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The 19 Best Cream Bronzers Worth Adding to Your Makeup Collection

For expert-level contouring and definition.

By
best cream bronzers in 2022
Saie

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When it comes to adding extra definition to your jawline, forehead, and cheekbones, using a good cream bronzer is an easy way to enhance your face with just a few swipes of product. Depending on your sculpting (and application) preference, you can opt for either a compact or stick bronzer.

"I personally prefer using a compact on my clients, because they're what I'm most accustomed to," celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner tells BAZAAR.com. "If you're a beginner or new to cream bronzers, I'd suggest using a stick, as it's easier to see exactly where you're applying the product."

An ideal bronzer shade is typically at least two shades darker than your foundation or natural skin tone, and can offer either a matte or luminous finish once its applied. To properly blend out a cream contour, experts recommend using a soft, fluffy, or angled brush, or a slightly damp sponge for a more natural look.

"I'm a die-hard fan of using a Beautyblender to blend everything," celebrity makeup artist Hailey Hoff says. "I always use one on clients throughout my entire beauty application process." And as for when in your routine to apply your bronzer of choice? "There are no rules in makeup, but I do prefer to apply blush after bronzer, as to not make the combination appear muddy," Wainner says.

To save you precious scrolling time, we've pulled together 19 of the best cream bronzers professionals, editors, and beauty enthusiasts swear by, from popular brands like Chanel, Fenty Beauty, Jones Road, and more.

1

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

For a healthy, sun-kissed glow, this noncomedogenic cream-gel bronzer from Chanel uses light-reflecting pigments combined with mineral waxes for a natural-looking finish.

2
PRO PICK

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
Credit: Fenty Beauty

"Some of my favorite current cream bronzers are from Fenty Beauty," Wainner says. "They glide on like butter and have a shade range that suits most skin tones."

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3

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick

Best Seller
Match Stix Contour Skinstick
Credit: Fenty Beauty

Although Wainner also loves using the brand's compact bronzers, Fenty Beauty's Match Stix tubes come in handy for a nearly effortless contour.

4

rms beauty Buriti Bronzer

Buriti Bronzer
Credit: RMS Beauty

This versatile bronzer can be used on the high points of the face and across your collarbone for a beach-ready, monochromatic glow.

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5

Glossier Solar Paint

Best Seller
Solar Paint
Credit: Glossier

Glossier's buildable, best-selling bronzer uses a combination of plant oils and extracts that blend seamlessly with the heat of your fingertips.

6
PRO PICK

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick

SoftSculpt Shaping Stick

Hoff always keeps this matte-finish stick bronzer in her makeup kit. "My absolute favorite cream bronzers are Makeup by Mario's SoftSculpt Shaping Sticks, because they're super easy to apply," Hoff says.

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7

Jones Road Miracle Balm

Editor’s Choice
Miracle Balm

Although this multipurpose balm from makeup legend Bobbi Brown's line, Jones Road, isn't just a bronzer, you can still apply the darker shades with your fingers or go-to tool for instant warmth.

8

Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer

Cream Bronzer

You won't have to worry about accidental creasing while using this makeup essential from Anastasia Beverly Hills, which contains a grippy, flexible formula and has a matte finish.

9
CLEAN BEAUTY PICK

Saie Sun Melt

Sun Melt

We suggest using this velvety cream bronzer with an angled brush to maximize its sun-kissed sculpting effects.

10

Huda Beauty Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream

Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream

This highly pigmented cream-to-powder bronzer from Huda Beauty is the best of both worlds, and has a long-lasting formula for a bronze that lasts all day.

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11

Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

Use this hydrating and illuminating bronzer wherever the sun naturally hits your skin for a lit-from-within glow without the excess sparkle.

12

Danessa Myricks Beauty Balm Contour

Balm Contour

Created by celebrity makeup artist Danessa Myricks, this medium-coverage contour balm is available in eight shade options and is both vegan and paraben free.

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13

Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick

Best Seller
Matte Cream Bronzer Stick

More than 1,200 Sephora customers agree: This clean cream bronzer from Milk Makeup is one of the very best. And it uses ingredients like mango butter and apricot oil to glide onto skin like butter.

14
CLEAN BEAUTY PICK

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick

Face Trace Contour Stick

Here's another artist-approved bronzer, this time from beauty icon Gucci Westman. It features a satin-like finish that blends nicely with your foundation and concealer.

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15
WATERPROOF PICK

Tarte Sea Breezy Cream Bronzer

Sea Breezy Cream Bronzer

This vegan, waterproof bronzer was dermatologist tested and contains marine plant extracts to minimize the appearance of fine lines over time. Its buildable formula starts off creamy and eventually dries down to a subtle, matte finish.

16

Elaluz by Camila Coelho Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu

Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu
Credit: Ulta

This stick bronzer from influencer Camila Coelho's beauty line, Elaluz, features a slim, twist-up design that fits perfectly along the jawline and in the hallows of your cheeks.

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17
BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK

e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer

Putty Bronzer

You don't have to spend a ton of money to invest in a great cream bronzer. At less than $10, this one from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a hit among Ulta customers, with one shopper writing how it "looks really good on the skin. I use a sponge to apply and blend it and have no issues—it blends really easy."

18

Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze

Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze

For a quick, on-the-go makeup option, consider this popular, dual-ended pick from Nudestix that includes both a bronzer and built-in brush.

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19
CLEAN BEAUTY PICK

W3ll People Supernatural Stick Bronzer

Supernatural Stick Bronzer

This bronzer stick is powered by natural ingredients like green tea, jojoba oil, and olive oil, all of which lend to its dewy finish. Plus, it's ideal to use on your cheeks, lips, and eyelids.

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