One wouldn't necessarily think finding a great bronzer would be all that difficult. But, when it comes to finding a formula that doesn't leave you overly dry, overly shimmery, overly ashy, or—the horror—overly, orange, the task gets frustrating fast. Oh, and don't think for a second that simply spending more money on a bronzer will automatically assure your safety from any of the above symptoms. Some of the most well-known bronzers have left us looking like disco balls or pint-sized extras in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (Not, precisely, the vibe we're going for.) In fact, some of the best formulas we've tried during our beauty editor careers cost less than your average latte in Los Angeles, and if the hoards of stellar reviews amount to anything, beauty shoppers everywhere seem to agree.
Since we've swiped plenty of dupes, duds, and downright scary formulas over the years, we have a pretty good bearing on what to shop and what to, um, not when it comes to finding the best drugstore bronzers. Below, we're sharing 12 of our favorites that also happen to have amazingly robust reviews. Looking to fake the look of a Hawaiian vacation for $11 or less? Keep scrolling! Your ultimate drugstore bronzer awaits.
Whether you look on Amazon or Walmart, this fan-favorite drugstore bronzer from Milani rakes in stellar review after stellar review. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, comes in four flattering shades, and offers a silky matte finish that's the next best thing to an actual tan. Customer review: "I've tried other brand name and popular bronzers and I always find myself coming back for this Milani bronzer. It's a more cooler toned bronzer, gives the face a nice glow but not too orange. I love it!"
If you're someone looking for a bronzer that doubles as an A+ contour powder, look no further. Shoppers love this pick from CoverGirl, and the petite size of the compact is extra handy for throwing into a clutch or makeup bag. Customer review: "Got this to give my contour a little more 'glow' and every time I wear it I get compliments on how good my skin looks! I have pretty light skin and a little bit goes a long way. Could definitely be buildable to however bronze you want to be. Perfect amount of shimmer and color!"
We're not sure if it gets better than a $6 bronzer, and E.l.f.'s popular formula doesn't disappoint in results. (Seriously, we would never guess it wasn't about 10 times the price!) It's one of the most blendable drugstore bronzers we've tried, and it's even enriched with vitamin E to treat your skin to some much-needed winter T.L.C. Customer review: "I have really enjoyed this bronzer. It blends smoothly into your skin for a flawless sun-kissed complexion. You would never know how inexpensive this bronzer is. Just as good as the expensive brands."
This sleek compact from NYX is one of the highest-rated bronzers on the market while also being one of the most affordable. It has a near-perfect rating on Walmart's website with a whopping 200+ reviews. The finish is matte, so if you're not into shimmer, this one's a great option. Customer review: "I was afraid it was going to be too dark but it's perfect. I have yellow undertones and an olive to tan skin tone. In the winter time I tend to get lighter and in the summer I can get extremely dark and tan. I can use this for all seasons."
That said, if you're the kind of makeup lover who does appreciate a little hint of shimmer (I'm with you, especially around the holidays!), this best-of-the-best bronzer is one of our personal favorites. It's waterproof, promises 10-hours of budge-proof wear and offers a pretty sheen that's not over-the-top or tacky. Customer review: "This is my favorite bronzer ever! I have been wearing this for years and have recently found it hard to find in stores. It is just the perfect shade and works well whether I am winter pale or summer tan. No matter what color my skin is, this looks natural. I buy the sun light color and it doesn’t have too much sparkle in it like some of the other colors. I am pretty pale naturally with freckles and this works to make me look sun kissed every day, I love it!"
Beauty editors, YouTubers, and even makeup artists go wild for this beloved, buttery bronzer from natural drugstore makeup brand Physician's Formula. Even though it's a powder, it has this unique and amazing creamy formula that feels like satin and blends like a dream into your cheekbones and forehead. The secret? A signature infusion of Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter, and Tucuma Butter along with ultra-fine pearl and soft-focus pigments for a bright and radiant finish. Customer review: "I was looking for a product that I could use on my cheeks to leave a subtle color that looked like I’ve been out in the sun. A lot of the bronzers are too dark for my fair complexion but this is perfect. It’s is a neat buttery consistency that makes it very easy to apply."
I'm a self-professed makeup snob, and I'm more than happy to admit that I keep a number of Wet n Wild's Color Icon bronzers on had at all times in my bathroom drawer. They do have some shimmer and they do offer a heftier boost of color, but I've found this drugstore option to be my one and only go-to before a big night out or before an event when I know there will be lots of photos and I don't want my complexion to look flat or washed out. Customer review: "I’ve never been disappointed with Wet n Wild products. This bronzer is beautiful. Not powdery like Wet n Wild bronzers used to be. It has a beautiful sheen. It’s very very light color. Great for fair or very light skin. Also goes great with darker bronzer to use like a contour and use this one as a light bronzer on top of the other bronzer or blush. Price is unbeatable."
Surprise! Essence is one of my favorite drugstore makeup brands, point-blank and I'm actually obsessed with its blushes. That said, this matte bronzer has some seriously amazing ratings on Ulta's website, so you can imagine that this $5 compact will be the next on my hit list. Customer review: "I have been a loyal fan of a major company's bronzer for years. It's so expensive though, especially considering how little product you get. I decided to give this ago and my hopes honestly weren't terribly high based on the price point. I am completely obsessed!! This is at least as good if not better than my $38 bronzer. I'm in shock in the best way possible."
I realize this super-luminous drugstore bronzer from L'Oreal looks a bit intense in terms of its shimmer ration, but trust when I say it gifts your cheekbones and decolletage with the prettiest, summer-touched kiss of color. It is on the sparkly side, but definitely not outrageously so. I love layering it over a body lotion or oil for a super-glowy vibe. Customer review: "This powder is like a bronzer with a highlighter. I love it!! It adds a beautiful shine to your makeup. I have it in both the light for winter and the dark for summer and there are days I apply it all over my face as a stand-alone powder when I don’t want to do my makeup and I get a ton of compliments."
Not a powder person? Fear not, this cult-loved bronzer stick from Burt's Bees is a game changer and perfect for executing the perfect dose of bronze or contour in a mess-free jiffy. Choose from a handful of shades that immediately brighten up your face with a stunning glow just as the product's name alludes. Customer review: "This is a great bronzer stick. It blends well with my foundation and has a nice bit of shimmer to it, that's lightening and not overpowering. It's shade is true to the picture and it looks great. It's not too thick or heavy. Overall, good and I like the look and feel of it."
Maybe it's Hawaii, maybe it's… Maybelline. (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Anyway, this contour-and-bronzing hybrid from the brand is one of the best and is even infused with whipped cocoa butter to keep your complexion moisturized and healthy this season. Customer review: "I am seriously fair and this is one of the only bronzers I’ve ever tried that actually gives me a pretty glow and not an orange toned mess. This bronzer is just right to get a healthy, sun-kissed look on lighter skin, and blends like a dream. I’m a fan!"
This innovative product doubles as a bronzer and a highlighter, so it's basically the only product you need to an instantly sun-kissed glow. Customer review: "This is literally the only makeup product i have finished and then wanted to buy again. its perfect for a dewy look and is doesn't feel heavy on your face. It smells really good, is easy to blend out, its light, and is buildable. Love it."
Skip the primer and just use this bronzer. Not only is it matte, but it also locks onto your face to ensure a glow that lasts from dawn until dusk. Customer review: "I'm fair at my lightest and light-medium at my most tan. This works for me when i'm fair or tan. It's buildable, and has the perfect balance of neutral and warm tones. I can even use it to do my nose contour. Has great staying power. I reach for THIS over higher end options, like Benefit Hoola."
With a pearlescent finish, this bronzer ensures that sun-kissed, glowy look you'd get on the beach. Customer review: "This bronzer is beautiful on my skin. You don't have to scrub it with your brush in order to actually get any on the brush. A quick swipe and it goes on beautifully. No issues with my sensitive skin either."
If you're scared of packing on a powder bronzer and would rather opt for something a bit more sheer and blendable, go for this water-based bronzer. It never leaves streaks or looks cakey and the result looks super natural. Customer review: "I absolutely love Undone Beauty's water blushes and bronzers. They are super easy to apply and literally look so pretty and natural. It is buildable and you can also use the bronzer as a soft contour. Get it!"
