If you’re on the hunt for the very best bronzer, you're probably already familiar with the struggle. Some bronzers are so sheer that you might as well have put nothing on; others can veer so orange or so gray that the finished result looks like you applied bronzer, rather than just stepped off the beaches of Saint-Tropez. But as it turns out, some of the best bronzers out there can actually be found at the drugstore, no tropical vacation or trip to Sephora needed.
Drugstore bronzers have historically gotten a bad rep: They've been pegged as patchy, discolored, and drying on the skin. And when it comes to cream bronzers from the drugstore, the pickings used to be so slim (or so shimmery) that a traditional powder can feel like your only option. Thankfully, times have changed. A bunch of new (and iconic!) affordable picks are giving the higher-priced bronzers a run for their money—and you don’t have to spend more than $20 to achieve your best bronzer look. (If you’re new to bronzer, or are just looking for a refresher, check out Marie Claire’s guide on how to apply bronzer.)
What to Look For in a Drugstore Bronzer
“I personally look for the same things in makeup, whether it’s drugstore or designer," says Jenna Kristina, celebrity makeup artist to clients like those known for their glow like Megan Fox and Zoey Deutch. The number one deciding factor for Kristina? Whether or not the bronzer is shimmery or matte. “I always want my bronzers to not have shimmer,” she says.” I like to be able to control where shimmer is applied. I like shimmer in a highlighter and not all over the face, personally.”
Another important factor: The undertone of the bronzer that you choose. The Bronzer vs. Contour debate continues to rage on, but here’s the bottom line: Contours generally have a cooler undertone to create the look of shadows, whereas bronzers will have some warmth to them—but not too much so that it looks too orange or red. “Lighter [skin] tones tend to need cooler undertones where darker skin tones tend to need more warmth, otherwise it can look a bit green and not mimic a natural tone depth,” says Kristina. (Check out Marie Claire’s guide to the best bronzers for dark skin for the best options.) Her favorite pick? “Hands down Maybelline City Bronzer,” Kristina says.
If you're interested in contouring instead, you can read our guide on how to contour your face. Otherwise, keep reading to shop an editor- and celebrity makeup artist-approved list of the best drugstore bronzers money can buy.
The Best Drugstore Bronzers
“I live and die by this bronzer. It works wonders on my skin in any climate. I love to apply it all over to shade and contour or I'll follow the angle of my jawline for a more dramatic look. Whatever I decide—I can't go wrong.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
“I prefer my bronzers to not have shimmer. This is a powder bronzer that is so finely milled it actually goes on looking like cream." — Jenna Kristina
“I’ve been using this bronzer on and off for years, and it never fails me. The texture is, as the name suggests, is super buttery and blendable. Available in eight shades, it includes ingredients like murumuru butter for a hydrating, smooth feel despite the fact that it’s a powder.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Writer
"I’m all about glow, so it shouldn’t come as shocker that shimmery bronzers are my personal favorite. This wet n wild powder has the perfect amount of subtle shimmer. It gives me a subtle shine without feeling too overboard. Sunset Striptease is my personal favorite shade. It has a bronze undertone as opposed to copper, which is ideal for my fair, cool-toned skin." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
“If you prefer a cream formula, I love to use the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in a shade that is two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone. Depending on the tone you select this product can work as a bronzer to add warmth to the face or a cream contour." — J.K.
“This stick bronzer feels like nothing on the skin and leaves you looking naturally glowy. It looks dark in the packaging, but one swipe proves that it’s a failsafe pick if you’re new to bronzer. You can shop it in four shades, and it is vegan, paraben-free, and sulphate-free.” — J.M.
“Years ago, a makeup artist at New York Fashion Week turned me on to this bronzer and I never looked back. It was an instant hit. It comes in four super-saturated shades (my favorite is Gingersnap) that are guaranteed to work beautifully on all complexions, but especially darker tones.” — D.C.
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