The 13 Best Bronzers for Dark Skin Are Makeup Artist-Tested and Editor-Approved
The undertones are perfection.
Being a lover of makeup for so long, it’s been incredible to witness all the changes to the beauty community in real time. When I first became interested in the space circa 2010, let’s just say inclusivity was simply not at the forefront of most brands’ minds. From foundation to blush—it felt like Ash City for a while there, and I had to become an at-home mixologist just to find shades that worked for me and my budget. In that era, you can only imagine how hard it was to find a bronzer for deep skin tones that suited my complexion and needs.
The issue with finding bronzers for deeper skin tones typically comes from a lack of nuance. "People with deeper skin have trouble finding bronzers that have enough depth," makeup artist Jonet Williamson tells me. "Most of the bronzers in stores would only work for someone with a deep tan complexion or lighter." On top of this, quite a few brands have limited shade ranges to start with, so it can be quite a task to find a bronzer that will show up on the skin, let alone be actually complementary to various undertones.
Quite a few bronzers also run extremely orange, which looks rather unnatural on most skin tones, but especially deep tones. "Deeper skin needs something that leans more neutral," Williamson says. "Opt for shades that look like a bronzer and contour are meeting in the middle."
Thankfully, not only have times changed, but so have many bronzer formulas and, by extension, shade ranges. I am happy to report that not only do I—and many other people with a Fitzpatrick shade higher than four—now have multiple options to choose from, but bronzer is actually one of my favorite steps in my makeup routine. Nothing puts a pep in my step quite like looking like I just got off the white, sandy beaches of the Caribbean, not to mention the subtle structure that a good bronzer can bring to your face. It’s like my invisible boost of confidence that makes me fully step into my main character energy.
Given the nature of my job, I’ve tested numerous bronzers on the market. Not only are there now options from newer luxury brands like Victoria Beckham Beauty and Farah Homidi, but even longstanding drugstore chains have come out with some seriously incredible formulas recently. A flawless, glowy, sun-kissed makeup look has never been easier to achieve. If you’re on the hunt for a new formula to add to your makeup collection ahead of summer, keep reading for a list of the best bronzers for dark skin.
Milani recently revamped its Baked Bronzer line, and I am deeply impressed. The shade Capri Copper is my preferred color, but the one right after, Sicilian Sunset, is a gorgeous option for deep-to-dark skin tones, which is unfortunately still pretty rare to see in the drugstore. While I think the line can use more nuance in its undertones, this is a fantastic (and affordable) start.
Victoria Beckham Beauty’s bronzer bricks still feel like an “if you know, you know” cool-girl product, and honestly, I’m here for it. Not only is the packaging next-level luxe, but there are also two shades in each brick, so you can use one or the other, or mix them both. If my girl math is correct, that’s three products in one.
Fara Homidi is a brand that, in my opinion, is seriously slept on by beauty fans, and if you were to start with anything from the line, make it the bronzers. The brand's ethos is to create easy-to-use, natural-looking products that also feel extremely intentional and luxe. This means if you want a bronzer that you know will work, isn’t complicated, and is still very much a luxury item, this bronzer might be for you.
I have a deep obsession with the NYX Buttermelt line, and the bronzers, in particular, are phenomenal. Not only are there eight shades to choose from, but some of the lighter colors can also double as blush.
I’m already a big fan of the powder bronzer from Westman Atelier, but the latest addition to the brand’s bronzing portfolio is absolutely stunning. The Sun Tone Bronzing Crème features four duos, each with a lighter and a deeper shade for wearers to choose from. I use the shade Soleil Parfait 3, which, again, I prefer to mix, but I’m more impressed with the next duo in the line, which is Soleil Parfait 4. It’s very rare that I see a cream bronzer with that much depth for deeper skin tones, but the brand has truly nailed the prompt.
I am deeply obsessed with the No Limits Cream Bronzer line from LYS. Not only does the product glide onto the skin like butter, but the shade Honest is one of the most natural-looking bronzers I have ever used.
While some people use this as a standalone product, I use this Hourglass formula as a bronzer topper, and if you don't, you’re seriously missing out. While this shade range appears limited, the Ambient Lighting line from Hourglass is meant to be used as a finishing powder. This means that whatever powder bronzer you normally use, add a few swipes of this radiant version on top and watch your skin come to life. You’ll wonder how you’ve lived so long without it.
Haus Labs’ Power Sculpt bronzers are one of those bronzers that took me by complete surprise. The powder is incredibly soft to the touch and extremely pigmented, so be warned: a little goes a long way. That being said, I am obsessed with the shade range, especially the color Khaya Spice Deep, which has gorgeous rosy undertones for deep dark skin.
Balm contour is one of Danessa Myricks Beauty’s best products, and no one talks about it enough. Most of the shades are neutral, straddling the line between bronzer and contour, which is perfect for people like me with neutral-leaning undertones and who want a more natural-looking bronzing option.
This liquid bronzer took me by complete surprise in the best way possible. I bounce between the shades Toast, Dawn, and Fling depending on the time of the year, and all shades are not only extremely easy to blend but also super pigmented. It's to the point where I would actually recommend this to someone a little more well-versed in working with liquid formulas versus a beginner, as the latter may find it a bit messy to work with.
YSL’s All Hours is one of the smoothest and easiest-to-blend powders I’ve ever used, bronzer or otherwise. Not only is there no fallout when applying the bronzer to my face, but it is so seamless on the skin that it almost feels foolproof. Anyone, regardless of skill level, can use this product with ease.
Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Colorwash Bronzer is on this list for its innovative strength. And while the shade Heatwave shows up beautifully on my skin, I want a broader expansion of this line's shade range to suit deeper skin tones than mine, because VB is truly onto something here. It’s extremely rare that I run into a true, sheer, liquid bronzer that is perfect for no-makeup-makeup days, and it actually builds really well on itself, allowing me to customize the level of color I want.
Another underrated bronzer comes from r.e.m. Beauty, founded by Ariana Grande. Quite a few of the powdered products from this line are incredible, but the Hypernova Bronzer is on another level. It’s a satin-matte formula that leaves behind a hint of radiance on the skin, and the shade Cocoa-Nut gives me a perfect warm tan. There’s space for a few more shades for both deeper and lighter skin tones, but as it stands, the line is incredibly solid, and the formula feels fantastic on the face.
How Do I Find a Bronzer for Deep Skin Tones?
As for choosing a bronzer that actually works for your skin tone, Williamson has a few tips. "To find a good bronzer, look for the undertone that suits your complexion," she says. "Bronzers typically have warmer or neutral tones, and for dark to deep skin, the latter tends to be best. Still, to be safe, I always recommend going to shop in person and swatching products on your skin to see how you like the results for yourself."
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Expert
Jonet Williamson is a professional makeup artist and content creator.
