The best cream bronzer does more than deposit color—it sculpts, defines, and illuminates. Applied strategically, it enhances cheekbones, contours the jawline, and brings dimension to collarbones, creating a natural finish that elevates any makeup look.
Vogue’s Favorite Cream Bronzers
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Unlike powders, cream formulas blend effortlessly into the skin—just like a foundation or concealer—offering a natural finish with a dewy glow that’s especially flattering on dry skin. They act as a subtle enhancer, building warmth and dimension without ever looking cakey or heavy, and their creamy texture allows for easy layering to create a sun-kissed radiance that appears truly lit-from-within.
Whether you’re after a luminous golden hue for a soft highlight or a matte shade for sculpting, these cream bronzers are multipurpose must-haves, delivering buildable pigment and dewy radiance that can enhance anyone’s daily routine.
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Best Gel-Cream: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
- Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites has long sung the praises of Chanel’s cream bronzer, previously telling Vogue, “If I had to choose a single makeup product I couldn’t work without, it would probably be this one. With a cream bronzer, the skin will have more of a glow than if you use a powder-based bronzer.” Pro artist Tasha Reiko Brown also points to the formula’s gel-like texture and believable undertones that add warmth without veering orange. “This product also makes for a softer contour of color before applying blush,” Brown previously said. Still, she notes the limited shade range means it works best for fair to medium complexions.
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, mineral waxes, light-reflecting pigments
- Type: Gel-cream pot
- Shades: 3
- Finish: Natural
Best Stick: Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
- Why We Love It: Beloved for its ultra-blendable glide, Merit’s balm makes bronzing practically foolproof. The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s. Just swipe it along the cheekbones, temples, or nose bridge for subtle dimension and radiance. Pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina previously noted this stick works well in a quick makeup routine for a “one and done” approach to adding color to the face—swipe it along the eyes too for an easy monochromatic look. Plus, it’s a great pick for mature skin types, as it won’t cake, settle into fine lines, and delivers just the right amount of moisture.
- Key Ingredients: Microfine pigments, fatty acids
- Type: Semi-sheer balm
- Finish: Satin
- Shades: Five