16 Best Drugstore Bronzers

A summer vacation somewhere in the Caribbean or Hawaii sounds tempting but unfortunately not always possible. Although, that certainly does not mean our faces have to stay pale all winter.

Drugstore face bronzers will give you the fresh summer glow without having to spend thousands of dollars on tropical vacations, not to mention the UV ray damage.

Choosing the best drugstore bronzer can certainly be overwhelming and stressful. This is why I have created a review of 16 best face bronzers that guarantee the fake glow while keeping the natural look without visiting a tanning bed or spending hours exposing your skin to the sun.

BronzerSkin ShadePrice

COVERGIRL Queen Natural Hue Mineral BronzerebonyCheck Price

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzerlight to medium Check Price

Neutrogena Skin Blends Natural Radiance BronzerallCheck Price

Whatup Beaches Matte BronzermediumCheck Price

NYX Professional Makeup Matte BronzermediumCheck Price

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzerlight to mediumCheck Price

NARS Bronzing PowderallCheck Price

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powdermedium to darkCheck Price

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte BronzermediumCheck Price

e.l.f. BronzerslightCheck Price

N.Y.C. New York Color Smooth Skin BronzerlightCheck Price

Milani Baked Bronzerlight and tan skinCheck Price

Sleek MakeUp Face FormdarkCheck Price

Ucanbe 6 Color Contour Kit Bronzer Face Powder PalettedarkCheck Price

COVERGIRL truBlend BronzerallCheck Price

Physicians Formula Bronze Boostermedium to dark Check Price

Best Drugstore Bronzer review

1. COVERGIRL Queen Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer Ebony Bronze

$9.61 4 new from $9.47
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This product is the best drugstore bronzer for dark skin. The COVERGIRL bronzer comes in the ebony shade and is mineral-enhanced.

With this bronzer, you do not have to worry about getting your pores clogged. The bronzer contains a lightweight hypoallergenic formula that feels extremely light and soft on the facial skin. This bronzer adds a natural warm tone look without making your makeup look cakey.

Pros

• The best drugstore bronzer for brown skin on the market
• Adds glow and makes the face makeup stand out
• Blands in easily
• Great product for sensitive skin, does not cause allergic reactions
• Suitable for everyday use
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Has orangey-red undertone
• The packaging is difficult to open

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for sensitive skin.

2. theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer

$19.07
$19.00 5 new from $19.00
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you have been dreaming of a tropical getaway for a while but can not travel at the moment, no problem, the Bahama Mama Bronzer got you covered.

This product adds the natural bronze look to your skin without your face looking orange or red. So, if you want to trick everyone by saying you just got back from a vacation, this bronzer will do the trick.

Besides, the Bahama Mama Bronzer can also be applied as a matte brown eyeshadow and a contour powder. If you are looking for a multi-functioning face bronzer, I recommend this product.

Pros

• Works as an eyeshadow and contour powder
• Gives natural matte finish look
• Best drugstore bronzer for fair skin
• Protective packaging
• Lasts all day

Cons

• Has a lot of pigment and might appear darker on the skin when applied
• The color can look “muddy” or “dirty” on very light skin

Overall:best matte drugstore bronzer for light and medium skin.

3. Neutrogena Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer

$12.49
$10.99 3 new from $10.99 Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you are looking for the best drugstore shimmer bronzer, then consider this product by Healthy Skin Blends.

The bronzer will give you a natural tanned look due to the special dermatologist-developed brush which is made of a collection of shades that blend together effectively regardless of the skin tone.

Pros

• Best inexpensive bronzer for all skin tones
• Works well as a highlight as well
• Controls oily skin
• Affordable price
• Gives a healthy, sun-kissed look

Cons

• Not very pigmented

Overall:best bronzer for acne prone skin of any tone.

4. Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer by Elizabeth Mott

$25.00
$15.00 1 new from $15.00
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am Besides the unique name, this product is known to be one of the best drugstore bronzers for medium skin that provides the perfect glow and face contour.

If you are looking to draw more attention to your facial features, the Whatup Beaches Matte bronzer will define your eyes, cheeks, chin, and nose.

Most importantly, this product is a cruelty-free brand and is registered in PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies.

Pros

• Cruelty-free brand
• The formula is blendable and smooth
• Best pharmacy bronzer for defining and contouring
• Stays on the face for a long period of time

Cons

• Not very pigmented

Overall:best drugstore matte bronzer for contouring medium skin.

5. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer

$9.00
$7.19 11 new from $7.00
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This bronzer by NYX will give you the perfect natural look with dark gold tone.

The NYX Professional Makeup Matte bronzer can also be applied to the body to create the post-holiday tan look.

This is a perfect choice for the hot climates with high humidity, the product stays on for a long period of time and easily blends with foundation or powder.

Pros

• Easily blendable
• Best drugstore bronzer without shimmer and honey bronze look
• Heat and humidity resistant
• Works great as a contouring powder

Cons

• Not as dark as expected
• Has orangey undertone to it

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for contouring medium skin.

6. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

$14.95
$8.99 20 new from $7.95
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This product is the perfect choice if you are looking to brighten your skin tone while getting a nice bronze finish on your face.

Murumuru Butter Bronzer blends in easily and adds moisture to the skin for all-day hydration, it is especially effective in the hot climate as the sun dries out the skin quite fast.

The product has a creamy and soft texture that delivers best tropical fake glow without having to visit any tanning salons or expose your face to the sun.

The bronzer comes with a special sponge applicator, which is specifically designed for creamy bronze formulas. The product also comes with fatty acids and provitamins that moisturize the skin and make it looks silky and smooth.

Pros

• Comes with fatty acids and pro vitamins for the skin
• Adds moisture and hydration to the skin
• Comes with a unique sponge applicator for better blending
• Paraben, Gluten, and Cruelty free
• Dermatologist Approved
• One of the best drugstore cream bronzers

Cons

• Can be patchy with application
• Strong scent

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for tan skin.

7. NARS Bronzing Powder, Laguna

$39.99 20 new from $39.99 Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you have visible pores or skin lines, then this bronzer by NARS might be exactly what you need!

The product feels in the pores and lines efficiently and leaves the skin looking smooth and soft. The sheer color makes the skin look sun kissed.

The NARS Bronzing Powder is brown shade with golden shimmer. It is suitable for all skin tones.

Pros

• Fits all skin tones
• Hides pores and face lines
• Provides natural look without orangey shade
• Best drugstore bronzer for olive skin

Cons

• Not advised for sensitive acne prone skin

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for light skin and medium skin tone.

8. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder

$34.25 17 new from $30.00
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you are seeking to achieve a healthy natural look, consider this Hoola Bronzing Powder by Benefit Cosmetics.

The product can be used as a highlight and contour all year round. The unique brush that comes with the product makes it very convenient to apply the bronzer on cheeks, nose, and chin.

This is the best drugstore bronzer for the natural look and contouring medium and dark skin. The bronzer is also suitable for sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts.

Pros

• Brings out the natural tanned look
• Can be used as a highlight and contour as well
• Good fit for sensitive skin
• Best bronzer for Asian skin

Cons

• Not suitable for oily skin, turn orangey
• Does not work well with light skin

Overall:best bronzer for medium skin.

9. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer

$19.74 5 new from $3.99 Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This product by Two Faced is one of the best drugstore matte bronzers for medium skin. The affordable bronzer will add natural matte finish look to your face matching your skin tone.

It consists of pleasantly smelling cocoa powder leaving your face feeling like it has been in the sun all day. If you like to travel, this bronzer is a great choice for you, as it comes with a mini travel size of 0.08 oz.

Despite the small size, the Two Faced bronzer is pigmented enough to last you a long time.

Pros

• Pleasant cocoa powder smell
• Lasts all day without re-application
• Best drugstore bronzer for medium skin with a matte finish
• Blends in easily
• Affordable price

Cons

• The packaging is hard to open
• Not suitable for contouring face features

Overall:great pick for ladies with medium skin looking for a good quality matte face bronzer.

10. e.l.f. Bronzers, Cool Bronzer

$6.00
$2.99 9 new from $2.74
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you are looking for a cheap face bronzer, e.l.f bronzer is the perfect choice for you.

It consists of sheer soft powders of four colors that blend easily and add the bronze shimmery look to the face. This bronzer is very convenient for traveling because of its small size.

The bronzer can also work as a highlight for a nose, cheeks, and chin bone. This product is one of the best drugstore bronzers for light skin with a budget-friendly price.

Pros

• One of the best affordable bronzers on the market
• Works great as a highlighter
• The size is convenient for traveling
• One of the best drugstore cool toned bronzers on the market

Cons

• Not recommended for sensitive skin
• Does not have a lot of pigment

Overall:great product if you are looking for an affordable shimmery bronzer of a small size.

11. N.Y.C. New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzer

$7.82
$7.78 1 new from $7.78
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This bronzer by N.Y.C brightens the skin tone and adds a natural sun-kissed look to your face and body.

For those with sensitive skin, this product is a great fit as it is dermatologist-tested. If you are going for a sheer effect, this bronzer should be your go-to.

For those living in cold climates, this product can be beneficial, as it a adds tanned look to the face without looking unnatural.

Pros

• One of the best drugstore bronzers for blondes and women with light skin
• Adds a natural bronze shimmery look
• Affordable price
• Makes the face look healthy and sun-kissed

Cons

• Can dry out the face
• Requires a lot of blending

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for pale skin with a shimmery look.

12. Milani Baked Bronzer

$8.65
$7.97 17 new from $6.54
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This beautiful face bronzer by Milani comes with a little mirror and a face brush.

This product will add a healthy streak-free fake glow to your face without making it look orangey. Milani Baked Bronzer is the best drugstore face bronzer for tan skin.

Pros

• Easily blendable
• Takes the oily look off the skin
• The brush is effective at applying and blending in the bronzer
• Can be used as an eyeshadow

Cons

• Has an orange undertone
• Not highly pigmented
• Sparkly

Overall:a good fit for those with oily tan skin looking for an easily blendable and affordable face bronzer.

13. Sleek MakeUp Face Form (375 Dark)

$17.99 4 new from $14.45
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am If you are looking to define your face features as well as add some sun-kissed look to your face, then this product is exactly what you need.

The Steek MakeUp Face Form is a multi-functioning product that works effectively as a highlighter, bronzer, and contour powder. This bronzer is ideal for dark skin and is cruelty-free.

Pros

• Not tested on animals
• One of the best drugstore face bronzers for brown skin on the market
• Works as a highlighter, contour powder, and a bronzer
• Very pigmented

Cons

• The color of the bronzer is a bit darker in reality

Overall:great product for women of dark color who are looking for a highlighter, contour powder, and a bronzer in one product.

14. Ucanbe 6 Color Contour Kit Bronzer Face Powder Palette Contouring Makeup

$8.99 1 new from $8.99
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This contouring palette comes in six different shades making it perfect for contouring and concealing dark skin.

The powder is pigmented and goes smoothly on the skin. It can also be used as a brow kit and eyeshadow.

The palette is suitable for traveling due to its convenient size and big mirror.

Pros

• Great choice for traveling
• One of the best matte bronzers for contouring dark skin
• Very pigmented
• Works also an eyeshadow and a brow kit

Cons

• Does not blend easily

Overall:a great product for women of dark color who are looking for a multi-functioning makeup pallet.

15. COVERGIRL truBlend Bronzer Medium Bronze

$8.99
$8.44 6 new from $8.44
Free shipping Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am The COVERGIRL bronzer will add a nice bronze shimmery look to the face requiring very little blending.

The bronzer has a marbled baked formula with fine pigments and is suitable for all skin tones.

The following product is suitable for the sensitive and oily skin as it is dermatologist-tested and is oil-free. If you are looking to get a natural looking glow to the face, this product by COVERGIRL would be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Suitable for oily and sensitive skin
• Works will all skin tones
• Adds a very natural glow to the skin
• Stays on for a long period of time
• Works as a highlighter as well

Cons

• Not advised for skin with visible pores, as it makes them stand out more

Overall:one of the best drugstore bronzers for all skin tones.

16. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, Light to Medium

$14.95
$7.90 21 new from $4.99 Buy Now
Amazon.com as of April 17, 2018 11:00 am This bronzer is easily applied and will last all day regardless of the time of the year and climate. This product can easily compete with even the best waterproof bronzers due to its high quality.

The bronzer’s formula adds healthy glow and sun-kissed look to the face and body and is consists of antioxidants and vitamins. For dry skin, this bronzer will come in handy as it significantly moisturizes the skin.

Pros

• Last a long time
• Easily blendable
• Consists of antioxidants and vitamins to create a natural tan effect
• Moisturizes the skin
• One of the best drugstore bronzers for medium skin

Cons

• Has a lot of shimmer in it

Overall:best drugstore bronzer for brown skin that stays on all day.

Important Facts

Can you use a bronzer to contour?

Contouring is meant for defining face features such as a nose, cheekbones, chin to sculpt your face and make it look more defined. Contour makeup is usually matte and of colder color.

Bronzing, on the other hand, is used for adding natural warmth and glow to the face. Browsers are usually shimmery and warm-colored.

In most cases, using a bronzer to contour the face features is not recommended. The products are complete opposites and it is impossible to achieve the same natural look on the face as the contour formula would. Although, some bronzer products are known to be efficient at contouring. As a result, it strictly depends on the particular bronzer formula and its color.

What kind of brush to use for applying bronzer?

The powder brush is the best choice for applying bronzer to the face. It is easier to blend the bronzer with the rest of the makeup when using this type of a brush.

Commonly asked questions

Is it okay to use bronzer if you have naturally oily skin?Yes, it is okay. In addition, some bronzers are known for preventing the skin from becoming extremely oily. Will a bronzer make me breakout?No, most of the good quality bronzers will not. However, some products are not advised for acne-prone skin. It depends on the particular product and brand. How do I prevent my skin from looking orange after applying a bronzer?Begin by making sure you are purchasing the right shade of bronzer for your skin and the fitting brush for application. Another important factor to consider while applying the bronzer is the knowing appropriate points of your face that the sun hits, such as cheekbones, forehead and the jawline. Ensure that you blend the bronzer well with the rest of the makeup and do so in the natural lighting. For which type of skin color is a bronzer suitable for?Bronzers come in different shades are suitable for any type of skin color, from pale skin to ebony color.