9 Best Shimmer Bronzers For A Sun-Kissed Glow
It is time to rise and shine with warm-toned makeup to get that perfect summery effect!
Azesha RamcharanMakeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup Artistry
Experience: 10 years
Azesha is a versatile freelance makeup artist with over a decade of experience in creating stunning looks for both media productions and special events. Her background in visual arts and degree in filmmaking and photography have shaped her ... more
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Shalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashi... more
Srijani Roy ChowdhuryCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Asmita DeCertified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reput... more
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Perfect skin or not, we all want the sun-kissed glow. But visiting the beach every week is not possible! That’s why we are here to introduce the best shimmer bronzers available on the market. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you can achieve a gorgeous sun-kissed glow with the help of these magic formulas. The bronzers not only enhance the complexion but also add definition to your overall appearance.
If you ache for the subtle summer glow, shimmer bronzer is always here to the rescue. Choosing the right bronzer could be tricky, but we have a complete guide for you. Read on to know more.
In This Article
How To Apply A Shimmer Bronzer
- Pick the right shade. Always choose a shimmer bronzer one shade darker than your original skin tone, as it will deliver a natural youthful glow.
- Pick the desired formula. Bronzers are available in cream, liquid, and powder formulas. Using a liquid shimmer bronzer will help it blend with your liquid foundation and create a flushed and seamless appearance. However, you can also layer different formulas of bronzers to get the desired finish.
- Use the right brush. If you are applying a powder bronzer, use the wide powder brush. You can finish the look using a damp beauty sponge for a more blended and natural look.
- Apply shimmer on the bridges of your nose and apples of the cheeks. You can also apply the shimmer around the jawline area to create the chiseled jawline look. However, use bronzer sparingly and build them as you go along during the application process.
Shimmer Vs Matte Bronzer
Shimmer and Matte bronzers are the most common types of bronzers used. Shimmer bronzers mimic reflecting light, providing the skin with a natural sun-kissed glow. In contrast, matte bronzers build the depth of your skin and add natural warmth to your skin color. Matte bronzers usually sculpt the skin and warm it up, while shimmer creates the exact look of how the sun hits the face and reflects light. However, if you have blemishes and skin imperfections, use a matte bronzer instead of a shimmer bronzer.
9 Best Shimmer Bronzers For A Sun-Kissed Glow
1. Best Streak-Free Glow:Milani Baked Bronzer
Image: Milani Cosmetics If you aim for a streak-free glow with a subtle shimmery finish, Milani Baked Bronzer is a must-have. Available in 3 glowing shades, this bronzer gives your face a soft gold to tan look that lasts all day. The natural shimmer or sun-kissed look offered by Milani’s golden bronzer is worth trying.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Natural sun-kissed glow
- Long-lasting
- Glides smoothly
Cons
- Not very shimmery
Quick TipUse a light hand when applying shimmer bronzer. Too much shimmer can make your skin look greasy.
2. Best Lightweight Formula:Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow Boosting Pressed Bronzer
Image: Nuby-silicone The Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow Boosting Pressed Bronzer has a lightweight, buildable formula that gives a long-lasting tan with a healthy glow. It is made with vitamins, moisturizers, antioxidants, and glow activators that provide triple-action bronze boosting with a shimmering glow. Made without any harsh ingredients, it is safe for sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-free
- Buildable formula
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shade delivery differs from skin tone to skin tone
3. Best Natural Formula: Firstfly Just Glow Body Luminizer
The Firstfly Just Glow Body Luminizer is infused with natural oils, botanicals, and marine extract to give you velvety smooth skin. It enhances the skin elasticity and texture and tightens the skin by filling in wrinkles. In addition, it treats skin discoloration, blurs stretch marks and pigmentation, and leaves your skin with a glowing natural tone. It highlights the skin and delivers a dewy glow.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Dewy natural finish
- Can be used for body
- Little goes a long way
- Keeps the skin moisturized
Cons
None
4. Best Metallic Finish:Wet N Wild MegaGlo Blushlighter
Image: Wet 'n Wild The Wet N Wild MegaGlo Blushlighter is a smart combination of a blush and highlighter to add a quick pop of color and touch-up the definition of your makeup on the go. It is available in 3 duos. The shades vary in intensity to match your skin tone while enhancing and sculpting your face with a radiant finish.
Pros
- Buildable shades
- Customizable coverage
- Micro-fine pearl pigments
- Shimmery finish
- Easy to apple
Cons
- Not for intense looks
Quick TipApply shimmer bronzer to the areas of your face that naturally catch the light, such as the tops of your cheekbones, forehead, and chin.
5. Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula:Burts Bees All Aglow Bronzer Stick
Image: Burt's Bees The Burts Bees All Aglow Bronzer Stick brightens, contours, and illuminates your skin and leaves it with a natural sun-kissed, beachy glow. It is made with 100% natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate the skin. The bronzer blends in effortlessly and does not look cakey or patchy even after many hours. In addition, the lightweight formula comes in a stick packaging, making it travel-friendly and easy to use.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Might feel greasy
6. Best Creamy Powder:Movo Natural Beauty Highlighter
The Movo Natural Beauty Highlighter comes with 5 shades in one compact, perfect for baking, bronzing, highlighting, and adding a shimmery glow. The creamy powder glides onto the skin smoothly, and the super-pigmented texture adds a natural-looking luminous and flawless finish to the skin. You can easily play around with these five shades to create the desired makeup look for any occasion.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Natural looking shimmer
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Quick TipUse a fluffy brush to apply your shimmer bronzer for a natural, airbrushed look. Blend your shimmer bronzer well to avoid harsh lines.
7. Best For A Sparkling Glow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact – Bronze
Image: Bobbi Brown The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick doubles up as a bronzer and highlighter. It is available in two variants, and each box comes with 5 gorgeous shades to apply to your cheekbones, temples, and jawlines. Each color has fine shimmer that glides on smoothly, blends well, and delivers an illuminating natural-looking finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Has a color for every skin tone
- Buildable
Cons
Less quantity for the price
8. Best Long-Lasting Formula:Spdoo 3 in 1 Makeup Powder Palette
Image: Focallure The Spdoo 3-in-1 Makeup Powder Palette has a bronzer, blush, and a highlighter in one box. The shades have a smooth and creamy texture that blends in perfectly, delivering a subtle light-reflecting shine to the skin. The space-saving design makes the palette multi-purpose and travel-friendly at the same time. In addition, the shades deliver a pearly finish that looks naturally radiant.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Blendable
- Multi-purpose
- Natural finish
Cons
None
9. Best Buildable Coverage: The Revolution Bronzer Reloaded
Image: Revolution Who needs the sun for a gorgeous tan when you have The Revolution Bronzer Reloaded? The ultra-fine pearlized powder of this formula delivers a stunning shimmer and leaves with a beautiful and flawless skin. The buildable bronzer accentuates your jaws and cheeks, and forehead and adds a dewy glow to the skin. The Long Weekend shade is tailor-made for enhancing dark skin and offering an effortless shimmer. You can also use to bronzer to create a dramatic eye makeup look.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
- Buildable
Cons
- May not last long
Quick TipSet your shimmer bronzer with a light dusting of translucent powder to help it last longer.
Selecting the right kind of bronzer does require a buying guide. To know which one is the best for you, read on!
How To Select Best Shimmer Bronzer? – Buying Guide
- Know what kind of look you want. Finely milled shimmer powders offer a subtle, natural glow to the skin, whereas large shimmer particles can look more like glitter.
- Know your skin tone. Always pick a shimmer bronzer that is one to two shades darker than your original skin tone to get the natural tanned look.
- Choose the correct texture. Pick a creamy shimmer bronzer if you have dry skin, but if you have acne-prone skin or oily skin, choose a powder bronzer.
The Bottom Line
Shimmer bronzers can give you a subtle or sparkling finish. They accentuate your facial features and add a sun-kissed glow to make your skin look flawless. The Milani Baked Bronzer can be a great choice imparting a radiant sun-kissed glow that lasts all day, while the Wet N Wild MegaGlo Blushlighter combines blush and highlighter for a pop of color with versatile shimmer. If you want a lightweight formula that has a buildable coverage and natural-looking finish then try Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact. Always consider your skin tone and texture while picking a shimmery bronzer. However, there may be a few bronzers that make your skin greasy. Steer clear of such formulas and go for the one that enhances your complexion.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shalini Roy, is a makeup enthusiast and loves to review products as they hit the shelves. She went through hundreds of product specifications and ingredient lists and spend hours reading user reviews before curating this comprehensive list of best shimmer bronzers for her readers. Her recommended formulas offer buildable coverage, lasting wear, and lightweight formulas to ensure a flawless sun-kissed look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you use a shimmer bronzer for?
Using a subtle shimmer bronzer will give you a sun-kissed glow while also defining your features. You can use it as a bronze glow enhancer.
Should bronzer be glittery?
Bronzers are not glittery; they are shiny. They give your face the natural glistening of warmth.
Is shimmer bronzer good for tanning?
Your bronzer is not a replacement for a tan. It is just a makeup item that gives a sun-kissed glow for a few hours.
Can you use shimmer bronzer to contour?
No, a shimmer bronzer will not give you the same effect as a contour. Instead, you can use matte bronzer as a replacement for contour. Bronzers are designed to add warmth and mimic the appearance of tanned skin. The undertone of a bronzer may not be right to use as a contour.
Can I use shimmer bronzer every day?
Yes, if you wear makeup daily, you can use sheer shimmer bronzer every day. However, make sure to get a gentle, non-comedogenic formula.
