Groom+Style is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Get a Radiant Complexion: Best Drugstore Bronzer

Last modified on :

Rebecca Moses
Your guide to this Review is Rebecca Moses

How we review products

This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links

Best drugstore bronzer
Best drugstore bronzer

Get a Radiant Complexion with these Best Drugstore Bronzer

IMAGE PRODUCT
Maybelline City Bronzer
  • Soft, velvety matte finish
  • Suitable for all skin types
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Milani Baked Bronzer
  • Suitable for face and body
  • Shimmery bronzer
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Rimmel Natural Bronzer
  • Natural velvet finish
  • Very affordable
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Black Radiance Pressed Powder
  • Ideal for darker skin tones
  • Available in 12 shades
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder
  • Perfect for people with lighter skin tones
  • Lightweight
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Juvias Place Bronzed Duo
  • Soft-matte formula
  • Best for dark skin tones
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
Nyx Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
  • Matte finish
  • Sun-kissed glow
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Nothing perks up your complexion quite like a hint of bronzer! Whether you’re looking for a subtle glow or want to elevate the finish with a sun-kissed look, the best drugstore bronzer is definitely a must-have.

With so many options on the market, where do you start? We have narrowed down the search to the best drugstore bronzer products around that will have your skin looking radiant in no time. Read on!

How To Use Bronzer (The Right Way)

How To Use Bronzer
How To Use Bronzer

Applying bronzer can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, if you learn the correct way to apply it, you’ll manage to elevate your look in no time. Here’s an easy guide on using bronzer:

  1. Start light when applying bronzer and build up layers as needed.
  2. For the most natural look, sweep the powder lightly over the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin for an all-over tan effect.
  3. To contour, place the bronzer along the cheek line and temples for depth and dimension.
  4. Use a blush brush to blend out harsh lines for an even more natural finish.
  5. Apply product in strategic spots, such as under the eyes and the center of the forehead, for added shine!

7 Best Drugstore Bronzers for Healthy Sun-Kissed Skin

Here are the compilations of our top picks for the best drugstore bronzers. Check them out!

Maybelline City Bronzer

Maybelline City Bronzer
Maybelline City Bronzer

When it comes to drugstore products, Maybelline is atop almost any other choices — and their bronzer is included, too! With this bronzer, achieve a stunning look with all-over bronzing, soft and subtle contouring, or a natural makeup look with a velvety matte finish.

The micro-milled powder ingredients are formulated with whipped cocoa butter. The result? A product with an ultra-soft finish for all skin types. Plus, it comes in three shades to cover a wide range of skin tones — we wish they’ll release other shades, though, since they work like a wonder!

Key Features

  • Soft, velvety matte finish
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Formulated with whipped cocoa butter
  • Ultra-soft powder
  • Buildable
  • Comes in three shades: light, medium, and deep
  • Affordable

Milani Baked Bronzer

Milani Baked Bronzer
Milani Baked Bronzer

Milani Baked Bronzer is one of the most happening drugstore bronzers since it was released several years ago. No wonder; the luxurious and effortless look finish makes everyone head over heels for this product.

It’s an easy-to-use formula made up of micro-fine pigments that glide on your skin for a streak-free finish. The bronzer comes in three shades, so it’s perfect for any skin tone.

Whether you’re looking for a soft gold or a tantalizing tan, you can find the perfect shade to enhance your natural beauty. Plus, it looks and feels like a high-end product — at a much more affordable price — so it’s almost too good to be true!

Key Features

  • Suitable for face and body
  • Can be used as a bronzer, contour, and highlighter
  • Shimmery bronzer
  • Buildable
  • Comes in three shades
  • Cruelty-free

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer
Rimmel Natural Bronzer

On a budget? Rimmel Natural Bronzer comes to the rescue! This drugstore bronzer is easily one of the best on the market and won’t break your wallet — it costs less than $5!

The richly pigmented formula can be layered to achieve either subtle or dramatic effects, so it’s great for those just starting. Plus, it comes in three shades to give you a perfect look every time.

Key Features

  • Natural velvet finish
  • Light coverage
  • Buildable
  • Waterproof
  • Available in three shades
  • Very affordable

Black Radiance Pressed Powder

Black Radiance Pressed Powder
Black Radiance Pressed Powder

So far, the three products above only cover a specific range of skin tones, hence the importance of highlighting the Pressed Powder from Black Radiance! Living up to its name, it delivers the perfect shades — there are 12 shades — for people of color.

Technically, it’s a regular powder, but the formula works well as a bronzer, too. This matte bronzing powder formula includes talc to absorb excess oil and moisturizing glycerin and allantoin to soothe your skin. It blends easily, stays in place, and is ideal for achieving an even complexion.

Key Features

  • Available in 12 shades
  • Ideal for darker skin tones
  • Matte formula
  • Easy to blend
  • Buildable
  • Long-lasting

Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder

Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder
Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder

If Black Radiance caters to people with darker skin tones, Essence Sun Club is an excellent alternative for paler people. There are two shades — the lighter shade is ideal for very pale skin tones and blondes, while the darker shade has a red undertone and works better for medium skin tones.

Plus, it’s unbeatable value — this is the biggest bronzer in the bunch, yet it costs under $5! Not to mention that Essence is a cruelty-free and vegan brand.

Key Features

  • Perfect for people with lighter skin tones
  • Great for combination skin and oily skin
  • Comes in two shades
  • Matte finish
  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Smells nice
  • Cruelty-free and vegan

Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo

Juvia's Place Bronzed Duo
Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo

The black-owned brand, Juvia’s Place, had the makeup industry go bananas when it first released this bronzer — you must be familiar with the iconic packaging. The bronzer comes in 10 different shades and caters to makeup enthusiasts with deep skin tones.

The two pans allow you to get a sculpted and sun-kissed look effortlessly. Use both matte shades to create definition and depth, or apply all over for a hint of radiance.

Key Features

  • Soft-matte formula
  • Comes in two-shade pans
  • Available in 10 different shades
  • Best for dark skin tones
  • Medium coverage
  • Buildable
  • Cruelty-free and vegan

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

Don’t fancy shimmer? NYX Matte Bronzer is perfect for those who want a matte-finish makeup look. But don’t worry; the matte formula won’t make your skin appear chalky or cakey, adding a healthy flush of warmth.

Available in five shades and suitable for all skin types, this wallet-friendly bronzer is a must-have addition to any makeup bag.

Key Features

  • Matte finish
  • Medium coverage
  • Sun-kissed glow
  • Cruelty-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Apply a Cream Bronzer on a Bare Face?

Yes, you can apply a cream bronzer on a bare face. Use the one close to your skin tone for the most natural-looking finish.

Use a clean makeup brush or beauty sponge and blend the product evenly on all areas you want to bronze up. This technique will create an effortless and seamless glow that won’t be too overpowering.

What Makes Cream Bronzer Different from Powder Bronzer?

One of the significant differences between a drugstore cream bronzer and the powder one is how it’s applied.

Cream bronzers are typically applied with your fingers or a makeup brush. In contrast, powder bronzers require a brush or sponge.

Cream bronzer is an excellent choice for those who want a natural and subtle glow, while powder bronzer is better suited for a stronger tan effect.

Additionally, cream bronzers are more malleable, so they can be blended seamlessly into the skin, while powder bronzers can leave behind harsh lines. Also, cream bronzers generally last longer than powder ones.

How Long Can You Use Cream Bronzers?

Cream bronzers generally last longer than powder bronzers, so you can expect them to stay on for up to 8 to 12 hours! However, this varies depending on the product’s formula and how intensely it is applied.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about the best drugstore bronzers, it’s time to stock up and start glowin’! With so many choices, there’s definitely a perfect product for you.

If you fancy some shimmer on your look, Milani Baked Bronzer is the best choice — not to mention the super-affordable price! On the flip hand, NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer and Maybelline City Bronzer are ideal for beginners who want a natural matte finish.

So, which bronzer caught your attention? Let us know in the comment below!

Author

  • Rebecca Moses

    Depending on the day, you’ll find Rebecca in a well thought-out ensemble that she handcrafted herself, or in hiking and rock climbing gear. An avid outdoorswoman, cyclist, and cat lover, Rebecca reminds us all on the Groom+Style team just how much we need to get outdoors. She’s worked in spas and salons off and on before going full-time with the G+S team. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-moses-3158b914b/