This Cult-Favourite Bronzer Is Like A Summer Vacay For Your Skin
I don't know a single beauty editor who does not extoll the skin-livening, glow-giving prowess of bronzers, whether it's a cream bronzer or a powder version. But I never quite got the hype. Those who love bronzers often preach about how 'sunkissed' it made them look but - not to brag - my Malaysian heritage meant that my complexion looks, technically, sunkissed by nature. Would a bronzer actually make a difference?
As it turns out, it does. Liquid formulas generally impart a more natural finish, so I gave the Jones Road Gel Bronzer a go and in the most natural way, it simply perks up my complexion without adding obvious colour (like a blush would). Nothing muddy or shimmery here, just a polished finish that makes me look as though I've been having bowls of fresh fruits and jugs of water while sunbathing on my terrace on the Riviera - despite the weather outside being cold and frightful. It's a subtle skin enhancer, but an impactful one. To find out more about liquid bronzers, I went straight to Lan Nguyen-Grealis, the make-up artist who's worked with celebrities such as Raye, Paloma Faith and Jing Lusi.
What are the benefits of a liquid bronzer?
'Liquid bronzers typically provide a more natural and dewy finish,' Nguyen-Grealis tells me. Their pigments tend to be more sheer than those in a cream or powder texture, and they diffuse seamlessly to impart a radiant glow. 'They are particularly suitable for dry or mature skin because they add hydration and avoid settling into fine lines,' she adds.
How to use a liquid bronzer
Bronzing drops and liquid textures are much easier to blend than powders or creams, and can be applied with fingers or an angled cheek brush. You can use a sponge too, but it might absorb more product than necessary. 'Liquid bronzers can also be mixed with foundation or moisturiser for an all-over glow,' shares Nguyen, who also recommends using it on cheeks and the tops of your forehead. I like to blend mine along the jawline too, for a sculpted effect.
How to find the right shade of bronzer
On my own olive complexion, I favour bronzers with golden undertones and often head towards a shade lighter than my skin in order to keep it looking natural. For fair skin tones, Nguyen recommends light to medium shades with neutral or cool undertones while caramel or honey hues can enhance the natural warmth of tanned complexions. 'For deeper skin, try shades of terracotta, mahogany, or deep bronze and look for warm, red, or gold undertones,' says Nguyen-Grealis. 'Avoid ashy or overly light shades as that can appear greyish on dark skin.'
The beauty editor-approved liquid bronzers
Gel Bronzer
This smooth, gel-liquid bronzer truly delivers the most natural finish thanks to its neutral undertones and glitter-free texture. It's difficult to over-apply, as it blends in so seamlessly. Dry skin types will appreciate the gentle nourishment it delivers, while combination to oily skin will love the lightweight, non-sticky feel.
Tinted Moisturizer Bronzer
In-built micro-pearls lend a whisper of luminosity to this creamy liquid bronzer. It blends out seamlessly and does not cling to any dry patches. There are five shades to complement all skin colours, and not a single one has an orange undertone.
Radiance Booster
If it's surreal, glassy skin you're after, try Iconic London's luminising formula. It can be used as a glow-giving primer if you choose a shade that matches your skin tone, or go one-to-two shades deeper and use in targeted areas to simultaneously bronze and brighten.
Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
A creamy liquid texture that diffuses into an ultra-natural finish that simply enlivens the complexion. The buildable, sheer formula makes this a dream for bronzer newbies.
Invisible Illumination Liquid Bronzer
So you'd like to have a subtle bit on warmth, but you don't quite want to look overdone? Lumene's bronzer is the answer, and the sheer pigments make it difficult to overuse. Just blend in a couple of dots on each cheek and you'll notice a slight livening of the complexion. It feels impressively weightless too.
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
You're better off getting the best skincare ingredients in your serum (you won't use nearly enough if it's in make-up), but if you are looking for colour that has complexion-caring benefits, D-Bronzi is unmatched. It contains peptides to plump, protective antioxidants and nourishing marula oil. To maximise their benefits, mix this bronzing drops into your moisturiser for a sunkissed glow.
Hot Shot Sun Drops
Subtle pearlescent particles impart a juicy finish to the complexion. The satin smooth texture blends out in seconds and the buildable colour can easily be dialled up or down.
Bronzing Drops
Specially formulated to be used all-over, E.l.f's skincare-infused bronzer imparts a healthy glow using sheer pigments and a sheeny finish. It's one to reach for if you find your face doesn't tan as much as the rest of your body in the summer, or if you'd just like a hint of colour to enliven a wintery pallor.
Hollywood Contour Wand
Sitting comfortably in the middle of the Venn diagram of contour and bronzer, this creamy liquid formula delivers a sunkissed glow while gently sculpting cheekbones with its neutral undertones. There's a luminosity here too, so expect a radiant, camera-ready finish.
£30.00 at charlottetilbury.com
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