6 fool-proof natural bronzers for a sun-kissed glow

It’s hard to resist the season’s siren call of a sun-kissed summer glow. But it’s also hard to achieve it, well, without the sun.

These six natural beauty bronzers make it possible—and easy—from coppery sticks, powders, creams, and more. How to apply them for a beach goddess look and not over do it?

“Start out with a really light application and then build on to it,” says natural makeup artist Jessa Blades. For an all-over glow, swipe a powdered bronzer across both cheeks, and then use the rest for the forehead, nose, and chin. Those are the higher planes of the face where the sun normally hits,” she says. For bronze accents, sticks and creams are your friends. “Use them more like a blush,” Blades says.

Here are six standout bronzers of the summer—and more tips on how to use each of them. —Molly Gallagher

(Photo: www.justluxe.com)

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer, $28

“You aren’t going to look sexy, natural, and glowing if you use an orange-based, dry powder with huge cheap glitter particles,” says Rose-Marie Swift, the makeup artist behind cult-fave RMS Beauty. Her bronzer feels like cream blush, is loaded with buriti oil, which is super high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, and jojoba oil, so it moisturizes while giving you a I-just-went-to-Bora-Bora glow.

“Put just a bit on your cheeks with your fingers or mix it with a foundation or cream, which makes it a little sheer,” Blades says.

(Photo: Spirit Beauty Lounge)

Éminence Sun Defense Minerals, $38

This bronzing powder is also a mineral sunscreen with an SPF 30, making it perfect for those who have multitasking needs—or just beach plans. Toss it in your bag and go.

Instead of applying more product for a deeper glow, opt for darker shades like Calendula Spice and Cinnamon Bronzer. Peaches & Cream is just right for fair skin.

“Sometimes it’s easy to dispense way too much product from pump brushes. Don’t just put it on your face. Find a little dish or saucer for the extra powder, so you can apply an even amount,” Blades says.

(Photo: Éminence)

Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint, $40

Dewy, bronze beauties dip into this natural liquid bronzing tint from natural brand Dr. Hauschka. Blades recommends mixing it in with your foundation for a light glow.

“And it would be lovely to mix it in to your body lotion for some great bronzy body color, too,” Blades says.

She likes that it contains olive oil, “which soaks in to the skin and makes it hydrate and glow,” Blades says.

(Photo: Dr. Hauschka)

Kide Ka Radiant Bronzer, $85

Kide, made in Finland, adds a very glamorous ingredient to its all-natural mineral makeup and bronzers—diamond dust.

“The diamonds add a glow without having any glittery effect,” says Jasmin Radibratovic, manager of The Detox Market’s Los Angeles store, which has the U.S. exclusive on the collection. “It’s more of a subtle radiance. Use a rounded brush, so it picks up just enough of the powder, and apply to the contours of your face.”

It comes in a chic wooden container, so it’s equal parts pretty-on-your-face and pretty-on-your-counter.

(Photo: The Detox Market)

Vapour Organic Beauty Solar Translucent Bronzer, $36

This wide cream stick by Vapour is made with hydrating skin-care ingredients, like shea butter, and is packed with antioxidants like pomegranate, green tea, and açai berry extracts—think of it as a bit of extra fortification against the effects of summer UV rays.

Tip: Apply it to the back of your hand to get it warmed up first. Once you do, it’s easy to apply with one hand, and you can also swipe it over your lips, eyelids, and décolletage, as well.

(Photo: Spirit Beauty Lounge)

W3LL PEOPLE Hedonist Mineral Bronzer, $23

This ultra-natural loose powder is great for adding a bronze-goddess color—but it’s also helpful for concealing and calming skin redness. That’s thanks to its good-for-you ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and green tea that are infused in the minerals, and which are ideal after a long day in the sun (er, shade).

“You can also take a little bit of this bronzer powder and mix it in with your SPF lotion. You can’t do that with your pressed powder,” Blades says.

(Photo: Spirit Beauty Lounge)

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