11 Best Cruelty-Free Bronzers in 2024 For A Shimmering Glow!
Be the diva and attract all eyes on you with these stunning, long-lasting bronzers in town.
Terri L WattsSkin Care Specialist
Terri Watts is a highly qualified skin care specialist with over 24 years of experience in the beauty industry. In 2005, driven by a commitment to empower others, Terri launched her own clean beauty skin care line. This line is more than ju... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from th... more
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We all love a sunkissed tan. But with our stressful schedules, it is often difficult to hit the beach regularly. That’s why we have got you the best cruelty-free bronzers to tan yourself for sun-kissed radiance whenever you feel like sitting in any corner of the world. As already mentioned they are cruelty-free which means these products have not undergone animal testing, so if you are a beauty enthusiast and an animal lover then these bronzers might be ideal for you. These bronzers are also a gift from God if you are a sensitive skin person who prefers to avoid the harsh sun rays to stay away from allergies, sunburns, and skin conditions.
If you are ready to flaunt your timeless beauty with a gorgeous tan while staying away from sunlight, scroll down to explore the 11 best cruelty-free bronzers that are available out there. The smooth texture, illuminating finish, and lustrous sunkissed glow you get using these bronzers is something you can’t miss out on.
Keep reading to know more.
In This Article
11 Best Cruelty-Free Bronzers in 2024 You Must Get Your Hands On!
1. Best Drugstore:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer
Beach bums, are you missing the sun tan? Sweep it across areas where you want to flaunt a sun-kissed tan and watch your skin radiate the warmest glow. Enhancing your complexion and features instantly, this bronzer pressed powder can also be used to contour and define your cheekbones. A must-try for workaholics who can’t seem to fix a date with the sun or make it to those tan appointments, sweep on this drugstore bronzer and stay glam with an enviable tan — anywhere, anytime! You may check this video featuring the tester’s experience for a better understanding of this powder bronzer.
Pros
- Delivers a bronze and honey glow
- Boosts a healthy and flawless finish
- Buildable pigment and blends easily
- PETA-certified cruelty-free product
- It has a soft and smooth consistency.
Cons
- It may require retouches.
- It may deliver an orangish tint on pale skin.
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 1,397 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Oily Skin:Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer
Feel sun-kissed and wow, all around the year! A great option for matte lovers and oily skin users, Whatup Beaches by Elizabeth Matt delivers a finish so flawless that no one will ever make out whether you’ve hit the beach or applied a bronzer. Are you planning to use a sunless tanner? Wait till you see the effect of this matte, natural-looking bronzer powder and its sun-kissed glow. Promising a flattering look on your skin, you can also use it for defining and adding a contouring effect to your eyes, cheeks, and chin. Add to the bronzing powder collection right away! Plus, this product has garnered positive reviews on Amazon for offering a natural tanned look and for being long-lasting.
Pros
- Delivers a natural tan
- A fine and silky-smooth powder
- Absorbs excess sebum with its oil-control formula
- Provides a buildable coverage
- Easy-to-apply and travel-friendly
- Cruelty-free product
Cons
- Expensive
- It may take longer to blend.
3. Best Streak-Free:Milani Baked Bronzer
This tan shimmers! Yes, you read that right. Milani Baked Bronzer formulated on the terracotta tiles of Italy has nothing but a glam tan in store for you. Promising a streak-free glow and a subtle shimmer finish, watch your skin shine wherever you go. Use it to blend the natural tan on your face or body, as it applies seamlessly and appears as good as your natural skin on all undertones to deliver a radiant complexion. A great choice if you are looking for a stunning glow-up to flaunt at summer parties and beach getaways — don’t skip this bronzer! This video review showcasing the reviewer’s experience will help you learn more about the product.
Pros
- Made of premium ingredients
- Blends seamlessly for a flawless finish
- Delivers a natural coverage
- Doubles up as a contour and highlighter
- Long-lasting and easy-to-apply
- Portable and cruelty-free product
- Available in a wide range of shades
Cons
- May not be ideal for deep skin tones
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 6,455 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
| NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer Best Drugstore | Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Matte Bronzer Best For Oily Skin | Milani Baked Bronzer Best Streak-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Medium | Matte Bronzer | Glow |
| Dimensions | 1.23 x 2.93 x 2.91 inches | 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches | 3 x 1 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 0.34 Ounces | 1.8 Ounces | 0.26 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,397 | 870 | 6,455 |
| Price | $6.91 | $15.99 | $9.97 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse with Bronzer
Now anyone can get an exotic tan at home! If beach getaways look like a far-fetched dream, then let this sunless tanner grant your wish in the comfort of your home. Easy to use and velvety smooth, this bronzer for mature skin ensures a tan so exotic and lightweight that you’ll fall in love with your summer look instantly. Formulated to appear darker and with no traces of orange on neutral udertones, the mousse is also non-comedogenic and packed with skin care benefits. All you have to do is apply it after gently exfoliating the skin, and you are ready to flaunt your beach tan the next day! This video documenting the reviewer’s experience will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Made of essential and botanical ingredients
- Ultra-smooth and streak-free
- Silky texture
- Lightweight formula
- Hydrating, soothing, and anti-aging
- Long-lasting and easy-to-apply
- Gluten-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
Cons
- It may feel sticky.
- It takes longer to dry.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,447 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Anti-Aging:Mineral Fusion Bronzer Duo – Luster
Like basking in the sun’s glory but minus the harmful rays! Tan lovers, Mineral Fusion has a duo palette that might thrill up the bronze goddess in you. Packed with both matte and shimmer shades in this cute compact palette, you’ll always be ready to flaunt your sun-kissed glow effortlessly. With shimmer adding a perfect shine to your pretense tan, prep up to enjoy a statement-making look that will get you some envious stares at parties and celebrations. And the best takeaway is, the powder has a natural formula made of pomegranate, aloe vera, red tea, and white tea that protect and soothe the skin too. Bonus — it’s suitable for all skin types!
Pros
- Made of antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Shields against free radical damage
- Provides anti-aging benefits
- Protects against UV rays
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free and cruelty-free product
- Free from talc, paraben, artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, and more
Cons
- Expensive
- It may not blend easily.
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 463 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
6. Best Nourishing Formula:HAN Skincare Cosmetics 100% Natural Bronzer – Malibu
Here’s an organic bronzer that promises a gorgeous tan without irritating the skin. Made of 100% natural ingredients and free from toxic chemicals, this one ensures you get to enjoy the sun-kissed glow without any side-effects. Packed with antioxidant-rich and mineral-based ingredients such as rice-powder (which controls the sebum btw!), vitamin E, coconut, cocoa butter, and argan oil, consider your skin blessed with a healthy tan instantly. Want more? It has a delightful cocoa fragrance. Try it to feel sun-kissed & loved!
Pros
- Adds extra glow
- Safe and non-irritating bronzer
- Skin-nourishing and natural formula
- Delivers an even and smooth coverage
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Recommended for light to fair skin with cool tones
- Suitable for contouring cheekbones, eyes, and chin
- Free from talc, GMOs, parabens, gluten, artificial color, and more
Cons
- Small
- It may require touchups.
7. Best Lightweight: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer – Nude Bronze Light
Not just any other bronzer, this one is worth the splurge because of its high-performance illuminating effect! Formulated with photo luminescent technology, it refracts and manipulates light to help skin appear naturally enhanced. Also, this product is infused with transparent particles that allow seamless color transitions on the skin, delivering exceptional results. Terri L Watts, skin care specialist, says, “I agree that this Hourglass bronzer is next level with the added luminescent technology that reveals a more natural look and the transparent particles act as almost a clear mineral veil for a more even appearance.” Sounds interesting? There’s more. The product is handmade with a mixing technique, thus ensuring a perfect balance of powder and pigment. As we said, this is no ordinary bronzer. Try on to get a celebrity-inspired radiant finish!
Pros
- Smooth and buildable formula
- Radiant glow
- Lightweight, easy-to-apply, and blend
- Ensures a warm and sun-kissed look
- Can be used for contouring cheeks and jawline
- Recommended for medium to light skin tones
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Free from sulfates, synthetic dyes, parabens, fragrance, and more
Cons
- Expensive
- The pan is fragile.
"I use this bronzer sparingly because a little goes a long way. It gives me a natural finish and makes my skin appear rejuvenated. It is great for daily use."
8. Best Vegan:e.l.f, Primer-infused Bronzer – Forever Sunkissed
Love the sun, but don’t have the time to get tanned? You clearly need a bronzer, and this one will stay all day long, all thanks to the infused primer. Keeping the shade intact as you’ve freshly applied, you’ll never have to worry about retouches for the entire day. Just dab it lightly on the apple of your cheeks and you are all bronze-kissed and good to glow. Reviewers have also praised the product for its rich pigment. Seems easier than getting a tan and fighting the harmful rays, right? A beauty without harm, go grab the e.l.f primer-infused creamy bronzer powder for your pale skin today!
Pros
- Ultra-pigmented and creamy texture
- All-day wear and lightweight
- Suitable for fair to medium skin tones
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Paraben-free, phthalates-free, triclosan-free and more
Cons
- It may take longer to blend.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,877 reviews claiming its efficacy.
9. Best Easy-To-Use:Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer
Not a fan of pressed powders? Give this matte bronzer by Milk Makeup a try. Ideal for dry and combination skin, the product runs like butter on the skin, thus making the whole experience fun and effortless for you. Given how creamy products adhere longer than powders, this one might be a great option for those outdoor summer hangouts and picnics. And the best part is, you can use it as a contour stick as well to give your jawline and cheeks a stunning definition. Yep, roll on this easy-to-use stick for a gorgeous summer tan!
Pros
- Creamy and smooth formula
- Easy to apply and blend
- Includes mango butter and avocado oil
- Deliver a flawless, healthy, and nice glow
- Vegan and cruelty-free cream bronzer
- Gluten-free and paraben-free
Cons
- Small
- Expensive
10. Best Multipurpose:Lilah B. Bronzed Beauty Bronzer Duo
One-stop for all your sultry and sun-kissed looks! Declutter this season and amp up your makeup artistry, get your hands on this pressed powder that delivers exceptional results with the charm of three – bronzer, highlighter and eyeshadow. Use it as a bronzer to flaunt a tan, as a highlighter/contour to shine, or as an eyeshadow to flutter away like a stunner — this compact powder is designed for statement-making looks. Formulated with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, agar, and aloe vera, the blend works together to take care of your skin while you walk around with your gorgeous tan. Need we say more?
Pros
- Silky-smooth texture
- Delivers a seamless and natural tan
- Adds warmth and enhances complexion
- Vegan and cruelty-free product
- Moisturizes, hydrates, and soothes skin
- One of the best option for a tan and makeup lover
- Free from gluten, paraben, sulfates, phthalates and more
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy product and not travel-friendly
"This bronzer highlights my face. It blends seamlessly with my other makeup products and gives me a great glow. I like that it is easy to apply and settles without feeling heavy."
11. Best For All Skin Types:The Body Shop Baked-To-Last – Bronzer 02
Lastly, this bronzer from The Body Shop that claims to deliver natural coverage and last up to 8 hours. That’s long enough to last through a date, movie, or even work! Also, its handmade formula is not a joke. Formulated on a terracotta disc, the powder is slow-baked with Italian olive oil (organic), vitamin E and A-rich shea butter, and marula oil that ensures intense nourishment, hydration and repairs skin’s moisture barrier too. Terri L Watts, skin care specialist, says, “Love the added marula oil in this long-lasting Body Shop bonzer which appears beneficial for oily, acne-prone, dry, and aging skin. It’s also effective at keeping skin soft, supple, and moisturized.” Now, that’s a combo worth trying, isn’t it?
Pros
- Silky-smooth texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Leaves the skin soft and supple
- Adds an iridescent glow with the natural tan
- Dermatologically-tested and cruelty-free product.
Cons
- The powder is fragile.
"This bronzer offers a natural glow that's just right. It blends smoothly without accentuating my fine lines. It is easy to apply and does not cause any messy situations."
There you go, those are 11 best cruelty-free bronzers of 2024 for you. To know more about types of bronzers, how to apply them, or how to pick the best cruelty-free bronzer, read our buying guide below.
Buying Guide – Best Cruelty-free Bronzer
Different Types Of Bronzers?
There are mainly three different types of bronzers:
Pressed powder bronzer: Mostly bronzers are preferred in pressed powder form. They are easy-to-use, blend seamlessly, and can be used for contouring as well. Other than these powder bronzers are available in matte and shimmer, thus giving you a choice to keep it natural or add a little shine to your tan.
Cream bronzer: Are you looking for an intense tan effect? If yes, then cream bronzers are ideal for you. They may take longer to set and blend, but they deliver a foundation-like coverage and last longer.
Liquid bronzer: Liquid bronzer, just like pressed powders, are easy-to-apply and blend. Also, they deliver a stunning contour look as well. And other than being apt for oily skin, they are great for acne and sensitive skin too.
How To Choose The Best Cruelty-Free Bronzer For Yourself?
Look out for the following features to pick the best cruelty-free bronzer:
Skin Tone: Unless you want to end up looking like an Oompa Loompa, choose the right skin tone! For example — If you have light to fair skin tone, select a subtle pastel or pink shade for sheer coverage and for medium skin tone, earthy-tones or bronze tone are a perfect match to add warmth. And as for deep to dark skin tone, brown shades with a dash of shimmer would be a great choice. Also, a bronzer should be at least 2 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Note your undertone as well before buying a bronzer. People with warm undertones should invest in golden-brown or mocha bronzers or bronzers that have a hint of color, such as burgundy or yellow; cold undertones can go for light tan, beige, or soft peach bronzers; neutral undertones can go for any colored bronzers.
Skin Type: Yes, your skin type matters too. Pick a bronzer that suits your skin type for the best results. For normal to dry skin, liquid bronzer can provide ideal coverage. However, if you have oily, very oily, or combination skin, then stick to pressed powders or gel bronzers only. And as for acne-prone skin, a liquid bronzer is the best choice.
Lasting Power: A bronzer should last long, or else your tale about visiting the beach will fall apart quicker than you think. So, inspect if the bronzer has long stay-power or is long wear for the best experience.
Matte Or Shimmer: Bronzers are available in matte and shimmers. Though anyone can apply matte, shimmer shades are ideal for deeper skin tones only. However, if you think you can handle all that shine, go ahead and shimmer on!
Go Cruelty-free: Lastly, let’s be a little considerate about animals before you invest in a bronzer or any beauty products. Go cruelty-free, so you know the product is made with love, peace, and kindness.
How To Use A Bronzer?
Using a bronzer is simple, and you don’t have to be a professional to get the perfect tan look. Here are some basic steps:
- Use a stippling brush for the best coverage and start from the hairline
- The idea is to create a ‘3’ on either side of the face starting from the hairline, cheeks, and jawline
- Run the brush gently over one half of the hairline. Be extremely gentle, so you don’t leave a patch or orangish tint
- While running over your cheeks, keep a two-finger gap from the nose bridge. Also, you can gently brush it over your nose bridge too if you like
- Lastly, bronze that jawline with the same pressure and go downwards toward the neck for complete coverage
- Blend as much as you can, so the powder looks more like a shadow and spreads seamlessly with your natural skin tone.
With that, we bet you’ll have the best sun-kissed glow ever!
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Cruelty-Free Bronzer
Cruelty-free bronzers are not only safer for furry babies but also better alternatives to regular bronzing products for your skin. They are packed with nourishing ingredients that give you that sun-kissed glow while improving your skin health. In the infographic below, we have listed a few of these ingredients that you can look out for when buying a cruelty-free bronzer. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Bronzers are a tried-and-tested way to elevate your makeup seamlessly. There are many cruelty-free bronzers available in the market that provide a gorgeous tan with a subtle shimmery base. Moreover, bronzers also protect your skin from sun rays that can further cause skin conditions like allergies and sunburns. You should purchase bronzers with a smooth texture, and the ability to enhance your skin’s natural glow. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer is a great all-round option that is perfect for everyday use, while the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer – Nude Bronze Light gives you a sunkissed, luminous finish. The Mineral Fusion Bronzer Duo – Luster is a versatile choice that allows you to customize the bronzing effect according to your preference. To check whether the product is cruelty-free, you can make sure that the bronzer has been PETA-certified. Overall, choose bronzers that are good for the ecosystem and your skin as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bronzer necessary?
Yes, if you want to show off a sun-kissed radiance, a bronzer is the ideal option for you. Besides adding warmth to your skin, they enhance your complexion, and deliver coverage that looks natural and flawless.
Is liquid or powder bronzer better?
It depends on your skin type. If you have a normal, combination, or oily skin — a powder bronzer would be ideal, whereas, for dry skin, a liquid or cream bronzer would be better.
Should I get bronzer or contour?
If you are planning to get a pretense tan, then you would need a bronzer, but if you want to define or enhance your features, then a contour palette is all you need. Also, a bronzer can be used for contouring too.
Should bronzer have shimmer?
Not necessarily, and it depends on your skin type. For example, using a bronzer with shimmer on very oily skin is not the best idea because your skin will end up looking greasy. However, those with normal to moderately oily skin can enjoy a bronzer with shimmer.
Can you use a bronzer instead of a foundation?
No. A foundation is primarily used to uplift your natural beauty, even out your skin tones and give a seamless appearance. A bronzer, on the other hand, adds warmth to the skin in order to create a fake tan.
Do I need a bronzer if I’m tan?
Yes, you can use a bronzer if you are tanned to even out your skin tone. Considering you might not get tanned evenly be it on your face or body, a bronzer can help to give a natural and uniform coverage.
What is the difference between illuminator and bronzer?
A bronzer adds warmth to areas on your face that might naturally get tanned under the sun. However, an illuminator is used to highlight certain areas or features.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry and review makeup products. Her strong knowledge of makeup trends and products and exhaustive research on the best cruelty-free bronzers helped her create this list for her readers. These bronzers cover your blemishes and aging signs with just a few strokes of a brush.
