The 14 Best Bronzers of 2021

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Let’s be honest: Sunkissed skin is something we ~all~ strive for. The good news? You can achieve it with minimal effort—and at any time of year—if you find the right bronzer.

When picking a bronzer, there are a few things to think about. To choose the correct color for your skin tone, we recommend going one shade darker than your complexion. Also, make sure to stay away from chunky glitters, which can look flashy, and instead opt for a subtle shimmer for a radiant effect.

Read on for the best bronzers that'll take your glow to the next level.

Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue

Not only does it work to deliver an unmatched glow, but this soft-focus powder provides an immediate smoothing effect. Its featherweight formula, velvet matte finish, and light-reflecting pigments also help create a natural-looking radiance. Plus, the compact design looks très chic.

Buy on Ulta Buy on Elfcosmetics.com Buy on Walmart

Trust us, this product will feel much more expensive than it actually is. Priced at less than $10, this bronzer is a total steal. Still, it’s easy to build, lasts all day, and adheres to the skin smoothly.

L'oreal's True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer

Buy on Amazon Buy on Ulta

L'Oréal consistently delivers some of the best drugstore makeup on the market. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this super affordable bronzer has great buildable coverage, a subtle shimmer, and three flattering neutral hues that would look divine on everyone.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

Buy on Sephora Buy on Ulta

Receiving the stamp of approval from Byrdie associate editor Holly Rhue, this bronzer arrives in insanely versatile colors that look fabulous on every skin tone. In addition, the matte formula allows for seamless blending and the infusion of cocoa powder makes it smell as good as it looks.

Buy on Sephora

If your skin is dry, you’ll appreciate this finely milled powder bronzer. Made without tons of irritating ingredients like fragrance and parabens, you’ll leave with the perfect sun-kissed glow without your skin feeling taut or dry.

Buy on Sephora Buy on Ulta

If you have oily skin, you’ll appreciate this oil-free bronzer. Formulated with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and pore-blurring technology, you’ll stay moisturized sans any greasiness. Also worth noting: Byrdie senior editor Lindsey Metrus loves this bronzer, too.

Buy on Sephora Buy on Ulta

Dust this silky matte powder on your face, and you’ll instantly look like you spent a week on an island. Available in two universally flattering hues, the infusion of finely milled pigments allow for easy blending, a streak-free texture, and natural-looking sheer coverage.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

Buy on Sephora Buy on Fentybeauty.com

Not only does this bronzer have a light-as-air feel, but it's also a non-greasy, water-resistant formula that melts into the skin effortlessly. It also comes in seven shades and can be used to bronze, contour, or define. To apply this bronzer, use your fingertips or a face-shaping brush and apply where the sun would naturally hit your face.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Charlottetilbury.com Buy on Violet Grey

Create killer cheekbones and candlelit skin with this all-in-one bronzing and highlighting palette. Aside from the super chic packaging, which is inspired by 1920s glamour cigarette cases, this duo is a one-stop-shop to achieving the perfect glow in minutes—its blend of pearl and gold pigments can easily sculpt and highlight your features with minimal effort required.

Buy on Sephora Buy on Nordstrom

This splurge-worthy bronzer has remained a bestseller since its debut in 1984. Its super-smooth texture and subtle shimmer make you look instantly sun-kissed—plus, it's infused with hydrating ingredients (like sodium hyaluronate) and comes in a wide array of neutral shades.

Buy on Nordstrom

If your complexion is on the fairer side, Dior’s rosy or golden minerals will provide the ideal hue. Not too light but not too dark, the bronzer perfectly captures the light and enhances the effects of the sun for an easy all-over glow.

Buy on Sephora

The original shade of Hoola is flattering on all skin tones. However, we think it looks especially great on olive tones due to its intense pigment. It also has a silky-smooth texture and blends seamlessly.

Buy on Mentedcosmetics.com

This Mented bronzer—particularly in the shades Out of Office and Yacht Life—is ultra-flattering for darker complexions. Plus, since its pigment is super-rich, a little goes a long way.

Buy on Sephora

With a beautiful golden shimmer, this bronzing powder almost seems like a highlighter and bronzer in one. Its glowy sheen looks revolutionary on different skin tones—plus, since a little goes a long way, the compact will last you for quite some time. It’s also worth noting that it's a favorite of Byrdie senior editor Lindsey Metrus.

Final Verdict

Known for its instant sunkissed glow properties and easy application, bronzers can easily make you look like you just arrived back from a tropical vacation in a matter of minutes (or even seconds). Though it’s a little bit of a splurge, the best bronzer is Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream with Guerlain Terracotta Sunkissed Natural Finish Bronzing Powder coming in at a close second. If you don’t want to spend too much on Bronzer, e.l.f’s Primer Infused Bronzer or L'Oréal's True Match Lumi Lit Bronze It Bronzer both live up to the hype.

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