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drugstore bronzers
drugstore bronzers
Once upon a time, drugstore bronzers were basically all just miniature deserts in a pot. They were so dry, patchy and unblendable that they made you look like you brushed dirt on your face, and the one-color-fits-all approach did nobody any favors.
Bronzer to me basically meant the lazy girl’s way of looking tan, minus the icky self-tanning products. I’d simply throw it on all over my face so I’d look less pasty. Needless to say, not much thought went into placement or technique.
As my makeup skills improved, I learned that contrary to what I believed, bronzer should not be treated as a sort of paint you use to color in your entire face. With that revelation came the realization that not all bronzers are created equal, and some are just better than others. Yes, high-end bronzers are lovely, but it is completely possible to achieve that sun-kissed glow with a simple trip to the drugstore.
Wondering which drugstore bronzers are any good? Here are my favorites.
*UPDATED: New bronzers have been released since this post was originally published. In order to keep this info current and super helpful, I have changed some of my top drugstore bronzer picks to keep up with the times. I plan on updating consistently as new products are released!
Table Of Contents
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- Revlon SkinLights Prismatic Bronzer
- Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Bronzer
- W3LL PEOPLE Bio Bronzer
- Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Powder
- Maybelline City Bronzer
- Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Bronzer
- Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzing Powder
- L’Oreal True Match Lumi Bronze It
- HONORABLE MENTION: e.l.f. Bronzer Palette
THE QUICK VERSION
ANCHOR drugstore bronzers
Revlon SkinLights Prismatic Bronzer
Personally, I love a lightly shimmery bronzer. As long as you don’t go overboard, they actually give a more natural finish to your skin than matte bronzers do. This bronzer from Revlon has the perfect finely-milled shimmer that offers a natural luminescence without obvious glitter specks. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
This seems to be the default option for a drugstore bronzer, and for good reason. Plenty of reviewers commend the formula’s blendability and natural finish. Plus, Physicians Formula has been quietly expanding their shades, and Butter Bronzer now comes in six shades. That’s pretty great for a bronzer. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Neutrogena Healthy Skin Bronzer/h4>
I think Neutrogena’s makeup style went out of fashion for a while, but recently a ton of their products seem like they fit the current beauty trends perfectly. This lightweight powder will add the slightest hint of color to your face without ever making you look like you’re trying too hard. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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W3LL PEOPLE Bio Bronzer
This bronzer is a unique shade that is underrepresented in the bronzer world. Reviewers state that in addition to being offered in a darker shade, the slightly shimmery formula blends out with a reddish undertone. This lends itself to a very natural contour-bronze on olive to deep skin tones. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Powder
Perfecto for ladies like me who tan very easily, yet refuse to pack more than one bronzer on vacation. Swirl your brush in different quadrants of the pan for the prefect shade regardless of how much sun (or self tanner) you’ve had recently. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Maybelline City Bronzer
Maybelline is a good option you just want a no-fuss option that you can count on to look natural and effortless. This formula is not overpoweringly glittery, but it has just enough shimmer to give your face a natural, dewy glimmer. Plus, it comes in three unique shades. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder
A newer option from Milani, aka, the fastest expanding makeup brand at the drugstore. (*A completely un-scientific analysis.*) I love these warmer bronzer shades for adding a hint of color all over my face when I don’t feel like doing all of the steps. I just dust this all over my entire pasty face before heading to the Sunday morning farmers’ market so I can pretend I didn’t just roll out of bed 5 minutes ago, even if I did. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Bronzer
If Milani Silky Matte is too much for you, then e.l.f. may be a better choice. The formula is less intense, and so you can throw it on more liberally for a more widespread glow. I reach for this one on natural days when I just need a touch of color so I don’t look pasty running quick errands. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzing Powder
If you are new to using bronzer, this product is great place to start. The formula is matte and not overly pigmented, yet easily buildable. This means it is basically impossible to mess it up. For me, the shade works perfectly as a subtle contour. Plus, it smells like coconuts. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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L’Oreal True Match Lumi Bronze It
What can I say, this is a quality, glowy bronzer. However, if you enjoy the bougieness of a huge compact, a la Marc Jacobs, then you’ll get a kick out of this bronzer. It is rather large, so it’s definitely not on my list of top travel picks, but it is a a pretty addition to my vanity at home. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
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HONORABLE MENTION: e.l.f. Bronzer Palette
I’ve been into mixing custom shades of pretty much everything these days. I’ve had this bronzer palette sitting around in my collection for a while and I’m finally getting use out of it. It’s awesome if you’re like me and you get bored using the same shade over and over. Careful though, the powders are highly pigmented so blend carefully. | ⇢ READ REVIEWS
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll love this one too >> *UPDATED 2020* Top 10 Best Drugstore Highlighters! || Drugstore Makeup 2020
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Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post.