The best cream bronzers for mature skin
Cream bronzers are a great alternative to powder formulas, particularly for those with dry or more mature skin. From the famous Chanel Les Beiges bronzing cream to more affordable highstreet brands, there's a cream bronzer out there for every budget and skin type.
If you're wondering whether to make the switch, then read on to find out more about why they're so loved by beauty industry insiders.
How to apply cream bronzer
Cream bronzers are usually easy to work with, though some formulas dry down faster than others, meaning you may need to blend more quickly. You'll probably want to use a makeup brush to apply cream bronzer. The type of brush you choose is up to you, but they will give different finishes depending on the brush type. For example, a more angled brush will achieve a more sculpted look, whereas a fluffier brush will help to give an even all-over coverage.
When applying your cream bronzer, you can use a buffing technique for a natural-looking finish. If you're unsure, many department store makeup counters will be happy to help you. If you're wondering where to apply cream bronzer, it's advisable to add it to parts of the face where the sun would naturally hit. This is usually on your temples, the bridge of your nose, and on your cheeks. If you want a sculpted look, you can brush bronzers under your chin or around your nose as a contour for a more defined finish.
Best cream bronzers 2025
We've rounded up our pick of the best cream bronzers to add to your basket for a healthy year-round glow...
Hollywood Contour Wand
Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with another hero product and this time it's in the form of her Hollywood Contour Wand. Use it to sculpt, shade and add a bronzed glow to your face for the ultimate Hollywood look.
Available in multiple shades, the creamy liquid formula is applied with the cushion applicator onto the hollows of your cheekbones, the sides of your nose, jawline and along your forehead and temples. Then use another makeup brush to buff out the marks leaving you sculpted and bronzed.
Les Beiges Bronzing Cream
Chances are you've heard people raving about the Chanel Les Beiges bronzing cream, and for good reason. It's lightweight and has an easy-to-blend formula, making it ideal for people who are new to this category of beauty buy.
Putty Bronzer
The e.l.f putty range went viral on social media, but beyond the hype are some pretty good budget-friendly products, including this putty bronzer. At just £7, it's a great entry-level price point for anyone wanting to see if cream bronzer is for them. We especially like that this one has a semi-matte finish while also containing skin moisturising ingredients.
Quick Colour Contour Supergel
If you're after something sculpting that requires minimal faffing, then the Beauty Pie contour supergel could be the option for you. This sponge has an applicator in the nozzle, so you can dot it onto the skin in places the sun would naturally hit. It's super easy to blend, too.
Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer
VIEVE is the brand of a makeup artist and beauty influencer, so it's filled to the brim with some of the best beauty buys on the market. The Modern Radiance cream bronzer is no exception, melting into the skin with ease. Its ingredient list also boasts squalane and avocado oil to smooth and nourish the complexion.
Bronzing Cream
NARS' offering is this bronzing cream that acts as a sister to their famous Laguna powder formula. It leaves skin looking silky smooth, and has a long-lasting formula, making it ideal if you're in your makeup for many hours a day.
Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
Available in six shades, Fenty Beauty's cream bronzer has a buildable formula, meaning it's easy to work with if you're new to bronzing your skin. It feels light and smooth on the face, and works well with or without other makeup.
Superdewy Liquid Bronzer
If you're after an affordable bronzer, then you can't go wrong with this liquid formula from Revolution. It has a handy nozzle so you can control your application easily, and it gives a glowy, easy-to-blend finish.
Matte Bronzer
This cream bronzer gives a matte-looking finish, making it ideal if you want a more pared-back look. It can easily be blended with your fingertips, too, if you don't fancy investing in a new brush or tools to apply it with.
Tinted Moisturiser Bronzer
Laura Mercier always does the staples well, and we're impressed by their tinted moisturiser bronzer that offers up to 12 hours of hydration. The ingredients list includes fruit seed complex and pear extract to condition your skin, making it as great for giving a glow as it is for adding warmth to your complexion.
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