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There are two main categories of bronzers: creams and powders. Each has its own benefits. Cream bronzers are amazing because they’re naturally easier to work with and can potentially be more blendable than powders. If you’ve never tried a cream bronzer and are curious to know more about them, we’re here to share just how incredible they are!
Why should I choose a cream bronzer over a powder?
The best of both is not the same, but powder bronzers and cream bronzers serve different purposes. Makeup artist Neil Scibelli explained to POPSUGAR that while powder formulas tend to be more matte, which is ideal for oily or combination skin, a cream bronzer creates more of “a skinlike bronzed finish.” If you want a “glow-from-within look,” then a cream bronzer is your best bet!
Cream bronzers are available in many forms. Even if you have oilier skin, there is still a cream that suits your skin. You can pick up a bronzer that’s more sheer, a more pigmented option or one that’s packed with shimmer. There are also matte options available. How can you decide which bronzer is right for you, with all the options available? There’s no need to stress out, because we’ve hand-picked the best of the best with all of the info you need to make your choice below!
11 Amazing Cream Bronzers to Get a Natural Sun-Kissed Glow
Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer
Cream bronzers are known for being more natural-looking or dewy, but this one is matte. This cream bronzer is ideal for combination or oily skin. You can contour your cheekbones or create a natural sun-kissed glow with the right brushes.
Pros
- It can be used as a contour or bronzer
- Matte finish
- Wearable for a long time
- Amazing shade range
Cons
Available at: Sephora Ulta Nordstrom
CHANEL LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Bronze Cream
If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy product, this is the one! It has a cream gel consistency which feels lightweight on the skin. You can also build it up for more dramatic color payoff. Plus, no one can deny how chic Chanel’s iconic logo will look displayed on any vanity!
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Buildable color
- Blendable
Cons
- Luxury price
- Only a few color options
Available at: Ulta, Nordstrom
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer
A great cream bronzer doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, and this one proves it! This bronzer is actually a cream that dries to a powder. This unique feature makes it easier to work with, and if you have oily skin but don’t want a matte finish, this one will do the trick for you.
Pros
- Cream-to-powder formula
- Super affordable
- Amazing shade options
Cons
Available at: Ulta Target, Amazon
Fenty Beauty Offers a Freestyle Cream Bronzer
Shoppers are obsessed with this bronzer because it’s incredibly pigmented. A little goes a long ways! There are many colors that can be used to contour the skin and create a sun-kissed glow. It will give you a natural, glowing look that will make your skin glow!
Pros
- Super creamy
- Amazing shade options
- Very pigmented
Cons
- More expensive
- It can be difficult to work with
Available at: Sephora, Ulta
MILK MAKEUP Matte Cream Bronzer Stick
The title may suggest that this product is matte, but the finish is much more natural-looking. We love the stick packaging, which is great if you’re doing your makeup on-the-go and don’t want to deal with fussy brushes. The color is easily blended and leaves you with a fresh-faced appearance that customers love!
Pros
- Stick packaging
- Simple application
- Natural-looking result
Cons
- Only two colors available
Available at: Sephora
UNDONE BEAUTY Water Bronzer
This product is perfect for those who want a little bit of bronzy color. Don’t let the dark color scare you, as the formula is actually incredibly light. It’s a water-based product so it’s seriously hydrating, and just like the MILK bronzer, the stick packaging makes it a breeze when it comes to application.
Pros
- Stick packaging
- Simple application
- Amazingly lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Some people may find the color too dark.
Available at
Kaja Play Bento Cream Trio
Why buy a creambronzer when you can get everything you need in one box? The cream bronzer is the base of this trio. The bronzer is the most popular product in the group. Shoppers consider it the best, so getting a blush or highlight in addition to it is a great deal.
Pros
- Three-in-one
- Pigmented formula
- Simple application
Cons
- Fewer shades available
- A little more expensive
Available at: Sephora and Amazon
Rimmel Jelly bronzer
This bronzer is more gel-like than cream formulas, so it may feel more refreshing to the skin. A gel bronzer such as this one is a good choice for those with oily skin who still want the benefits and benefits of cream products. It’s designed to blend into the skin for the ultimate natural look!
Pros
- Super affordable
- Gel formula
- Blendable
Cons
Available at
Persona DreamStick Cream Bronzing Multi-Stick
This cream bronzer is not just for use as a foundation. It can be used to warm up your skin and applied on the lips or eyes for a soft bronzed look. The color can be easily blended and built up, and the packaging allows you to target the areas you desire with expert precision.
Pros
- Multi-purpose product
- Stick packaging
- Seamless Finish
Cons
- Only two colors are available
Available at: Ulta
Well People Supernatural Stick Bronzer
If you’re looking for a bronzer to give your skin warmth and make you glow, pick out this one! This formula has a lot of shimmer that can catch the sunlight and make you appear radiant.
Pros
- Glamorous, shimmery finish
- Stick packaging
- Beautiful shade range
- Affordable
Cons
- It can be difficult to find the right color.
Available at Target
Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
There are shimmery bronzers on the market, and then there’s this one! It’s packed with light-reflecting pigments that will create the ultimate goddess aesthetic. It can double as a highlighter and bronzer in one swipe. However, it can also be used over a matte bronzer to give you a more glowing complexion.
Pros
- It is packed with shimmer
- Amazing shade range
- Can be used in conjunction with other products
Cons
- Some may find it too shiny
- A few shoppers say it’s difficult to blend
Available at: Sephora
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