Much like our bodies need vitamin D supplements during the deepest, darkest winter months, our complexions need bronzer. Dull, lacklustre and dare we say even pasty skin comes hand-in-hand with the lack of daylight, reduced sunshine and harsh weather, and while the chilling winds might lend your skin a healthy flush that rivals your best blusher, we're all experiencing a distinct lack of natural bronze.
That's where a liquid bronzer comes in. The fluid sister of classic powder and cream bronzers, these liquid formulas – often, crucially, with added moisturising ingredients – provide a buildable, natural-looking warmth that allows for more precise and personalised application. It's also a versatile option, offering different finishes that can work for all skin types. "Liquid bronzers are especially great for normal to dry skin because of their hydrating and dewy finish," explains international make-up artist Olivia Rose. "For oily skin, setting it lightly with a translucent powder or powder bronzer can ensure longevity."
Best liquid bronzers
Best photo-finish
Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
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Best skincare-bronzer hybrid
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
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Best bronzing drops
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Drops
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Best for precision
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum
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How to apply liquid bronzer
When it comes to the best methods of application, Rose recommends using a damp beauty sponge or dense make-up brush and "blending in light, tapping motions for a seamless finish". In the same way that blush and contour can be used to add dimension to your face, the placement of your liquid bronzer can take you all the way from a natural finish to a dramatic, lifted complexion. "For a sculpted look, I focus on the hollows of the cheeks, temples, and jawline, while for a lifted look, I blend upward along the cheekbones," says Rose. "For a sun-kissed effect, I concentrate on areas where the sun naturally hits, so the forehead (particularly the higher points), tops of the cheeks and the bridge of the nose."
A liquid bronzer will also work hard as a multitasker in your make-up bag, making it an ideal choice for a streamlined routine or application on the go. "Liquid bronzer can double as a cream eyeshadow for a monochromatic look, or be mixed with foundation or skincare for a radiant, all-over glow at whatever level of coverage you want to achieve," says Rose. "It’s also great for lightly bronzing the collarbones and shoulders for an evening look."
Below, find our edit of the best liquid bronzers for all skin types, including shimmering sun-kissed formulas and photograph-friendly finishes.
The best liquid bronzers for all skin types
Saie's liquid bronzer is a great option if you're looking for a glow that translates beautifully onto camera. Ideal for wedding make-up and selfies alike, it delivers a soft, blurred finish in part thanks to its glycerin-infused formula, which instantly helps hydrate your skin on application.
Shades available: Six
Finish: Softly blurred matte
These hybrid Hue Drops are Glow Recipe's latest iteration of its cult Watermelon Glow Dew Drops; sitting somewhere between skincare and bronzer, it's formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help improve skin texture, hydration and brightness over time, while delivering an instant glow.
Shades available: One
Finish: Glossy
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It wasn't by chance that Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops sent social media into a frenzy, making it almost impossible to get your hands on at one point. With a serum-like consistency, this liquid bronzer can be mixed into your foundation or moisturiser, or worn alone for a natural, bronzed finish.
"I absolutely love mixing Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops into my moisturiser to give me an overall sun-kissed feel. I won't do my make-up without it," says Rose.
Shades available: One
Finish: Glowy
Created with make-up minimalism in mind, Glossier's Cloud Paint has branched out into bronzing shades based on the same, much-loved formula and finish of the original blush hues. Expect a light wash of bronze that can be built up for a super-natural finish.
Shades available: Five
Finish: Glowy satin
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Mario Dedivanovic is the make-up artist behind the Kardashian's sculpted complexions, so we're not surprised that his foray into liquid bronzer is an absolute hit. Featuring a double-sided pump dispenser and doe-foot applicator, this sheer, buildable serum bronzer is perfect for precise sculpting and bronzing.
Shades available: Seven
Finish: Natural
We love this gel-based formula for the fact that it offers more of a bronzed tint than a densely pigmented colour, and for the fact that the result is super flattering. What's more, a combination of glycerin, shea butter and sunflower seed oil makes for hydrating, skin-boosting benefits, all with a sheer, sun-kissed finish.
Shade range: Three
Finish: Sheer
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Don't be fooled by the name; this dependable product doubles as both a bronzer and a contour. Designed with a built-in sponge tip that can be used to apply and blend the product, this wand gives you more control over your application, and is especially good for swiping on with the view to sculpt and define.
Shade range: Seven
Finish: Satin
