Bronzers

Bronzers are designed to give you that sun-kissed, tanned look. If you want to look like you've been on holiday, don't use a darker foundation colour (all to often this can look unnatural and like you're wearing a mask), use a bronzer.

When choosing a bronzer, opt for one that looks like the colour you go when you get a tan.  If you're like me and don't tan so much as burn, go for something with a redder base.

You'll usually find them in two forms:

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Powder Bronzer

Powder bronzers give you the most options. They come in all sorts of shades, and they can be matte or shimmery. Matte means that you can build up more colour whilst keeping it looking natural, whereas shimmery bronzers give you a healthy glow. Bronzers with red or pink undertones can also work well as blushes.

Recommendations

Too Faced The Bronzed and The Beautiful - This palette is great for those experimenting with bronzers. It offers four of their bronzers in different tones and finishes, and a sample of their bronze tinted primer.

MAC Bronzers - MAC offer a selection of different toned bronzers, so there is something for almost everyone. Four of them have a slight shimmer to them, whist one, Matte Bronze, has a matte finish.

Illamasqua Beg and Bronzerella Powder Blush Duo -  This is what I use for bronzing, as it gives me a more authentic 'out in the sun' look.  Beg provides a red base for you to layer Bronzerella on top of.  Ignore the swatches on the Illamasqua website, it's a lot browner than it looks.

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Cream and Gel

Cream and gel bronzers are a great option for those with dryer skin. They come in a range of finishes. Those with dewy finishes sink into the skin, giving a natural glowy look. They're also easy to apply with your fingers, and work best on top of bare skin or liquid foundation.

Recommendations

Nars Bronzing Multiples - A cream bronzer that are still matte. These are perfect for those with darker skin, particularly if you have red undertones.

Becca Bronzing Skin Perfector - This cream can either be used as a regular bronzer, or mixed into foundation for an all over bronze tone. The finish is shimmery and dewy.

Hourglass Illume Creme-To-Powder Bronze Duo -Applies like a cream, but transforms into a shimmery powder on the skin. They offer two duos, one with a bronzer and highlighter, the other with a bronzer and blush.

Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel - A light weight gel with a dewy finish. This can be layered for a more intense bronzing effect.