11 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Bronzers For Light Skin (2024)
Get the sun-kissed glow with bronzers that can transform pale skin into natural skin.
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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You no longer need to roast yourself out in the sun to get a sun-kissed glow. The best bronzer for light skin can do it for you within seconds. Light skin can look pale without the perfect strokes of a bronzer. While natural suntans are risky, you can try a bronzer for the ultimate golden-beige glam look. Make sure to choose a shade that suits your skin tone and does not make you look orange-ish. Also, make sure to look out for one that matches your undertones.
A good-quality bronzer adds the perfect, almost-natural glow to your makeup. But getting the perfect shade for a lighter skin tone can be a challenge. In this article, we have listed the 11 best bronzers for light skin tone. Go ahead and choose the one that suits you perfectly – and you no longer have to compromise with the “almost right” shade.
In This Article
Top 11 Best Bronzers For Light Skin Tone That Give A Sun-Kissed Glow
1. Best Matte Finish:Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer For Light Skin
No more waiting around for sunny days to get a nice, tanned look. It is probably true to say that your skin may never get a natural tan in these weather conditions. Get yourself this Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer, which is considered to be one of the best matte bronzers for light skin individuals. Blend it with your makeup and apply it for a natural-looking contoured appearance. Your cheekbones will appreciate this deeper shade while contouring with bronzer. Have a look at this video to learn more about this bronzer based on the reviewer’s experience. The reviews available online rave about its lightweight texture and natural finish.
- Matte finish
- Comes with a powder brush
- Built-in mirror
- Available in 4 different shades
- The compact might be too small for the brush to pick up a good amount of product.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 3,302 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
2. Best Vegan:Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Leave your allergies behind with this Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, which is a hypoallergenic bronzer! Made of murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters, this powder and cream bronzer for sensitive skin is the one for you. It is expertly crafted with ultra-refined pearls and soft-focus bronze pigments that gives you a moisturized, smooth-textured skin. Now get a nutrient-rich coverage on your skin along with a bronze finish every time you use this dermatologist-tested bronzer for fair skin. Wear it with your makeup using an applicator for a clean, everyday office look. Here is an informative video that tells you more about this cream bronzer.
- Vegan
- Not tested on animals
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Comes with an in-built mirror and applicator
- The beachy fragrance may be a little strong for some people.
Quick Tip3. Best Natural Finish:Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten Bronzer
Brush a beautiful, bronzed glow on your cheekbones, nose, and chin with this Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten Bronzer. If you are looking for a natural-looking, best bronzer for light skin, you have landed on the right product. It gives a natural appeal without the orange hint of real suntan. Simply mix it with your favorite base and get a subtle and natural glow all year long.
- Baked bronzer
- No orange tint
- In-built mirror
- Comes in three different shades
- Slightly expensive
- May contain color additive, carmine, that may cause allergic reaction in some
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer For Light Skin Best Matte Finish | Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Best Vegan | Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten Bronzer Best Natural Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Hoola | Bronzer | 01 Fair |
| Dimensions | 1.57 x 1.97 x 1.57 inches | 1.18 x 2.88 x 3.63 inches | 2.82 x 1 x 2.82 inches |
| Weight | 0.28 Ounces | 0.38 Ounces | 2.08 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,302 | 5,308 | 4,438 |
| Price | $32.0 | $13.48 | $34.0 |
4. Best Long-Lasting:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer – Light
Are you confused about picking a matte bronzer for your light skin tone? What better than a pressed powder bronzer that leaves a long-lasting tan-like tone on your face and neck? NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer will give your skin a healthy tanned glow. You can also use this light skin bronzer as a contour to get defined cheekbones and easily pull off a sun-kissed complexion. For more information about the bronzer, click this video.
- Long-lasting
- Matte finish
- Comes in a compact
- Pressed powder bronzer
- PETA certified cruelty-free
- Comes in 5 different shades
- Might have a slight orange tint
"I use this bronzer quite often and like how it does not appear too orange. It's pigment-rich formula requires just a touch to achieve a natural, sun-kissed effect. It's a good addition if you are looking for a luxury, non-shiny finish on a budget."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 10,414 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best Cruelty-Free:theBalm Take Home The Bronze Anti-Orange Bronzer
What if we told you that you can have the golden glow without the orange undertones? Getting the perfect undertone is now possible with this theBalm Take Home The Bronze. They don’t simply call it a champion, it literally does it all. This natural bronzer blends easily, helps the skin get a natural tan, and is made cruelty-free for you. Now add some glow or contour everything, from your forehead and chin to cheekbones and neck!
- Paraben-free
- No animal testing involved
- Comes in three shades
- The application might be a little messy
6. Best For All Skin Tones:NARS Bronzing Powder – Laguna
A shimmer here, a shine there, and you are ramp ready! Slay your ‘date look’ like a queen with this NARS Bronzing Powder. It helps you cover the pores as well as contour your face. Its glimmery quality will complement well with your party makeup look. The Laguna is nothing like your regular bronzer, it has a visible shimmer that will help you stand out. Pair this shimmering bronzer for fair complexion with a scarlet red lipstick to look a little extra. A pro tip: Use a powder brush to get a naturally tanned appearance.
- Cruelty-free
- Golden shimmer
- Available in three colors
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Slightly expensive
7. Best Paraben-Free:Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder – Golden Light
Known for its silky smooth texture, this bronzer will give you the tanned look that you have always craved for. It is a perfect mix of red and brown shades that makes for a real tan color. It’s the quickest way to look tan without actually going to a sundrenched destination. Not only does it blend well with your makeup, but also gives you a healthy toned skin.
- Matte finish
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate, sulfate, and sulfite-free
- Comes in six different shades
- Expensive
"I can't get over the natural-finish of this bronzer. It has a tan-like color and the sheer is impressive. It blends very well with your skin and if you are careful with the application, it stays for a long time. I am so glad I made the purchase."
Quick Tip8. Best Talc-Free:Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Know how lights reflect on your makeup in the sun or while taking pictures? This Ambient lighting Palette featuring three powders gives aggressive flash lights a soft look on the skin. All three shades are perfect for models and actors who have several lights flashing on them during long shoots. The colors included in this palette are — Incandescent Light, which is exclusive to this palette, and two existing colors, Dim Light and Radiant Light. While Dim Light is perfect for blurring imperfections, and balancing warm and cool tones, Incandescent Light brightens the complexion with its opalescent pearl powder. Whereas, Radiant Light is a sun-kissed golden beige color that gives a summer-like glow, perfect for outdoor events. Use these soft-focus finishing powders as your favorite bronzer choices and you will have an all-day radiant look. This palette is a wholesome fix for day, night, and travel/party look.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Three finishing powders in one palette
- Utilizes photoluminescent technology
- Expensive
9. Best Non-Comedogenic:Physicians Formula Happy Booster – Light Bronzer
This unique bronzer for enhancing light skin tone is formulated with plant extracts that promote happiness, sending endorphin-like effects to the skin when you apply it. The vivid shades in the palette are arranged in cute hearts for you to easily select the colors to blend from. After adding some glow, you can apply the vibrant pink on the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush. You might just fall in love with the sweet violet fragrance of this bronzer too. This expertly crafted bronzer is suitable for people with sensitive skin, helping you prevent skin damage. It is one of the best drugstore bronzers for fair skin.
- Dermatologist-approved
- Non-comedogenic
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Comes with an applicator and in-built mirror
- May not be suitable for dry skin
10. Best Gluten-Free:Benecos Natural Trio Powder Blush, Bronzer, And Highlighter – Fall In Love
This 3-in1 palette including blush, bronzer, and highlighter is perfect for carrying in your purse for all occasions. The three shades will add a pink glow on your cheeks, lending you a fresh look. Whether you want a matte finish or a slight shine of rose on your face, this bronzer palette is your go-to. It includes a matte bronzer for contouring, a rosy blush for the apple of your cheeks, and a highlighter for your cheekbones. The colors are light and will give you a natural tone. They will complement your pastel clothes or your shimmery outfits all the same.
- Vegan
- Certified organic
- BDIH certified
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Smooth consistency
- Three shades in one palette
- Contains natural fragrance
- Might need a base to blend with in case of heavy makeup
11. Best Versatile:Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Bronzer
If you’re looking for a warm-toned bronzer that gives you a natural, sun-kissed glow, look no further! The Elizabeth Mott Whatup Beaches Bronzer is available in both matte and luminous formulas and comes in a universal shade that suits everyone. It is versatile and can be used for creating a healthy-looking tan, contouring, or just warming up your skin. The conditioning pigment polymers prevent powder from clumping up, and the minerals absorb excess sebum for a flawless finish. This silky, buildable, and easy-to-blend bronzer is the secret to a radiant complexion.
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Sweat-resistant
- Oil-resistant
- Built-in mirror
- Contains talc
It might be a task to choose from these amazing options. We thought you might have questions that we have answered for you.
Buying Guide For Best Bronzer For Light Skin
How To Choose A Bronzer For Light Skin
How amazing it would be if you could just apply a little something on your face and look like a tanned princess. But in the perfect world, you probably won’t even need a little something, now would you? So let’s get into the schematics of picking the correct — rather the best bronzer for light skin tone. Start by asking yourself the right questions:
- First, understand your skin type. Are you sensitive, acne-prone, or too pale? Then, pick a bronzer accordingly.
- Then check your makeup kit and see if you have the perfect base to blend your bronzer in. Some people have a favorite moisturizer to go with. Or would you be bold enough to apply it directly?
- Figure out what type of tan you are looking for. Is it a full-beach tan or just a light I-went-for-a-jog-in-the-sun tan? Do you want a shiny, visible shimmer, or a flawless matte finish look?
- The next step is to pick out a bronzer according to your lifestyle. Do you party a lot or you want something for your
- Instagram posts? If you are a corporate leader you might need something subtle and if you are a fashion diva you wouldn’t mind a bronzer that makes you look over-the-top, but in a good way.
- Finally, you will need to do a trial and error of the products you buy. Your bronzer should be at least 1-2 shades darker than your actual skin tone. It should be blendable, so it does not look like a separate layer on your skin. For extremely pale skin, you can try a honey-colored bronzer. For a light skin tone, you can either go for rosy shade, golden shimmery shade, or both. There are amazing options for medium skin tones too. Once you know the perfect one for you, plain face is history.
How To Use Bronzer For Light Skin Tone
Applying a bronzer is the same as contouring. If you go wrong with your bronzer, you will look like you are down with the flu. We don’t want that!
- The secret is to lay an even base by using a suitable, ideal concealer and foundation first. You can apply the bronzer on your cheekbones, forehead, nose, chin, and neck.
- The contouring depends on the shape of your face. The trick is to apply on the places you would be sun-kissed cause that is where you see the most tan lines in general. Start by applying a light layer and only apply more if you think you want a darker undertone or to hide a fine line or two.
- For a natural, soft look, use a powder brush. It will help you create a natural-looking appearance.
Infographic: Bronzer Application Tips For A Beautifully Tanned Look
Mastering the technique of bronzer application can make your skin look glowing and tanned every day without you having to step out into the sun. In order to make this possible, every step is important and needs to be on-point, from choosing the right shade to understanding the areas to target. Check out the infographic below for easy and effective ways to apply bronzer to enhance the rest of your makeup.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Bronzers are your ultimate go-to for a golden-beige glam look! While getting the perfect shade for a lighter skin tone can be tough, there are some priced options available in the market. The Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer For Light Skin offers a matte finish, while the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer provides a shimmery finish. For a natural-looking finish, you may opt for the Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten Bronzer. Bronzers can also help you highlight your cheekbones while making your skin appear moisturized and smooth-textured. Many bronzers have also been dermatologist tested, which means they are free of toxins and completely hypoallergenic. For easier application, choose bronzers that come with an in-built mirror and applicator. For makeup enthusiasts with sensitive skin, avoid bronzers that contain color additives or carmine.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast. She has curated a list of best bronzers for light skin tones after researching and browsing through online reviews. Chaitra’s list comprises bronzers that are more than enough to provide you with a sun-kissed glow. Not only are these bronzers capable of helping you with a glam look, but are also easy to use and oil-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bronzer good for light skin?
Yes, bronzers are made to help you look tan in the perfect intensity of your choice. Just pick the one that suits your skin tone and type.
Does bronzer look good on pale skin?
Yes, there are shades specially designed to help pale skin get a radiant glow and tan.
Where do you put bronzer on pale skin?
Depending on the face structure, you can apply bronzer on your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck.
Which contour is best for light skin?
The contour is applied according to the structure of the face and skin type. If you have sensitive skin, get the one which is hypoallergenic or made for delicate skin. If you are going to blend it with your base, get a blendable shade that does not affect the makeup look you are going for. Lastly, there is texture to consider. Are you going for a subtle shimmery glow or matte finish? There are options available for everything.
Is bronzer necessary for light skin?
No, any makeup is not necessary. But if you are looking for a change in your look or there is a special occasion coming up, you can try a bronzer of your choice.
Is Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer good for light skin?
Yes, Hoola Matte Bronzer on light skin will look great for everyday makeup or even a party look.
Is blush or bronzer better for pale skin?
Both blush and bronzer help highlight your features. Blush adds pops of colors to your cheeks while bronzers improve your makeup with warmth and definition. If used the right way, these products can make your face look flawless.
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
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