer,” Rivero explains. Have a few shots of your natural, sun-kissed skin on hand for an easy reference and then shop accordingly. Remember: The goal is to re-create the appearance of your skin with a healthy glow as opposed to how it looks after experiencing any form of sun damage.

Which formulas work the best for my skin type?

With so much available on the market, selecting the right bronzer for your skin type and texture can be easier said than done. With guidance from Probst and Rivero, we’ve identified the best ways to predict which product formulas would perform the best on your skin. Generally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the products that are nourishing for every skin type. “Look for ingredients like silicone emulsion, jojoba or coconut oil, and hemp-seed oils. This will help hydrate and nourish the skin,” says Probst.

If you have problematic and reactive skin (oily, acne-effected skin falls under this category), keep an eye out for formulas that work well with your specific condition. For individuals with oily skin, Rivero tells us that a good rule of thumb is to start the search with powdered, mousse, and cream formulas. Alternately, people with drier skin will benefit from bronzers that are cream based and formulated with hydrating ingredients. Lastly, normal and combination skin may see success with any formula as long as it’s set correctly.

Another important factor to consider when shopping for a new product to add to your makeup lineup is how your skin’s natural undertones determine the finished look of your bronzer. Probst has an easy way of knowing which bronzer will work the best with your skin. “For cool-undertoned skin, search for bronzers with pink or red bases. If you have warm undertones, look for golden or peachy shades. Definitely avoid anything orange,” she says.

How can bronzer be applied?

There are several ways to apply bronzers, but this time around, we’re taking cues directly from the pros on how to achieve the best possible sun-kissed look. While using a powder-based bronzer, Probst favors leaving it as the last step of the makeup routine. Using a fluffy brush, she takes the bronzer down the nose bridge and across the apples of the cheek to the cheekbones. When using a liquid or cream bronzer, she applies the product in a circular motion on the cheeks, chin, and forehead before blending.

Rivero likes to underpaint with his bronzer—a technique where products that provide warmth and contour to the face are applied first before being followed with foundation and concealer. “This helps unify the tones for a more natural finish. It also helps with using less makeup overall, which is effective in creating a natural finish to your makeup,” Rivero tells us. The general consensus from both Rivero and Probst is that bronzer placement should be on the temples and hairline, over the cheekbones, and under the jawline.