Our Top Powder Bronzers for Sun Kissed Summer Skin

Summer’s here, and in the beauty world, that can only mean one thing: it’s time to break out the bronzer. The right bronzer can help you recreate the look of naturally sun kissed skin, minus the hours spent out in the sun (and the subsequent sun damage). A sweep of bronzer over the high points of your face—imagine dusting it on in a “3” shape to hit your hairline, cheekbones, and jaw—serves as an instant pick-me-up that creates the warmth and subtle definition you’d get after a weekend in Tulum. Ahead, check out the Beautylish editorial team’s tried-and-true powder bronzer favorites for a healthy-looking (never too orangey or sparkly!) glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer , $58

Charlotte Tilbury’s bronzers have a cult following, and her newest formula is no exception. This sweat-proof bronzer blurs and hydrates the skin for up to 16 hours—even in high, humid temps. The powdery-cream finish melts into the skin to offer a buildable, naturally bronzed look.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer , $58

For those who prefer a side effect of radiance with their bronzer, look no further than Hourglass. The marbled formula swirls the brand’s beloved Ambient Lighting Powder with a buildable bronze pigment for a soft-focus, sun kissed glow. No disco-ball shimmer or sparkle here—just a soft, skin-like sheen.

MOB Beauty Cream Clay Bronzer , $28

Clean beauty brand MOB Beauty’s addition to the bronzing category is perfect for beginners. A blend of superpower plants adds the right amount of creaminess and blendability to avoid any streaks or smudges, while clay offers longer wear and a velvety, cushion-cloud texture that can withstand the summer heat. Plus, it’s free of talc and other ingredients you might want to avoid.

Wayne Goss The Radiance Boosting Face Palette , $45

Makeup artist Wayne Goss’s sculpting palettes come with two shades so you can easily switch between bronzing and contouring. The contour powder has the perfect neutral-cool undertones for accentuating the natural shadows of your face, and the bronzer powder delivers sun kissed warmth with a subtle hint of glow.

Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Bronzer , $40

Kevyn Aucoin’s innovative gradient design delivers sun-kissed skin in just one swipe. The three-in-one palette lets you switch between bronzer, blush, and highlighter for ultimate versatility. Go from naturally sun-kissed to tropically bronzed with a few swipes.

Originally published on July 14, 2022. Updated July 16, 2024