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Why it’s worth it: If you like your bronzer subtle but sculpting, Bobbi Brown’s iteration delivers a soft, natural warmth without ever looking heavy. Its lightweight, velvety formula glides seamlessly onto the skin, with ingredients like nourishing coconut oil giving a silky, easy-to-blend finish.
“If you want a cream bronzer that sculpts and stays put all day, this is it. A tiny amount can be blended across the skin for a healthy dose of warmth, or you can focus it on the high points of the face for extra definition and coverage. However you use it, the formula is incredibly easy to work with and leaves skin looking smooth, sculpted and almost airbrushed.” — Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
- Key ingredients: fatty acids.
- Finish: matte.
- Available shades: 7.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cream bronzers, liquid bronzers, and powder bronzers?
They have different consistencies, which leads to variations in their coverage, buildability, and finish. Cream bronzers stand out for their ability to blend on the skin more seamlessly, resulting in a more natural-looking finish, Rivero says. “Since the creams usually contain emollients and humectants, this type of bronzer will sit on the skin seamlessly as long as you’re blending it in,” he explains.
Meanwhile, “powder bronzers can sometimes sit on the surface of the skin or even accentuate fine lines,” he says. He suggests using a powder bronzer if your skin is on the oily side for their mattifying properties — and if you’re all about the drama, he also recommends layering both for a more intense sculpt.
As for liquid bronzers, more fluid options are great for highlighting specific areas of your face while bringing some warmth to areas, says Greenberg. They’re ideal for your cheekbones, forehead, and nose due to their shimmery finishes.
How do I apply a cream bronzer?
As with any bronzer, Pollara says you should apply your cream formulas to the areas of the face where the sun would hit your face, including the top of your cheeks, along your hairline, nose, middle of the chin, and forehead. “Using a brush, apply onto the skin using light strokes. Make sure to blend well into the skin for a natural finish,” she says.
For her part, Greenberg likes to start by placing the product on the top of her hand and using a dense, angled brush to place the product on the skin. “I like to first place the product here because it allows the formula to warm up and it’ll lay better on the face,” she says. “Then I always set cream bronzers with a powder formula.”
For ultra-dewy results, make sure your skin is properly hydrated before you apply it, says Rivero. “Use your setting spray or hydrating mist and spray right before your cream bronzer application,” he says. “Not only does it help the bronzer go on smoother and more evenly, but once the moisture dries down, it naturally sets the cream bronzers for a more skin-like finish.”