Best drug store bronzer??

Jun 4, 2014

Shanice M.

I want a new bronzer that doesn't break the bank! Any ideas of high street brands which do quite a heavy contour? X.

Jun 4, 2014

Hannah K.

Bronzer is the wrong product for contouring for several reasons:

It is often shimmery, which is not what you want when trying to create a shadow.

It is also often orange in tone, and though not all bronzers are, bronzers are warm toned and therefore unsuited to the task of contouring, which entails making a darker, almost grey toned shadow. Shadows are not orange.

If, somehow, you found a bronzer that was a matte, cool, grey toned brown, bronzers are also often sheer and therefore require a more heavy handed application. That's why, when people contour with bronzer, it can often end up looking dirty or muddy, because they have to apply and blend a thick layer of product.

In short, what you're trying to do with contouring is create the illusion of shadows, which are cool and grey toned in nature. Bronzers are specifically designed to give a bronzed glow to your face, so you should apply it on the high points of your face, where the sun would hit. Bronzers are simply not the correct product for contouring. They will never give the desired effect, though of course if you have nothing else they can be used.

I'd ask Jacqueline H what she recommends, as I myself don't contour or have experience with contour products. I do know that she highly recommends the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder. If nothing else, a concealer or foundation two shades darker will work in a pinch. Hope this clarified it for you! :)

Jun 4, 2014

Shanice M.

Thanks soooo much! I'll try the concealer trick! I do have a matte bronzer but like you said It looks orange x

Jun 4, 2014

Mhairi M.

Yes the Rimmel one is great and NYC sunny is a good one too.

Jun 4, 2014

Hannah K.

Happy to help!

Jun 4, 2014

Lindsay K.

I use loreal true match powder in cocoa. The darkest color. Is a cool toned matte brown.

Jun 4, 2014

Robyn S.

Yeah, if you're looking to contour, I'd try a pressed powder or powder foundation darker than your skin tone. I LOVE Loreal True Match powders. They're super blendable and there are all kinds of colors to choose from. That being said, if you want a bronzer for a summery glow rather than a heavy contour, I've been obsessed with Rimmel Natural Bronzer. NYC Sunny is also a good one. I find myself reaching for those over my NARS Laguna!

Jun 5, 2014

Llesenia S.

I like NYC Mosaic Bronzer in Bronze Glow for BRONZER. Not to contour. It's a matte color despite it saying glow!