If you keep up with the makeup industry, then you've probably recognised the shifting beauty trends over the last few years 一 and perhaps 一 you've even partaken in some. I know I certainly have. Four years ago, I was devoted to finding the best highlighter [1] to give my cheeks an out-of-this-world glow. Before that, I was on the hunt for the best contour kit. Today, I rarely contour and opt for a natural highlight, if I use one at all. With new brands and entrepreneurs bringing innovative formulas and perspectives to the space, it's only natural that trends and preferences evolve.

My latest trend-driven mission has been about finding the best cream bronzer [2] on the market. After a relatively slow year of makeup launches thanks to the global pandemic and WFH, it seems like people are finally ready to get back to their normal beauty routines — and the product releases are following suit. Many of these launches are cream-based, and considering how popular "skinimalism" [3] and dewy skin have become, it's no surprise. As someone who believes that bronzer can pull any makeup look together, I was excited to lean into the trend and get my hands dirty testing as many cream bronzers as I could. So, over the course of this summer, I was able to test dozens of the latest products in the category.

Below, I'm ranking the best of the best cream bronzers 一 my top five picks 一 and sharing why they'll remain staples in my makeup collection moving forward.

EM Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay

While there was some stiff competition, this EM Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay [4] ($30) occupies my number one spot. Like almost every product I've tried from the brand 一 and I've tried many 一 this launch is well thought out and lives up to its claims. Like the name says, the formula is incredibly soft. It almost melts as it makes contact with the skin, and yet it's not messy or difficult to work with whatsoever. It's highly pigmented, blends with almost no effort at all, and has impressive lasting power.

Plus, the cream formula transforms into a powder-like finish so it never appears overly greasy on the skin. The brand also managed to do with four shades what many brands struggle to accomplish with a larger offering: create an incredibly inclusive shade range. With just two warm shades and two cool shades, almost everyone can find a shade that flatters them because of the range of depth, buildability, and blendability that these bronzers provide.

Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

My love for the Tower 28 Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer [5] ($20) began when the initial two shades launched last year, and that sentiment remains true today. Not only is the creamy texture incredibly dewy (you've got to love glowing skin to appreciate this pick), but the shimmery finish also makes this bronzer stand out from the pack.

Admittedly, I remember being a bit afraid that the shimmer wouldn't look flattering on my skin tone, but I was so wrong. The pearly finish doesn't appear frosty; rather it catches the light in such a beautiful way. When the brand launched three new shades this year, I was thrilled to see a more vast range of depth and undertone. On my most tan days, I'm even able to use the lightest option as a highlight, and it looks gorgeous that way too. If you can get down with a very cream texture, and you love dewy skin with a warm glow, this is the cream bronzer for you.

Saie Sun Melt Cream-Balm Bronzer

When Saie Sun Melt Cream-Balm Bronzer [6] ($28) launched earlier in the summer, I had no prior experience with the brand, so I went into testing with an open mind and no specific expectations. I have to admit, it was not love at first application for me. When I dipped a dense, synthetic bronzer brush into the pot and began blending it onto my cheeks, I saw very little colour deposited onto my skin. Perhaps it was just a far cry from the ultra-pigmented bronzers I had been using previously, but I found it to be less impactful than I prefer. However, I decided to dip my fingers into the pot and warm up the product a bit, breaking that invisible seal that often forms on the top layer of some makeup, and that changed everything.

The warm, peachy undertone of Light Bronze looked so flattering on my light complexion, and the buildability made it incredibly fool-proof. I've since used it countless times, and I absolutely love it. The texture is lightweight and easy to work with, and it leaves my skin with the most natural-looking tan. On days when I want a quick, natural bronzer application, this is my go-to.

Huda Beauty Tantour

For a long time, I was intimidated by Huda Beauty's complexion products. The brand has traditionally released extremely full-coverage, glam makeup, and while I can appreciate such products on occasion, it doesn't align with my usual preferences. Still, I've heard influencers sing this Huda Beauty Tantour [7] ($30) praises, so I knew it was time to try it — and well, I'm really impressed. I opted for the shade Fair, and while it's extremely pigmented, it's much easier to blend than I expected.

I love that I need very little product to achieve my desired results, meaning that it doesn't feel heavy on skin. The colour is the perfect middle ground between warm and cool, the finish is a natural matte, and it remains intact on my skin until I wash my makeup off at night. If you're looking for a matte cream bronzer to warm up your skin while providing some sculpting and holding up throughout the day, you'll love this one.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

This Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand [8] ($38) needs no introduction because, chances are, you saw it all over social media this summer as it took TikTok by storm (it even won a coveted POPSUGAR Beauty Award). While I've been a fan of the brand for a long time, this bronze and contour wand went in and out of my shopping cart for years. After it went viral, I knew it was time to give it a go.

While I'll say that the squeeze tube and puff applicator is not my preferred packageing or application method, the product inside is worth the squeeze. The lightweight, fluid formula adds a sheer, warm glow to the skin that perfectly aligns with the Charlotte Tilbury makeup style. It creates an almost airbrushed-looking effect while remaining fairly understated. It's luxurious and easy to apply 一 the ultimate bronzer combination.