THE 14 BEST BRONZERS FOR FAIR SKIN
That’s why we’ve worked with Cult Concierge expert Ryan to create this list of the best bronzers for fair skin. There are 14 in total, with a range of powders, creams and liquids to choose from to grant a natural, sun-kissed glow.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHADE OF BRONZER FOR FAIR SKIN
Before you scroll down and pick your favourite, there are a couple of things to take into account when choosing a bronzer for your fair skin tone. The first is that you should look for a bronzer colour that’s only one or two shades darker than your skin tone. That’ll prevent all those unwanted effects that are usually associated with bronzing a fair face.
The second is that you should consider your undertone, just like you would with your foundation and concealer.
If you have a cool undertone (which means your colouring is on the pink or blue side), look for a bronzer with beige or soft brown hues. If you have a warm undertone (which means your colouring is on the yellow or olive side), look for golden-brown bronzers. If your undertone is neutral (somewhere in between cool and warm), choose shades similar to your undertone like natural, brown-based shades.
Unsure whether you’re cool, warm or neutral? Check out our guide to determining your skin tone and undertone.
THE BEST BRONZERS FOR PALE SKIN
1.
476
It’s agreed, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Bronzer (in shade fair) is the absolute best bronzer for fair skin. It’s incredibly smooth and blends effortlessly for a natural-looking matte finish that can be built from a wash of warm colour to contour-sharpening definition. Plus, it works with every foundation that we’ve tried it with! On top of all that, this buttery formula is infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish while bestowing that soft-focus glow. Apply it with a powder brush for a deliciously diffused and subtly sun-kissed finish.
2.
522
£26.00
Extremely creamy and blendable, this balmy bronzer in light bronze gives a natural, velvety, sun-kissed finish that you can build up to achieve your desired glow. The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like organic colloidal oatmeal and grapeseed oil to moisturise, nourish and visibly balance skin. For the best results, warm up the product with a dense complexion brush – or even your fingers – before applying.
3.
208
£22.00
Like summer in a stick, this bronzer from Milk Makeup in the shade baked, offers as much beach-ready colour as a sun-drenched getaway (minus the sunburn). It has a velvety smooth texture, and it’s infused with a medley of hydrating ingredients (read: mango butter, peach nectar and avocado oils) to encourage healthy, dewy skin! Swipe on, then blend with your fingers or a complexion brush for an all-over, effortlessly sun-kissed glow.
4.
260
£37.00
With this multitasker from Patrick Ta in the shade 'She's Statuesque', you get two for the price of one, with a dewy, creamy contour to sculpt and add dimension and a finely milled powder bronzer to add warmth. The textures are beautifully buildable and completely customisable, so you can fake that post-holiday glow as much or as little as you like!
5.
68
£32.00
Imparting enviable warmth, this milk chocolate bronzer is the lighter version of the brand’s bestselling Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, and it’s utter perfection for paler-skinned beauties. The sweet-smelling formula is smooth, easily blendable and long-wearing, creating a healthy, sun-kissed warmth without a hint of orange. Prepare for many an envious glance…
6.
102
RRP: £21.00Current price: £12.60
Inspired by the shimmering ripples that dance over the ocean as the sun sets, this cream bronzer simultaneously conditions your skin with hydrating mango butter and calming green tea extract as it casts an effortless summer glow. Sun Coast is the fairest of the four shades, granting a subtle, dewy, lightly bronzed finish on fair skin.
7.
21
£18.99
Whether it’s deepest, darkest winter or it’s summer but your fair skin just doesn’t tan, these versatile bronzing drops are ideal for awakening sun-hungry skin. Calming, comforting and glow-bestowing, they lend a warm, summer-holiday lustre while subtly plumping to dial up the dew thanks to hyaluronic acid and sea kelp. Mix a few drops with your moisturiser or foundation to give a bronzed and radiant finish.
8.
235
£33.00
Another two-in-one multitasker, VIEVE’s Modern Bronzer comes with one powder for warmth and another for sculpting. Its lightest shade features a hint of pink to flatter fairer skin tones and lend a natural, lit-from-within glow that’s sure to bring on the compliments. Deliciously silky and buttery, the bronzer glides on effortlessly and blends expertly. Use a full and fluffy brush to give barely-there warmth, or apply with tightly packed bristles for precise sculpting and definition.
9.
828
£34.00
These little drops of sunshine are infused with antioxidants and fatty acids to protect, replenish, and boost skin’s defences…all delivered with a bronzed finish! Mix a drop with moisturiser or foundation to give your skin an all-over sunshiny glow. Ready to dial up the drama? Try adding a couple more!
10.
6
£32.50
A block of pure matte brilliance, this lighter version of Benefit's legendary bronzing powder bestows a healthy, natural-looking tan on fairer skin types. Free from tell-tale sparkle or shine, sweep this bronzer over cheeks, chin and forehead (using the perfect fluffy powder brush that comes with it) and all will be fooled into thinking that you've just returned from a sun-drenched holiday!
11.
242
£66.00
This palette trio unites peach, golden beige and opalescent pearl hues, which can be applied individually or layered to imbue fair skin with a gorgeous, multidimensional glow. Capturing, diffusing and softening harsh light and concealing imperfections, this beautifully buttery powder trio is a game-changer in the glowing stakes. Use a powder brush to diffuse that glorious blurring pigment.
12.
34
£21.00
This liquid bronzer from ICONIC London blends effortlessly for a soft-focus finish that can be built from a soft warmth to a post-holiday glow. If you’re the fairest of them all, Beach Vibes will give you a gentle golden glow, or try the slightly darker Sun Kiss if you’ve got light skin with a cool undertone. More than just make up, this beautiful bronzer is infused with detoxifying horehound extract to fend against environmental aggressors. Apply with your fingers for the best and easiest blend.
13.
47
Utterly buttery, NARS’ Bronzing Powder diffuses with ease, simulating vitamin D with a sweep of the fluffiest brush. San Juan is the fairest shade, or take your bronzing game up a gear with Laguna. With a subtle light-scattering quality granting a beautiful, golden hour gleam, you can fake a fortnight in the Maldives in a matter of seconds!
14.
6
£37.00
The third two-in-one in our ranking of the best bronzers for fair skin (and the second offering from NARS), this blush and bronzer duo bestows the perfect, lit-from-within glow to your skin. Enveloping your cheeks like a warm hug, the finely milled powders blend into skin seamlessly – the silky, buildable blush adding a gently pinched-cheek effect, while the versatile, diffused bronzer can be used to enhance cheekbones and/or lend warmth all over. Use the products separately or mix both on your powder brush then apply for a beautiful fresh-out-the-sun look.
