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    10 bronzers that will transform you into a golden goddess

    8 Nov 2019 5:00 PM | Posted by
    bh's Delaney Loane's picture
    bh's Delaney Loane
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    Bronzer is the misunderstood child of the makeup family, often written off as just too tricky to deal with. If applied too heavily, in the wrong places or just not blended well enough, your look can head into Oompa Loompa territory real fast, but it also holds the power to transform you into a just-spent-a-week-in-sunny-St-Tropez beach goddess if mastered.

    The key to sunkissed success lies in the formula. There are two major players to keep in mind: colour and finish. Shade wise, it’s all about finding a warm-but-not-too-warm hue that hits the sweet spot between cool-toned brown (that can often look grey, muddy and messy on skin) and a terracotta tone (because Lindsay Lohan in 2005 is not our bronzer brief).

    Finish depends more on your personal preference of course, but the key to a gilded glow that could pass as natural also lies in the middle ground in this realm. Sparkly shimmers can definitely out your glow as faux and true mattes run the risk of looking muddy. Somewhere in between lies a finish that will always look flawless.

    You're in luck, we’ve rounded up the 10 best bronzers that will work wonders for your look without fail, delivering the perfect amount of definition and warmth in universally flattering shades and finishes. Go ahead and glow.
     

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    Maybelline New York

    Maybelline New York City Bronzer

    This micro-milled powder is infused with cocoa fragrance, need we say more?

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/maybelline-new-york

    COVERGIRL

    COVERGIRL TruBlend Bronzer

    A baked bronzer in a universal bronze shade that offers glow without sparkle.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/covergirl

    Estée Lauder

    Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer

    We’re filing this one under ‘does what it says on the tin’. One bronze goddess, coming right up.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/est-e-lauder

    Rimmel London

    Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

    A lightweight, natural bronzing powder that leaves change from a twenty.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/rimmel-london

    Bourjois

    Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer

    Enhance your (fake) tan with this pearl-infused formula – it imparts an instant lit-from-within glow that still lets skin breathe.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/bourjois

    CLINIQUE

    CLINIQUE True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer

    The shades are ideal for the subtly sunkissed look, but it’s the longevity that’s the real kicker – you’ll look beautifully bronzed all damn day.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/clinique

    Benefit

    Benefit Hoola Caramel 

    It’s the same soft, silky Hoola powder you know and love, just in a beachier, warmer caramel shade.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/benefit

    Clarins

    Clarins Bronzing Duo Mineral Powder Compact SPF 15

    A bronzing duo means you’ve got the perfect colour on hand whether or not you've been bothered to fake tan.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/clarins

    Mecca Max

    Mecca Max Sunlit Skin Bronzing Powder ($22, mecca.com.au)

    With just the right amount of warmth and shimmer, this silky powder is so blendable and buildable that it never looks OTT.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/mecca-max

    NARS

    NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna ($60, mecca.com.au)

    A caramel colour worthy of its cult following, it’s a ‘so good you’ll use as bronzer and eyeshadow’ sort of situation.

    /makeup/bronzer-illuminator/best-bronzer-australia/nars

    Main image credit: @nikki_makeup

    Do you have any tips for nailing bronzer application?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Maybelline New York City Bronzer
    Write a Review
    COVERGIRL TruBlend Bronzer
    Write a Review
    Rimmel London Natural Bronzer
    Write a Review
    Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer
    Write a Review
    Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer
    Write a Review
    Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer
    Write a Review
    Benefit Hoola Caramel
    Write a Review

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    50 Member Comments

    Am1851 18 Nov 2019 7:52 AM
    Many years ago I tried using a bronzer in my make up routine and had to completely wash all my make up off as I just looked like I had survived a dirty dust storm. My face just looked dirty. Yes I was very light handed with the bronzer too but it is just not something for me at all. Looks fantastic on so many others though.
    misfortune8 18 Nov 2019 4:17 AM
    I'm so fair that bronzer makes my skin look dirty. I just stick to a little blush.
    Rose_P 17 Nov 2019 6:12 PM
    I bought Too Faced Sweetie Pie from Mecca yesterday. It’s very natural and really pretty. The sales lady showed me the best way to apply it, and I was sold. I love it.
    AndreaD 16 Nov 2019 9:14 AM
    Hoola caramel is my HG. I loe the warmer bronze shades. The cooler ones tend to wash me out.
    ray_jay 14 Nov 2019 11:45 PM
    a bit of bronzer is great in summer
    beautyfun 14 Nov 2019 5:54 PM
    I do have one but dont use very often.
    Peach perfect 13 Nov 2019 2:59 PM
    So many to choose from
    Jessica712 13 Nov 2019 11:54 AM
    Benefit Hoola caramel looks so pretty.
    ThisIsMe 12 Nov 2019 12:42 PM
    I don't use bronzers anymore cos I don't know how to properly haha! I do have the rimmel one sitting around the house somewhere though!
    Neel8888 12 Nov 2019 12:34 PM
    The bareminerals invisible bronzer is a pretty good one. I used to think that I didn't need bronzer because I am already tan but bronzer has changed my makeup game completely.
    Rose_P 12 Nov 2019 12:12 PM
    I’ll try it on to be sure, but I’m asking Santa for Benefit Hoola Lite. I’m pretty confident that it will suit me. I absolutely love the look of Too Faced Sweetie Pie too. It’s so pretty. I’m just thinking it might be too dark for me.
    maydayismyday 11 Nov 2019 4:15 PM
    I rarely use my bronzer any more. It ends up being too many layers on my face so something has to go and sadly that thing is bronzer.
    Beauty Fan 69 11 Nov 2019 2:01 PM
    Lovely products, always looking for suggestions and tips.
    Omyara 11 Nov 2019 1:39 PM
    The Fenty one is universal flattering on everyone too.
    Sweety7 11 Nov 2019 12:02 PM
    I'm not much into bronzers but the Bourjois one looks appealing.
    Lucrecia629 11 Nov 2019 9:38 AM
    Bronzer just doesn't work for me, but every time I see the latest beautiful version of Guerlain's Terracotta, I am so tempted! They have the most stunning bronzers. Surprised to not see what is probably the most iconic bronzer of all time not even rate a mention.
    Hayley644 11 Nov 2019 8:04 AM
    Years ago I used to have th Body Shop bronzing pearls.
    Ellyloves 11 Nov 2019 6:48 AM
    I have the one from Estée Lauder and I love it so much
    Tigerlily 10 Nov 2019 11:02 PM
    I rarely use bronzer but I do like how it gives my face a bit of colour just need more time in the morning lol
    MoonlightSak16 10 Nov 2019 10:08 PM
    I don't use bronzers much. I have one from Elizabeth Arden which I need to use .
    clearcrystalwater 10 Nov 2019 7:47 PM
    Been away for over a week and used mainly sunscreen but occasionally did use a little bit of bronzer just for fun to pep myself up. Great to flick through these one's here!
    Candyfairy 10 Nov 2019 5:55 PM
    I would really like to try a Nars powder bronzer once I run out of my others. Won't be for a good while though!
    cityglenda 10 Nov 2019 4:56 PM
    I use the Rimmel Bronzer to contour my face and chin. Nowhere else.
    RalucaP 10 Nov 2019 3:18 PM
    I am not using bronzer. My makeup routine is really simple and quick.
    GeeJ 10 Nov 2019 9:44 AM
    I like using bronzer but I tend to always be in a hurry and forget to use it.
    Snailor 10 Nov 2019 8:37 AM
    I have to say, drug store bronzers are always way too orange on me. I love benefit’s hoola and too faved’s milk chocolate though. Chanel’s soleil is also gorgeous.
    Bellefleur 9 Nov 2019 10:05 PM
    For the longest time I was scared of bronzers due to the fear of looking like a dirty oompa loompa, but I was able to concur my fear over the last few years and have happily been using the matte bronzer from Nude By Nature. My tip would be to do light handed at first and build it up as needed, tap of the excess from the brush before applying to skin and chose matte over shimmer for beginners.
    IndieAna 9 Nov 2019 3:14 PM
    I have the original Benefit Hoola bronzer and love it. It's quite forgiving for beginner bronzer users like me, lol
    Beautybabe140194 9 Nov 2019 3:06 PM
    I currently am using a Too Faced Contour kit for my bronzer and I have a separate Benefit Bronzer I use too.
    CaitMay 9 Nov 2019 10:36 AM
    I do appreciate a good bronzer, but I use them as contour usually
    Janefre 9 Nov 2019 9:53 AM
    I'm forever looking for the right shade for my fair skin. I have the Maybelline City Bronzer and still the lightest shade looks too orange for my skin tone.
    Isabelbolton 9 Nov 2019 9:26 AM
    Benefit Hoola looks lovely! I think I should pick one up for summer!
    Meedee 9 Nov 2019 8:09 AM
    No idea how to nail it but I do have quite a good collection of bronzers. I use them from time to time but not on a daily basis.
    Princess Perfume 9 Nov 2019 12:36 AM
    I have the Benefit Hoola and even on my pale skin it looks quite natural and subtle - love it!
    Miss19 8 Nov 2019 10:40 PM
    I do love a good bronzer!
    Rpear 8 Nov 2019 9:31 PM
    Estée Lauder is my current fave too!
    bebeautiful34 8 Nov 2019 9:13 PM
    I like to add some contour to my round face but I don't like bronzers because I don't want to look tanned. And they just look muddy on me
    Wn0873 8 Nov 2019 8:58 PM
    Some nice looking shades there.
    Gilded 8 Nov 2019 8:55 PM
    Have the Hoola but very rarely use it.
    Eskimo82 8 Nov 2019 8:50 PM
    I love EL Bronze Goddess! I used to use it all the time, such a lovely consistency and lovely colour payoff.
    Rose_P 8 Nov 2019 8:40 PM
    I very rarely use my bronzer. It’s an Hourglass one, can’t remember the shade. I’d really like to try Hoola Lite.
    S-P 8 Nov 2019 7:49 PM
    I don't use bronzer often, only for special nights out. I'm using Benefit at the moment and it pretty good.
    Chicklet 8 Nov 2019 7:11 PM
    Nars is the only one that has looked good on me, but I only use a very light touch.
    Tee631 8 Nov 2019 6:11 PM
    Apparently Nars changed their formula
    Nys Silver 8 Nov 2019 5:56 PM
    Hoola Lite is perfect for me! Don't need to try anything else
    Yohanna 8 Nov 2019 5:55 PM
    Don't use bronzers, as on my complexion they look like dirt. I like bright looking skin. Plus having sharp bony huge face...bronzers are a no no. Need to soften and plump up the look.
    LadyLola 8 Nov 2019 5:52 PM
    I'd love to try the COVERGIRL TruBlend Bronzer and a great budget price as well!
    Chrystalage 8 Nov 2019 5:28 PM
    I have a yellow tone to my skin. I’m not sure that bronzer is good for my skin tone
    Yohanna 15 Nov 2019 7:30 PM
    Same! That is why I never ever would use bronzers.
    Margi59 8 Nov 2019 5:27 PM
    Don't use Bronzers in my makeup routine at all but for the younger Women I am sure that they appreciate them.
    You need to log in or become a member to post a comment.
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