When it comes to giving your complexion a healthy, youthful, and radiant look, particularly in the summer, there’s hardly any option better than bronzers. These products are perfect for achieving that sun-kissed glow we all crave during the summer period, just without the actual sun damage associated with traditional processes like sunbathing. Are you looking for a bold glow-up this season? Or maybe a more subdued look? Whichever the case may be, bronzers are your go-to tool.
The market is packed with various bronzers, incorporating different finishes from natural-looking matte to glowy satin and shimmer. You can also get them in a variety of textures; more on that later. So you’re sure to find the perfect bronzer for your skin and makeup style.
However, as with most saturated markets, some of the best bronzers are highly-priced, particularly those from luxury brands. In such cases, it can be very satisfying to discover an effective but affordable skincare product, and with bronzers, you don’t always have to spend much. There are several great drugstore options from brands like L’Oréal, Physicians Formula, and E.l.f. Cosmetics. We’ll be exploring six of the best drugstore bronzers you can get for a sun-kissed summer. But first!
Types of Bronzers
You’ve probably heard of bronzing sticks, creams, liquids, and powders. Typically, beauty brands formulate their bronzers in different ways to highlight specific application processes and benefits. Let’s explore each bronzer type in depth.
- Bronzing Sticks
Think of lipstick but with a bronzer at the tip – that’s exactly what bronzing sticks are. Ideal for on-the-go use, bronzing sticks offer precise and seamless blending, making them a popular choice. Plus, these bronzers work for various skin types, so it’s really easy to get one that complements your skin tone.
- Cream Bronzers
These bronzers have a creamy texture and provide a more natural look for all skin types, particularly dry or aging skin. The texture of cream bronzers makes them highly spreadable, long-lasting, and cost-effective.
- Liquid Bronzers
Liquid bronzers are quite similar to creams in terms of providing a natural, even finish. However, these products are more versatile and can be paired with other beauty products, including foundations, moisturizers, and primers. Liquid bronzers usually come with a paddle and stippling brush for easy application.
- Powder Bronzers
Finally, powder bronzers provide the simplest way to achieve a blended, sun-kissed look. They are also good for any skin type and perfect for beauty newbies or anyone looking to try bronzers for the first time.
Each of these bronzers also comes in different shades to suit different skin types. Generally, you should choose a bronzer about two shades darker than your natural skin tone for a baked look. For instance, medium skin tones should opt for bold and warm bronzers, while light skin tones benefit more from neutral-shade bronzers. Always consider your skin tone when selecting a bronzer.
Six Best Drugstore Bronzers
There are so many affordable brands out there that deliver quality cosmetics without denting your wallet. While an occasional splurge on luxury skincare is delightful, for daily essentials like bronzers, there’s hardly any need to spend a lot. If you’d rather opt for a drugstore bronzer, here are six of the best options to consider.
1. e.l.f. Putty Bronzer
This unique creamy putty-to-powder bronzer effortlessly blends into the skin, providing a natural baked look with a semi-matte finish. Formulated with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, the e.l.f. Putty Bronzer also delivers nourishing and moisturizing benefits alongside its natural sun-kissed effect.
These bronzers are incredibly lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with pigments, making them easy to apply. They blend so well and have a really great color payoff, all while maintaining a very natural look on the skin.
Even as a drugstore cream bronzer, the e.l.f Putty Bronzer can also be mixed in with other beauty products for a more sun-kissed look. It’s hard to find bronzers with this price that offers this level of versatility. Finally, as with all e.l.f products, this bronzer is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and does not contain any form of sulfates.
2. KIMUSE 2 Color Dual Cream, Highlight & Contour Bronzer Stick
Bronzing sticks are versatile options for effective, on-the-go applications. The KIMUSE Dual Cream offers double the benefits of a regular stick at a very affordable price, making it our pick for the best drugstore bronzing stick available.
This bronzer stick features a double-head spiral design, which makes it portable and easy to use for any type of makeup and skin tone. On one side of the stick is a natural, creamy, blendable bronzer, while the other end features a contour that blends perfectly with the skin without any sticky or greasy residue.
What more? This professional face makeup bronzer-contouring stick creates a baked look that lasts for hours. Its long-wear formula is waterproof, sweat-proof, and non-sticky, ensuring your makeup holds and lasts long. You can apply the KIMUSE Bronzer Stick anywhere that needs light, including the bridge of the nose, chin, forehead, vest line, collarbone, and chin.
3. Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
The Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer is an award-winning, lightweight cream-balm bronzer with a natural velvet finish capable of melting into the skin for a baked glow or subtle soft-sculpt contour. This drugstore cream bronzer is highly spreadable and effortlessly builds and defines your look without too much application.
According to reviews, Saie offers a flexible tone range and its ability to melt right into the skin gives the natural effect of a subtle tan any time of year. It’s also long-lasting even when it’s very hot outside, making it a perfect choice for the summer heat. This tone range includes fair, light, medium, tan, deep, and dark bronze.
Saie Sun Melt Bronzer also features a clean makeup formula packed with superhero ingredients. This includes Colloidal Oatmeal for soothing, Grapeseed Oil for hydrating and nourishing, and Elderberry Extract for skin protection against free radicals.
4. L’Oreal Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer
LÓreal offers a diverse range of high-quality skincare products catering to various skin types and concerns. Despite their high quality, the affordability of these products compared to other high-end skincare brands makes them a prevalent choice among beauty enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking for an innovative but affordable bronzer, you should consider the Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Bronzer.
This product boasts numerous standout attributes. First, the colors blend really well with the skin, and it also features very buildable pigments, making it easily customizable for any look. Despite being a powder, this bronzer feels lightweight and provides a creamy texture on the skin without any caking.
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Bronzer is transfer-proof, heatproof, waterproof, sweat-proof, and humidity-proof, ensuring it retains its matte finish for as long as 24 hours. It’s also non-comedogenic and has been tested under dermatological control. Opt for any of the eight available soft matte shades for the perfect sun-kissed skin this summer.
5. Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo
For those who can’t decide between a powder or cream, the Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo offers the best of both. With this two-in-one product, you do not have to choose. You can use any of the two bronzers or even layer one on the other; the choice is entirely yours.
The Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo provides a stunning sun-kissed complexion effortlessly, with each shade designed to define and sculpt key facial features while also baking your complexion for that perfect summer complexion. With two complementary shades, you can customize your bronzed look to suit any requirement; think of a subtle bronze look or a more multidimensional look with both shades blended.
This bronzer has no issues with dry patches or prominent pores; all shades sit on the skin perfectly with no unwanted undertones. Also, considering its lightweight, long-wearing formula and smooth texture, there’s so much to like about this product.
6. Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Body Bronzer
The Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Body Bronzer is another versatile solution for achieving a natural, sun-kissed tone. This 9.5g powder bronzer delivers a matte finish with medium coverage, making the application as seamless as it is flawless.
This bronzer is suitable for all skin tones and is naturally formulated to offer a radiant glow without any shimmer or shine. The Nyx Natte Body Bronzer is ideal for those looking to enhance their body’s contour and add warmth to their skin. If you fall into this category, then this bronzer is a must-have in your beauty routine.
Ultimately, achieving a sun-kissed summer glow shouldn’t cost so much. With a wide array of affordable options available, you can conveniently enhance your complexion and embrace the season’s warmth without spending a lot or risking prolonged sun exposure. Say hello to sun-kissed skin this summer with these budget-friendly bronzing essentials.
