Summer is the season of teeny-weeny resort bikinis, two-cheek kisses in the Mediterranean, and a whole lot of UV. Summering is a verb that typically entails relaxing in sun-drenched locations, blended drink diets, and a digital mood board covered in bronzed photos of J.Lo with and her glow. We all know how harmful the sun can be (some of us still don’t care!) but there are alternatives. UV sensitives or anti-aging enthusiasts: bronzer is the answer. Whether you’re spray-tanning all season-long, or just adding to your natural tan after that boozy trip to Mallorca, these are the best compacts for an enviable bronze that everyone wants this summer.
Chantecaille’s entire limited edition summer collection is just as gorgeous as the mid-day glisten of the Riviera. Like all of the brand’s products, this bronzer does not disappoint. The limited-edition gel powder bronzer comes in two shades and has the most beautiful and natural sheen effect (thanks to pearl pigment!) Get it while it’s hot, literally.
Real Bronze, $78, available at Chantecaille
I’ve never seen a bronzer come in 8 shades before Rih decided to up the ante on representation. Unlike most of her stand-out products, this matte finish bronzer has no shimmer. The formula is incredibly silky and pigmented, which is exactly what I look for while chiseling cheeks in the summer sun.
Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer, $30, Available at Sephora
The application of this is smooth and blends seamlessly with minimal effort. You’ll never look overdone with these bronzers (either shimmer or matte finish). The shade Terra is cooler than shade Gold Dust; I recommend both. There is no streaking, and their application will stay flawless for the entire day (and all night).
Soleil Glow Bronzer, $70, available at Tom Ford
This new bronzer carries a whopping 25g of product; in comparison to the usual 8g, that’s a lot. Sometimes I’ve worn bronzer than oxidizes and looks like I’ve used Fanta on my cheeks. This couldn’t be more opposite. Both shades swatch and wear beautifully. It’s a perfect neutral shade and a recommend it for medium—medium tan skin or fair skin with cool or neutral undertones.
O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan, $49, available at Sephora
With 6 shades, Guerlain’s cult product appeals to a variety of skin tones and color preferences. It’s never muddy, it doesn’t have shimmer, and it takes a very small amount of use for the entire face. Guerlain beauty is made entirely in France, and it really works.
Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $54 Available at Sephora
A favorite of Kylie Jenner’s makeup artist Hrush Acheyman, this cream blush is worth every penny. It blends like an absolute dream; a little bit goes a long way. After foundation, I like to use a stippling brush and lightly swirl it on my cheeks. A light hand is the way to go—we’ve all seen what bad bronzer looks like (see: tanning mom).
Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base, $50, available at Nordstrom
