Bronzer is all fun and games until it slides entirely off your face by 2 p.m. If you prefer to get your glow via a heavy bronzing powder or brick compact, you may notice that these formulas are no match for a 90-degree day. Plus, at least for people with oily skin, it's easy to end up looking like a streak-a-saurus rex if you go the powder route. Luckily, the case of your missing-by-midday bronzer can be solved with one single tube filled with a liquid formula.
Liquid bronzer is the unsung hero of your Summer beauty bag, as it applies easily (just smear and go), stays put, and looks a hell of a lot more natural than its milled counterpart. Read on to see the 10 best ones on the market.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum
Drunk Elephant is beloved for its Umbra Sunscreen [1], and the brand has finally also graced us with a safe way to tan. Dab this D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum [2] ($36) on your cheekbones to give your complexion a sunny — but never orange — tint. Pro tip: if you want to cover up rosacea or red skin but don't feel like smoothing on a heavy base, mix this in with your sunscreen and rub it all over for a certifiable glow.
Nars Laguna Liquid Bronzer
The Nars Laguna Liquid Bronzer [3] ($40) is a classic for a reason. While it won't give you an extreme, just-back-from-Tulum tan, it will bestow a soft, healthy flush. The formula will never leave you looking muddy or like you just lost a hard-fought battle with self-tanner. One last bonus of Laguna? It stays put on oily skin.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter
Yes, the Marc Jacobs Beauty Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter [4] ($44) is marketed as a luminiser, but its all-over rose gold tint definitely mimics a real tan. A little goes a long way, so don't apply more than half a pump to your face unless you want to look like Ross post-"three Mississippi" [5]-ing. We'd suggest applying the smallest bit to just your cupid's bow and collarbone.
By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Sun Glow
Yes, this By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Sun Glow [6] ($116) is the most expensive item in the lineup, but it's well worth the price tag. It delays the crushing separation anxiety you start to feel as your tan fades, since this bronzer can elongate some post-PTO colour for just a few extra, precious days.
Make Me Glow Liquid Bronzer
This CYO Bronzing Shimmer Oil in Gift of Gold [7] ($6) is a ridiculously good dupe of the aforementioned By Terry option, but unlike other low-cost alternatives, the minimalist packageing will also look damn pretty on your vanity.
CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops
Per CoverFX's [8] MO, the Custom Enhancer Drops [9] ($42) are available in seven universally flattering shades. Use the dropper to add some of this stuff into your heavier foundation. Along with making it blend in easier, it will also leave you looking like you live on a houseboat in Cannes . . . even if you haven't left your one-bedroom apartment all day.
Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
Doesn't the name of this oil-free Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker [10] ($28) sound so obliging? It's so thoughtful that this product would "multitask" to give your skin a "sun-kissed" glow.
Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer
We're calling it: this Chantecaille Radiance Gel Bronzer [11] ($44) is the hands-down easiest option we've ever applied. If you have acne-prone skin, it's understandable that you wouldn't want to hide blemishes with an irritatingly heavy formula. Luckily, this gel glides over skin and quickly settles to cover, but not agitate, any pimples or redness. Plus, it's made with a raspberry stem cell extract that soothes stressed complexions.
Perricone MD "No Bronzer" Bronzer SPF 30
You can fake a tan and protect against sun damage with this mineral-based Perricone MD "No Bronzer" Bronzer [12] ($35), which has SPF 30. Its pigments are based on your own natural skin cells, which means it imparts a bespoke colour to everyone who wears it.
The Body Shop Honey Bronze Drops of Sun
Pour one out for the fan-favourite Fenty Body Lava [13], which is now discontinued. Since the item has sailed onto bronzer pastures, we'll leave you with this convincing (and cheaper) dupe [14]: The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmer Dry Oil [15] ($13, originally $22). The dry oil isn't ideal for the face, but here's to rubbing down the rest of our bodies with it until beach season ends. (And probably beyond that, too.)