The best cream, liquid and powder bronzers for summer

A great bronzer can effortlessly elevate your complexion (and brighten your mood) and deliver that healthy, just-back-from-holidays look we all crave – no harmful UV exposure.

Whether you prefer a modern cream or liquid bronzer for their easy blendability and quick application or a classic powder bronzer for its buildable coverage and diffused finish, there are gorgeous options available to suit every skin type, preference, and budget.

Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream

Always reliable and forever beautiful, Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (€55 from Brown Thomas) feels like a prerequisite for every summer season or holiday. A must-have in my summer make-up bag since god knows when, it’s arguably one of the most well-known bronzers created.

A gel-cream formula, it glides on to the skin, instantly lifting and illuminating thanks to its soft matt finish with light-reflecting particles. It’s buildable, and quick and easy to apply, especially when paired with a dense blending brush. Three shades are available: Soleil Tan Bronze, Soleil Tan Medium Bronze and Soleil Tan Deep Bronze.

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If you prefer a bronzer with a flattering flush of colour, Chanel’s beautiful new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powder (65 from Brown Thomas) is more than worth it. It’s a trio of powders; bronzer, blush and highlighter, in one beautiful compact, that lift, illuminate and add a delicate flush of colour to the skin. Five shades are available: Light Coral, Medium Coral, Medium Rose Gold, Deep Rose Gold, and Deep Mauve.

Clarins Limited Edition Bronzing Compact

Part of Clarins’ 2024 summer collection, Limited Edition Bronzing Compact (€42 euros at Brown Thomas) is designed to impart a sun-kissed warmth while enhancing and extending an existing tan.

An ultrafine, velvety-smooth powder, it allows you to customise the depth of colour thanks to a clever trio of shades. Sweep over the high points of the face where the sun naturally hits the forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jawline for a subtle, complexion-lifting glow. And who says bronzer is just for the face? The shades in this compact double up as rather gorgeous eyeshadows – use together or alone for a cohesive summer look.

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Kash Beauty Skin Glaze Bronzer

This affordable and excellent liquid bronzer (from a home-grown brand) has replaced several high-end iterations in my make-up drawer in recent months. Skin Glaze Bronzer (€19.95 from kashbeauty.com), available in four flexible shades, is a dream to work with. The clever wand applicator allows for precise placement without overloading the skin, and the pigmented, lightweight formula almost blends itself. Expect a seamless, smooth, radiant glow that you’ll find yourself reaching for long after summer ends.

Trinny London Golden Glow

I’d argue that very few brands make make-up as fast and fuss-free as Trinny London, especially when it comes to bronzer. A palm-sized (and famously stackable) pot of perfection, Golden Glow (€30 from trinnylondon.com) is a sheer cream bronzer that can be whacked on in seconds, delivering depth, warmth, and glow. If you’re new to using bronzer, this is the perfect starting point – it does all the work for you. Available in four shades.

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Dr. Jart Brightamin Brightening Eye Serum Stick

Just in time for summer, Korean brand Dr. Jart has launched the perfect product. Brightamin Brightening Eye Serum Stick (€54 from Brown Thomas), is a unique balm-like eye serum that fits in the palm of your hand. Instantly moisturising, it contains 20 per cent Vitamin C and 4 per cent Vitamin E and provides a radiant finish that helps to disguise the appearance of dark circles.