FYI: These Are the Best Matte Bronzers If You Can't Stand Shimmer

by Erin Jahns
Erin Jahns has worked in the beauty industry since 2015. She is currently the beauty editor at Who What Wear in Los Angeles.
Updated 09/11/20

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

There are two types of people in this world: those who love shimmer and those who, well, don't. And if you fall into the latter category, there's nothing like a disco ball-esque bronzer to send you over the edge in a fit of regret and rage (excuse the dramatics). Love a side of radiance and sparkle with your bronzer? All the power to you. But if you'd rather stick with a matte finish to feign that post-vacay glow, we're 100% here for you.

Though we think there's always a time and place for a shimmering wash of bronzer, we typically prefer a sculpted—versus flashy—result (we're also still relatively scarred by the orange, light-reflecting days of high school football games and formals). But again, you do you. Interested to see which matte bronzers Byrdie editors swear are the best?

Keep reading for the best matte bronzers available now.

Best Overall: Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

 Courtesy of Ulta

Perhaps one of the most iconic matte bronzers known to womankind, Benefit's cult-favorite bronzer is adored by makeup artists, celebrities, and editors alike. Plus, it comes in two different shades (light and regular) to ensure a flawless finish each and every time.

Best Budget: NYX Matte Bronzer

NYX Matte Bronzer

Courtesy of Ulta 

What's more satisfying than finding one of the best matte bronzers on the market? Finding one of the best matte bronzers on the market coming in at $10. To achieve the perfect matte bronze finish, NYX's ultra-affordable pick gets the job done at a fraction of the price.

Best Stick Formula: Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Courtesy of Sephora

In general, we don't associate liquid or stick bronzers with anything short of shimmer, shine, and dewiness. However, Milk Makeup counteracts the assumption beautifully with this user-friendly matte bronzer that comes in wanderlust-encouraging stick form. (In other words: You can officially say goodbye to the days of cracked compacts and shattered powders while en route.)

Best Shade Range: Bobbi Brown Bronzer

Bobbi Brown Bronzer

 Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bronzers have a notorious and annoying bad habit of coming in limited shade ranges—i.e., three at most. However, not the case with Bobbi Brown's beloved bronzer, which not only boasts the most flattering of matte finishes but comes in an impressive array of six different hues. We actually own a few so we can blend, mix, and customize our glow based on the season.

Best Scent: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

Courtesy of Ulta 

Not only does Too Faced's Matte Bronzer offer three surprisingly versatile shades, but the drool-worthy formula (we mean that literally) is also infused with real cocoa powder for a signature scent and lustrous cast of bronze with absolutely zero shimmer. Depending on your skin tone, and quite possibly your taste preferences, choose from the brand's assortment of milk chocolate, chocolate, and dark chocolate and then blend, baby, blend.

Best Natural Finish: Nars Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer

Nars Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer

 Courtesy of Nordstrom

If you happen to be a member of the shimmering bronzer camp, you're likely familiar with Nars' signature iteration in the now iconic shades Casino and Laguna. But (to our delight) the brand has branched out to create four gorgeously non-glimmering bronzers is an appreciated matte finish. Laguna and Casino are still members of the collection, but now they're just a tad less light-reflecting.

Best Waterproof: Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

Courtesy of Ulta 

Waterproof, vegan, cruelty-free, and matte—what more could you want from your go-to bronzer? One of the best we've tried, this pick from Tarte is a Byrdie editor favorite and manages to look impeccably natural despite its long-wear profile. Plus, it contains moisture-locking ingredients like pure water, vitamins A, C, and E, and naturally, Amazonian Clay to ensure the incandescent glow you crave.

Best Cruelty-Free: The Balm Bahama Mama

The Balm Bahama Mama

Courtesy of Amazon 

We're not sure why this matte bronzer by The Balm still falls under the radar, but it's honestly one of the most flattering, well-formulated options we've tried (and consider us well-versed in the arena). Great for delivering a flush of color and contour alike, this paraben- and cruelty-free pick is a must for the shimmer-averse. Oh, and you can also use it in lieu of your go-to neutral eye shadow or brow powder.

Best Hydrating: Laura Geller Beach Matte Baked Hydrating Bronzer

Laura Geller Beach Matte Baked Hydrating Bronzer

 Courtesy of Laura Geller

Adorable packaging aside, this best-of-the-best matte bronzer from Laura Geller is a beauty lover's multitasking heroine. Not only does it offer a believable, beachy glow, but it also infuses your flush with a hit of antioxidants (thanks to blueberry and cranberry) and some appreciated hydration from shea butter and jojoba seed oil.

Related Stories