All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
For maximum glow with minimal effort, look no further than the best cream bronzers. Sure, you could always swipe on a powder or liquid formula, but creams provide a buildable finish that’s easier to control than other bronzing products. These buildable formulas melt onto your skin and leave behind a natural-looking, dewy wash of warmth—no streakiness or orange hues included.
Plus, these buttery formulas are usually brimming with hydrating ingredients usually found in your skin-care products (think hyaluronic acid and glycerin) to leave your skin feeling bouncy and smooth both instantly and in the long run.
Our Top Picks
- Best Cream Bronzer Overall: Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream, $40
- Best Matte Finish: Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick, $24
- Best Shimmery Finish: Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer, $20
- Best Buildable Finish: Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer, $32
- Best Bronzing Balm: Merit Bronze Balm, $30
- Best for Beginners: Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick, $26
- Best for Contouring: LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick, $20
There’s a nearly endless stockpile of bronzers the internet has to offer, so we went ahead and tested just about all of them to suss out the very best. Here’s what we found.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between cream bronzers, liquid bronzers, and powder bronzers?
- How do I apply a cream bronzer?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Cream Bronzer Overall: Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream
Why it's worth it: Our editors gave the Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream an Allure Best of Beauty Award for its creamy, radiant finish—but we’re not the only ones who love it. Makeup artists Tomy Rivero and Brielle Pollara say this cream bronzer holds a special place in their makeup kits for its glowing satin finish. "The Laguna Bronzing Cream adds warmth to your look while adding contour," says Rivero. "Don't be afraid of the shimmery look of the product—once it's applied, it has a satin finish and the shimmer dissipates.”
Tester feedback: "I've never met a Nars product I didn't like, but this bronzer? I love it," says market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It's the perfect tone for my olive skin. It makes me look glowy, but never orange and greasy. No one’s perfect, but this bronzer is."
Key ingredients: monoï de Tahiti oil | Finish: satin | Available shades: 5
Best Matte Finish: Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick
Why it's worth it: If shimmer isn't your thing, try swiping on the Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick, which lives up to its name. The beauty of a matte finish is that it can define the contours of your face for more subtle sculpting, while its neutral-to-warm hues lend a sun-kissed look. Milk Makeup spiked its formula with a blend of mango extract, apricot extract, and coconut alkanes to boost hydration and leave skin feeling velvety smooth.
Tester feedback: While most bronzers appear too warm for commerce writer Jennifer Hussein, whose skin has cool undertones, Milk Makeup's Matte Bronzing Stick is one of the “rare finds” that complements her complexion. “If there’s a trace of orange in a bronzer’s undertone, it’s a no for me, dawg,” she says. “Thankfully, this is one of the few bronzers that lean cool-toned, so an Oompa Loompa-looking complexion is no longer a worry for me.”
Key ingredients: mango extract, apricot extract, coconut alkanes | Finish: matte | Available shades: 5
Best Shimmery Finish: Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
Why it's worth it: Tower 28's Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer is the Goldilocks of shimmer bronzers and provides just enough luminance without erring on blinding territory. Whether you’re applying with your digits or a bronzing brush, this balmy, Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula leaves a streak-free finish with exactly the perfect amount of glitter. Its finish leans sheer, but it’s totally buildable, so go ahead and layer as desired.
Tester feedback: “I'm super picky about bronzers, but this one has been a favorite since it launched in 2020," says content director Kara McGrath. “It's sheer, which makes it difficult to overdo but easy to layer, and has just a touch of shimmer that gives me just the right amount of dewiness. I love the warm, slightly red bronze that is Best Coast; it looks great as an eye shadow, too."
Key ingredients: mango butter, green tea extract, castor seed oil | Finish: radiant | Available shades: 5
Best Buildable Finish: Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer
Why it's worth it: Saie’s Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer is yet another Allure Best of Beauty Award winner; we love that this lightly pigmented formula can be dabbed on with a dense brush for a subtle tint or layered for a more dramatic effect. Either way, expect radiant results. To give skin some TLC, this formula boasts a soothing, conditioning mix of colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed oil, and elderberry extracts.
Tester feedback: "But have you tried Saie's Sun Melt formula? This is my response to anyone who tells me they're intimidated to use cream bronzers, assuming they're harsh and less forgiving when compared to powder bronzers," says associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez. "Using a thin, angled brush, I'll dab a bit of Sun Melt onto an angled brush, then diffuse it onto the top of my hand before sculpting my cheekbones, forehead, jawline, and nose for a lightweight, bronzed complexion that's sculpted but still looks natural and fresh-faced."
Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed oil, elderberry extracts | Finish: demi-matte | Available shades: 6
Best Bronzing Balm: Merit Bronze Balm
Why it's worth it: Merit's Bronze Balm has a smooth glide and subtle tint that makes it perfect for makeup minimalists. Each chubby stick features microfine pigments for a sheerer, natural-finish tint that you can layer for a more intense look if desired. Add this bronzing stick to your makeup routine if you prefer an option that leans sheer.
Tester feedback: "Merit's Bronze Balm is the perfect formula for the bronzer-phobic, a.k.a. me. It's super sheer (read: super forgiving) so there's a lot of wiggle room to apply as little or as much as you want," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann, who prefers to wear it with a bare face. She applies it across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose so it looks like she got some sun “in all the right places,” she says.
Key ingredients: fatty acids | Finish: natural | Available shades: 5
More cream bronzers we love:
Best for Beginners: Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Why it's worth it: If you’re new to the world of bronzers or just need a goof-proof option, meet Rare Beauty’s Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick. Both Rivero and Pollara are fans of its mess-free application and buildable, layering-friendly formula. "Just swipe on, blend, and you’re all set with a second-skin finish," says Pollara. "Its lightweight formula is non-greasy and won’t cake or crease throughout the day."
Editor's tip: Rivero adds that this bronzer works especially well when layered over other complexion products, such as foundation or concealer. "If you like a full glam look, this is the product for you as it easily layers over any foundation and even over setting powder once the face is set," he says.
Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower seed oil, lotus extract, gardenia extract | Finish: natural | Available shades: 7
Best for Contouring: LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick
Why it's worth it: When you want less warmth and more sculpting, you can’t go wrong with LYS Beauty's No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick, says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. "The multi-use stick application is perfect for bronzing, shaping, and sculpting facial features," she says. “The formula is creamy, easy to blend, and perfect for all-day glow.” Greenberg also appreciates its thoughtful formulation, which features a lineup of rosehip oil, sodium hyaluronate (a stabilized form of hyaluronic acid), and green tea extract.
Editor's tip: This bronzer stick has an ultra-pigmented formula, so we recommend applying it with a bronzing brush to evenly diffuse its opaque color, like the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Sephora Collection Pro Bronzer Brush #88.
Key ingredients: rosehip oil, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate | Finish: radiant | Available shades: 7
Best Cream and Powder Bronzer Duo: Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo
Why it's worth it: Want the best of both worlds? Treat yourself to Patrick Ta’s Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo, a favorite amongst Allure editors from the moment it launched in 2021. It was love at first swipe for its neutral tones that create a post-vacay look without leaning orange, a feat worthy of a Best of Beauty Award. The cream base is more neutral in its undertone, whereas the powder provides a touch of warmth that you can layer to your liking. Associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez loves this tag team of cool-toned cream and warm bronzing powder and calls it "an ideal duo for beginners and experts alike” for its contour-sculpting results.
Editor's tip: To recreate Patrick Ta's signature sculpted look at home, he previously advised Gutierrez to apply the bronzers with the dual-ended Major Sculpt Contour Brush. "I stamp it on the end of my cheekbones at the hairline and slide it down to the sides of my chin," he suggested. Ta added to "swoop the contour brush up at the apples of their cheeks as opposed to blending the cream contour down, using the brush to blend as you go."
Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil | Finish: natural | Available shades: 5
Longest Wear: Charlotte Tilbury Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer
Why it's worth it: Cream bronzers tend not to last as long as their powder counterparts, so when you have a long day ahead and don't want to bother with touch-ups, swipe on Charlotte Tilbury's Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer. New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli is a major fan of this creamy bronzer and admits he has every shade in his kit for its long-lasting wear and hydrating properties. "They blend seamlessly into the skin with hyaluronic acid built into them—and, considering the size of each compact, they last forever," he explains. “They leave a gorgeous natural tan to the skin and have a 16-hour wear time.”
Editor's tip: Scibelli notes that this cream bronzer is especially pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin D3 | Finish: natural | Available shades: 4
Most Moisturizing: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
Why it's worth it: The balmy, moisturizing feel of Makeup by Mario's SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer compliments all skin types, but we especially love it for dry skin. This bronzing compact is rich in moisture-replenishing antioxidants and fatty acids so it glides smoothly even over rough or chapped skin. Rivero also gives this bronzer his seal of approval for its ever-so-slightly warm shades, which provide "enough color to enhance the skin and give it a natural-looking flush of sun."
Editor's tip: Since Makeup by Mario's formula is so rich in skin-plumping moisturizers, we also recommend it for mature skin types.
Key ingredients: omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E | Finish: radiant | Available shades: 6
Best Drugstore: Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer
Why it's worth it: The Milani Cheek Kiss Cream Bronzer is the closest thing to an IRL contouring filter that we can get our hands on. This pick leaves behind a filtered-like finish that could put FaceTune to shame, says Scibelli. "Each of its four shades leaves an airbrushed, blurred finish to the skin and is really easy to work with," he says. "These cream bronzers melt right into the skin and can also be used as contours as well."
Key ingredients: rose oil, watermelon seed extract, pomegranate seed oil, vitamin E | Finish: soft matte | Available shades: 4
Best Dewy Finish: Ilia Sunshift Cream Bronzer
Why it's worth it: Ilia’s Sunshift Cream Bronzer is for those who love a dewy gleam. This compact reveals a pot of luminous cream bronzer speckled with an ultra-fine shimmer. The final look is glowy and reflective, but it doesn’t leave a blindingly glittery finish. On top of that, Ilia's bronzer contains an antioxidant-rich duo of green tea and microalgae extract tag-teamed with moisturizing squalane.
Editor's tip: This bronzing cream is guaranteed to stay put for up to 12 hours.
Key ingredients: green tea extract, microalgae extract, squalane, | Finish: luminous | Available shades: 4
Best Palette: Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette
Why it's worth it: We love to have options, and the Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette provides plenty of them. This face and eye palette contains 10 matte shades for contouring, bronzing, and even brightening with its concealer-like color. The best part about this palette: It contains both cream and powder variations of each shade, so you're getting extra bang for your buck.
Editor's tip: Hussein previously shared that she loves this palette for its versatility since the shades can be used on your eyes, brows, cheeks, and lips. "No matter what makeup look I'm going for, this palette is the first thing I reach for," she says. “It's hands-down one of my fave beauty products for its versatility, but the long-lasting quality of each creamy, putty-like shade also deserves a round of applause."
Key ingredients: upsalite (mattifying agent) | Finish: matte | Available shades: 1 palette, 10 shades
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cream bronzers, liquid bronzers, and powder bronzers?
They have different consistencies, which leads to variations in their coverage, buildability, and finish. Cream bronzers stand out for their ability to blend on the skin more seamlessly, resulting in a more natural-looking finish, Rivero says. "Since the creams usually contain emollients and humectants, this type of bronzer will sit on the skin seamlessly as long as you're blending it in," he explains.
Meanwhile, “powder bronzers can sometimes sit on the surface of the skin or even accentuate fine lines," he says. He suggests using a powder bronzer if your skin is on the oily side for their mattifying properties—and if you’re all about the drama, he also recommends layering both for a more intense sculpt.
As for liquid bronzers, more fluid options are great for highlighting specific areas of your face while bringing some warmth to areas, says Greenberg. They’re ideal for your cheekbones, forehead, and nose due to their shimmery finishes.
How do I apply a cream bronzer?
As with any bronzer, Pollara says you should apply your cream formulas to the areas of the face where the sun would hit your face, including the top of your cheeks, along your hairline, nose, middle of the chin, and forehead. "Using a brush, apply onto the skin using light strokes. Make sure to blend well into the skin for a natural finish," she says.
For her part, Greenberg likes to start by placing the product on the top of her hand and using a dense, angled brush to place the product on the skin. "I like to first place the product here because it allows the formula to warm up and it’ll lay better on the face," she says. "Then I always set cream bronzers with a powder formula."
For ultra-dewy results, make sure your skin is properly hydrated before you apply it, says Rivero. "Use your setting mist or hydrating mist and spray right before your cream bronzer application," he says. "Not only does it help the bronzer go on smoother and more evenly, but once the moisture dries down, it naturally sets the cream bronzers for a more skin-like finish."
Meet the Experts
- Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Brielle Pollara, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Jamie Greenberg, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup
- Neil Scibelli, a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best cream bronzers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Entering your bronze age? Keep reading about our favorite glow-boosters:
- These Bronzers Guarantee Glowy Skin With Minimal Effort
- 9 Bronzing Drops That'll Make Every Hour Golden Hour
- 7 Best Facial Self-Tanners for an Unforgettable Glow
Now, watch Ariana Greenblatt's 10-minute everyday contour routine:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
