The Drugstore Bronzer So Good People Will Think You Just Got Back from Vacation

Mar 9, 2017

Design by Betsy Farrell

Sure, a trip to a far-flung equatorial destination would be nice. But UV damage becomes no one. Plus, there's something to be said for faking that fresh-off-the-sea-plane radiance with bronzer you scored for less than the price of lunch. Here, find the formulas that will instantly warm up your complexion.

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1 Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

<p>This richly-pigmented, velvety golden bronzer is a tried-and-true favorite as it's waterproof, easy to apply, and blends like a dream. We can't believe it's still under $5 after all these years.</p><p>Rimmel London Natural Bronzer<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $4.99; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mk6HxK" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">ulta.com.</a></span><br></p>

This richly-pigmented, velvety golden bronzer is a tried-and-true favorite as it's waterproof, easy to apply, and blends like a dream. We can't believe it's still under $5 after all these years.

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer, $4.99; amazon.com

2 Covergirl truBLEND Bronzer

This baked marble formula is comprised of micro-fine pigments that ensure you won't fall victim to unsightly bronzer lines.

Covergirl truBLEND Bronzer,$8.49; amazon.com

3 Nyx Cosmetics Matte Bronzer

<p>The sun-kissed pigments in this wallet-friendly bronzer makes for a nice matte contour powder that never reads cakey and yields a magically hallowed cheek. </p><p>Nyx Cosmetics Matte Bronzer<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $8.99; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mkesUg" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">ulta.com</a>.</span><br></p>

The sun-kissed pigments in this wallet-friendly bronzer makes for a nice matte contour powder that never reads cakey and yields a magically hallowed cheek.

Nyx Cosmetics Matte Bronzer, $8.99; amazon.com

4 E.L.F. Studio Baked Bronzer

<p>Your best bet for tasteful shimmer, this lightweight baked formula also contains a slew of moisturizing active ingredients like rose, jojoba, and grape.</p><p>E.L.F. Studio Baked Bronzer<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span>, $3.99; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mkbK0Z" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">walmart.com</a>.</p>

Your best bet for tasteful shimmer, this lightweight baked formula also contains a slew of moisturizing active ingredients like rose, jojoba, and grape.

E.L.F. Studio Baked Bronzer, $7.99; amazon.com

5 Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing Shimmery Face Powder

The starburst housed in the center of this sheer, glow-yielding formula is a highlighter, making it a toss-it-in-your-bag worthy two-for.

Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing Shimmery Face Powder, $12.99; ulta.com.

6 Flower Beauty Glow Baby Glow Brush-Bronzer Duo

<p>This pressed-powder duo comes with universally-flattering blush, as well as a buildable bronzer that smooths on nicely with an impressive color payoff.</p><p>Flower Glow Baby Glow Blush-Bronzer Duo, $9.98; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mHcjow" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">walmart.com</a>.</p>

This pressed-powder duo comes with universally-flattering blush, as well as a buildable bronzer that smooths on nicely with an impressive color payoff.

Flower Glow Baby Glow Blush-Bronzer Duo, $9.98; walmart.com.

7 Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Bronzer

<p>The cheapest of the bunch, you'd never know it thanks to the luminous golden glow it yields. The secret is the special nylon powders, which blend superbly and cling all day long.</p><p>Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer, $3.97; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mHi05R" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">target.com</a>.</p>

The cheapest of the bunch, you'd never know it thanks to the luminous golden glow it yields. The secret is the special nylon powders, which blend superbly and cling all day long.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer, $3.97; amazon.com