Bronzer is your summer bestie, which is why it has earned a top spot in my makeup bag. As the months get warmer and my winter skin comes out of hibernation pale and ready for some GLOW, I reach into my beloved bronzer drawer for a little extra flush of color.
I’ve searched far and wide for sun-kissed in a compact and have come up with the best bronzer list of 2017. You need these. You want these. These will change your life, your skin, and your soul. So, alas, let me introduce you to your next date night staple.
1. The Bougie Beauty – Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel ($54 CAD)
Before you exit out of my list after this (very) expensive introduction, I promise you it’s worth every penny. I used to think Chanel was only for real life princesses, but then I found this and my life has changed forever. Its mousse, gel-like consistency gives you a flawless au natural terra-cotta tan from within. Not kidding, I wore just this and mascara one day and convinced the Starbucks cashier I had just come back from St Tropez. I like to apply first with my fingers then with a buffing brush to get the most subtle hint of bronze glow. A little goes a long way! I probably will never run out of this product ever, it’s a bronzing investment I will pass on to future mini me’s.
2. The Upgraded Cult Favourite – NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer in Laguna ($52 CAD)
Fun fact: Laguna was the first high-end bronzer I ever used. It still holds a special place in my heart and lives up to the hype cult status it has received. I never thought a cult favourite could actually get any better, but the imaginative beauty guru’s at NARS really hit a homerun with this one. First off the name – Sun Wash Diffusing – sounds like everything a bronzer should be and more. This new formula has blurring technologies that soft-focus the bronzer so that it looks just like your skin but warmer and more sun-kissed. It’s matte so the finished look will always be flawless. I never thought I would see the day that my old Laguna bronzer would be replaced… by its upgrade!
3. The Drugstore Siren – Maybelline Face Studio Master Bronze Kit ($15.99 CAD)
Some of the best kept bronzing secrets are found tucked away in the drugstore makeup aisle, secrets such as this little palette. With both bronzers and highlighters, you can get a dimensional, sun-kissed glow. Almost like you bathed in shimmer but on your face and intentionally. If it’s good enough for Gigi Hadid then it is most definitely good enough for me. Also, it’s $16 so really you can’t go wrong.
4. The Name Says It All – Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in Sun-Kissed ($35 CAD)
A sun-kissed glow without the sand and harmful burn? I’ll take it! This bronzer is an online exclusive. It’s long-lasting, matte and has the cutest beachy packaging ever. The radiant glow that this magical powder gives is equivalent to an afternoon out in the sunshine. I douse my whole body in this stuff to make people think I spent my weekend by the pool and not in bed watching Netflix. Bonus: it comes with a decently sized mirror so you can apply on the go!
5. The Multi-Use Magic Stick – Charlotte Tilbury Ibiza Beach Stick ($48 CAD)
If you can get your hands on this bad boy consider yourself lucky. It’s almost always sold out in this shade, Charlotte’s beach sticks have become an iconic addition to every celeb makeup artist’s kit. This multi-use stick in the shade Ibiza can be used on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. So basically you’re getting three products in one, which is a steal. Cheat your way to a healthy glow with this super creamy beach stick!
6. The Glowy Underdog – E.L.F Studio Baked Bronzer in St. Lucia ($7.99 CAD)
When skincare and makeup combine, beautiful creations are born. This little guy looks almost deceiving. From afar it looks average, at best. But when applied the beauty that is its formula and color really shines through. Infused with jojoba, rose, sunflower, apricot, and grape oil your skin will bask in its hydration and become more nourished with each use. It’s lightweight baked formula also contains a hint of shimmer, for those nights you really want to shine!
7. The Natural Beauty – Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($7.99 CAD)
If natural is your thing then you’ll love this product. Available in three different shades this bronzer syncs to your skin to create the perfect bronze for your skin tone. It’s waterproof, contains SPF and has a 10-hour wear claim. I have yet to test out the 10-hour wear but it’s lasted me through a work day, a birthday dinner, and a night out for drinks with the girls. You can’t beat the price tag either. Perfect for any of you on-the-go goddesses.
8. The Best For Last – Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer ($17 CAD)
I’ve tried hundreds of bronzers and nothing has ever compared to this little itty bitty drugstore find. This. THIS IS THE BRONZER OF ALL BRONZERS. It’s neither a liquid nor a powder. It’s creamy, buttery, and sinks into your skin as if it was made to be there. It has a pearly finish that reminds me of sparkling champagne. It’s infused with Amazonian butters, which are filled with essential fatty-acids and pro-vitamins that really give you that glow from within. Also, the smell is insane – think coconuts and the tropics. You need this in your life. You need this in your makeup bag. You need this more than you need any other product from Sephora. It actually brightens your skin tone and smooths the texture of your skin to deliver you a bronzed glow that people will spend weeks talking about. GO GET IT BEFORE THE SECRET GETS OUT!
Here’s the bronzer list of all bronzer lists to help you achieve the glow you want all year round. Hit up a festival, the beach or a steamy date night with any one of these products and you’ll be turning heads. Go on my beach goddesses, fake that glow without ever seeing Mr. Sun. I promise you’ll thank me later.
Featured image via Amy Shamblen on Unsplash