Cream bronzer | 10 best cream formulas for a luminous glow

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

For a satin-matte finish

Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream

The one that started it all (and now available in three shades), Chanel’s Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream is a truly iconic product. The pot is large enough to swirl your fluffiest brush in – and will last you all year – while the formula is famous for good reason: it strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and matte finish, imparting the most foolproof, believable tan on the planet.

Try applying it under foundation for all-over warmth, or use it to strategically sculpt your cheekbones as a final make-up step.

For an all-over glow

Vieve Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer

Make-up artist Jamie Genevieve is known for her flawless complexion products, and her latest launch is already garnering acclaim. Vieve's Cream Bronzer is matte without looking flat, and reflects the light to brighten your complexion beautifully. Ditch the foundation and wear it over the brand's iridescent Skin Nova primer for a luminous look.

For sheer colour

Merit Beauty Bronze Balm

If you're a true make-up minimalist, Merit is about to become your new go-to.

Already huge in the States, this extremely chic brand creates products that are fail-safe to apply and always look flattering. Case in point: this dewy, translucent cream bronzing stick, which is so sheer you can simply scribble it on and pat in with fingers. The effect is less of an obvious tan, and more a gentle warmth that brings skin to life.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Bronzer

Fans of Laura Mercier's super-natural tinted moisturisers will love this cream bronzer: a recent addition to the classic line. Just like those beloved base products, this one is light, hydrating and a breeze to blend. Simply dab onto the apple of each cheek and blend upwards and outwards.

For a matte contour

Nudestix Nudies Matte

We've long been a fan of Nudestix's easy-to-apply colour sticks, and with Sofia Richie now on board as beauty director, the brand's fan base is about to boom.

This clever matte bronzing cream is actually the secret behind Richie's radiant bridal complexion. Make-up artist Pati Dubroff buffed it over the star's face as a subtle contour, before using the Picante shade to bring a pop of complementary colour to her cheeks.

For a balmy shine

Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

Now 20% Off

This is by far the dewiest option on the shelves. A solid balm that melts on contact with skin, it imparts an ultra-sheer, wet-look sheen that sits somewhere in-between a bronzer and highlight. Use a finger to dab it onto the high points of your cheeks for the easiest radiance boost.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

For radiance that lasts

Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer

It's tricky to find a cream bronzer with the longevity to match a traditional powder, but Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's offering is up to the task. it's light enough to be picked up by the softest stipple brush, but dries slightly on skin to eliminate the risk of smudgy cheeks (or stains on your collar). Bright and flattering, yet suitable for oily skins, this one offers the best of both worlds.

For major colour

NARS Bronzing Cream

The unending popularity of Nars' original Laguna bronzer inspired the launch of these skin-warming creams. They're free from shimmer, and don't veer into 'dewy' territory, so anyone who needs their products to last all day will be impressed.

Approach with a light hand here – the pigment is generous, so a little goes a long way.

For oily skin

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer

Charlotte's original powder bronzer has long been a Bazaar team favourite, but this creamy iteration may be even better. It's a fairly dense, dry cream, so won't slide about on oily skin, yet stays looking fresh for hours on end. Plus, the supersized compact (with a proper mirror inside) will last forever.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

For easy finger-painting

Trinny London Golden Glow

Trinny Woodall’s eponymous make-up brand is phenomenally popular (if you haven't yet tried her BFF Cream, you must) and this practical little bronzing pot is one of our newest favourites. Swipe it onto a finger, then pat lightly onto the high points of the face.

For a subtle shimmer

Glossier Solar Paint

Glossier's first foray into the bronzing universe, Solar Paint, sits at the more shimmery end of the spectrum, with ultra-fine reflective pigments to light up sallow skin. Sheer and creamy, it can be swiped straight from the doe-foot wand onto cheekbones, before being blended out with a light brush. Try it on eyelids, too.

Watch Next

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfqrhwrsSarK2xX5yAeYSRcGltaV%2BYv6atzGaZq6eer7Kzew%3D%3D