21 Best Bronzers for Every Skin Tone 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Few things have the power to instantly transform your look the way a great bronzer does. But what makes a formula the best bronzer is complicated. There’s the obvious: At its core, a bronzer’s purpose is to add “depth and warmth” to your skin, says Danessa Myricks, makeup artist and CEO of Danessa Myricks Beauty. But a fantastic one can do so much more—like give the illusion of cheek filler or make it look as if you’re fresh off a trip to Ibiza when you haven’t left your couch the entire weekend.

Here’s where it gets complicated: Despite bronzer’s ability to wake up your skin, so many formulas tend to be too orange, too ashy, too glittery, or just overall fake-looking. But once you know exactly what to look for, the ability to fake a glow and Bella Hadid–level cheekbones becomes far simpler. That’s where we come in. Brush up on your bronzer basics below, and then scroll on for the best bronzers according to makeup artists.

Best Bronzers 2023:

How to pick your perfect shade

With bronzer, the goal is for it to look as natural as possible. “When selecting a bronzer, think about what naturally happens when you’re in the sun,” says Myricks. “Let your body give you clues. Identify the deeper tones that surface on your chest, shoulders, and arms, and use that as a gauge.”

A safe place to start is a color two shades deeper than your natural skin tone, then go darker if you want a contrast that’s more intense. Makeup artist Kasey Spickard says fair skin tones will look best with a bronzer that has neutral undertones—i.e., shades that don’t lean too warm or cool. Terra-cotta hues with a slightly reddish undertone beautifully complement tan and olive skin. Meanwhile, bronzers that lean golden work best on deep skin, while formulas with a brick-red base play up deep skin with red and brown undertones.

And if you don’t quite know what undertones you have? Stick with something neutral, says Spickard, which will give you a natural flush no matter your skin tone.

How to choose the right formula for your skin type

As with all other types of makeup, take your skin type into consideration when choosing a formula. Powders are the least intimidating and easiest to use, especially if you’re a beginner. They work on all skin types but are best for oily skin. “If you have dry or combo skin, make sure you are doing proper physical or chemical exfoliation regularly,” says Spickard. “That way your bronzer and favorite blush won’t catch on dry skin and create a patchy application.”