With bronzer, the goal is for it to look as natural as possible. Brush up on your bronzer basics below, and then scroll on for the best bronzers according to makeup artists. Once you know exactly what to look for, though, the ability to fake a glow and J.Lo-level cheekbones becomes far more simple.
Here's where it gets complicated: Despite their ability to wake up your skin, so many formulas tend to skew too orange, too ashy, too glittery, or just overall fake-looking. But a fantastic one can do so much more-like give the illusion of cheek filler or make it look as if you're fresh off a trip to Ibiza when you haven't left your couch since the pandemic began. There's the obvious: At its core, a bronzer's purpose is to add depth and warmth to your skin, says Danessa Myricks, makeup artist and CEO of Danessa Myricks Beauty. But what classifies a formula as the best bronzer is complicated. Few things have the power to instantly transform your look like a great bronzer.