From just £5, meet the best cream, powder & palette bronzers for all skin types & tones
When it comes to achieving a beautiful, radiant-looking complexion, there’s one product in our make-up bags we reach for – our bronzers. “Just a sweep has the power to transform your complexion in an instant,” says Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist, Enya Sullivan. “It’s my swear-by for adding a touch of warmth and radiance to dull or tired skin.”
The best part? You needn’t spend big money to get big results. In fact, there’s a whole array of fabulous bronzers under £15 available at Boots that are sure to help you achieve the ultimate golden glow.
We’ve rounded up an edit of our favourites and can confirm that these affordable bronzing buys are most definitely worth the hype. Whether you’re after something that suits your skin tone or an option that offers an added hit of hydration, our low-cost edit is here to help.
But first, Enya shares the bronzing application tips and tricks she swears by to take our glow game up a notch.
How can you pick the right bronzer for your skin type?
For a seamless, long-lasting finish, it’s important to consider what kind of bronzer will work the most effectively with your skin type.
“Generally, what bronzer you use is a matter of personal preference,” says Enya. “Those with dry skin may prefer cream bronzers. This will allow for the kind of three-dimensional glow that drier skin types often lack.
“Oilier skin might benefit from a powder as it’s less likely to slide off the skin and is known for its longevity.
“Combination complexions can use both creams and powders. I always suggest beginning with a powder then topping with the cream, but don’t be afraid to play around and see which look you prefer.”
What’s the best way to apply bronzer?
“For powder bronzers, I suggest opting for a large buffing brush for all-over warmth, or an angled brush for a more sculpted, contoured finish,” says Enya.
“Gel, cream or liquid bronzers benefit from using a damp beauty blender to tap and press the product into the skin.”
A top tip?
“Buff, buff, buff,” says Enya. “I can’t emphasise it enough – this is key to a flawless, blended finish.”
For more expert recommendations, check out our tutorial on bronzer application tips for a sun-kissed glow all-year round.
Where should you apply bronzer?
There’s no denying that the placement of your bronzer can make or break a look.
“You should be looking to achieve a soft glow over the face,” says Enya. “Keep things simple by applying your bronzer to the areas you would usually like to contour, but maintain a softer effect by tapping any excess product away first.
“Sweep a small amount under the cheekbones, across the forehead, under the chin and across the bridge of the nose – essentially the places where the sun would naturally hit. This will achieve a flawless glow that looks natural, while giving a subtle contour to the face.”
How do I choose the right shade?
Where possible, it’s always helpful to go to a Boots store to see the product in person.
“Hold the compact close to your face by a window. No matter your skin colour, your bronzer should always be just one or two shades deeper than your natural skin tone – think of the colour you would naturally go to on a summer holiday,” explains Enya.
9 of the best bronzers under £15 at Boots
Now that you’re a whizz at the application side of things (thanks Enya), here’s our edit of some of the best bronzers for under £15. From skincare-infused formulas to highly pigmented heroes, these top budget bronzer picks are our favourites.
Shop more great bronzers suited to all skin tones, types and textures in the full range.
Best bronzing palette for darker skin tones
Try: Sleek MakeUP Face Form
• Size: 20g
• Three shades
• Contains a bronzer, highlighter & contour
Designed to be long lasting and super-pigmented, this wonder palette contains your contour, highlighter and bronzer all in one compact. Available in three shades, expertly curated to work across all skin tones, simply swirl a fluffy brush through the powders and watch your face illuminate. Impressive results, minimal effort.
Best bronzer for pale or fair skin
Try: 17. Glow + Define Bronzer
• Size: 9g
• Available in three shades
• Vegan*
This soft-touch bronzer comes packed with sweet almond oil and reflective pearl pigments, perfect for achieving that natural, fresh-from-the-beach finish. Lightly buff into your cheeks, jawline and temples to warm your complexion and contour to perfection. Ready? Jet-set… Glow!
Best bronzer for medium olive skin
Try: Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
• Size: 11g
• Four shades
• Cruelty-free
Beloved by make-up artists and beauty editors alike, this bronzer from Wet n Wild already has a cult following. With four sunny shades to choose from, you’ll be left looking terrifically tanned – without the sun damage. Oh hey there, golden-hour glam…
Best perfecting bronzer
Try: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
• Size: 11g
• Available in four shades
• Cruelty-free
Pair this bargain bronzer with the blush in the range for stunning results that mimic a week spent in the sunshine. Our top tip? Apply with the sponge applicator (which is included) to create a flawless finish that oozes radiance. We predict a sell-out.
Best bronzer for mature skin
Try: No7 Perfectly Bronzed Bronzing Pearls
• Size: 20g
After a truly glorious glow? These bronzing pearls could be just the ticket. Perfect for mature skin, the bronzer’s formula is weightless and glides on effortlessly. Better yet, the coverage is buildable, so you can keep things light and minimal or create a deeper, denser colour.
Best bronzer for dry skin
Try: HNB Cosmetics Bronzer
• Size: 8.5g
• Available in nine shades
• Vegan*
For unrivalled pigment suited to all skin tones, this matte creamy-textured HNB Cosmetics Bronzer isn’t to be sniffed at. Simply sweep across the high points of the face and watch your complexion come to life. Bonus points for not clinging to dry patches.
Best cream bronzer
Try: Pixi On-The-Glow Cream Bronzer Soft Glow
• Size: 19g
• Tinted moisture stick
• Vegan* & paraben-free
If you’re after a cream bronzer that gives you glow on the go, look no further! Blending fruit extracts and skin-loving vitamins (plus soothing aloe vera for good measure), Pixi’s solid tint bronzer swipes on your cheeks and your lips for a healthy-looking complexion – wherever you’re headed.
Best matte bronzer for oily skin
Try: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer
• Size: 9.5g
• Vegan*
• Available in five shades
Struggle with make-up sliding off throughout the day? NYX’s matte bronzer has got you sorted. Offering full coverage and a shimmer-free finish, this little compact keeps honeyed warmth locked in from morning ‘til evening, making it particularly good for those with oily skin.
Best sparkly bronzer
Try: Soap & Glory Solar Powder Glow Bronzer
• Size: 6.5g
• Vegan*
• Infused with squalene
Calling all ray-chasers and contour connoisseurs… Consider this your passport to subtle, sparkling radiance. Whether you’re adding some bronze to your base, chiselling those cheekbones, or glowing all-out for glam, this easy-wear formula is a cosmetics bag staple (and a suitcase non-negotiable).
Shop the full range of bronzers at Boots.com for more great finds.
