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No sun needed here, TY!

Out of all the makeup you apply to your face, nothing can transform your look like the right bronzer. You don't have to go all the way to the beach and risk sun damage to achieve a glowy, sunkissed look. Some of the best bronzers on the market can help you accomplish the bronzed babe vibe all year round.

A bronzer's ultimate goal is to "warm up the skin and to also contour your skin," says Hailey Hoff, the makeup artist behind the icon-ique looks of mega-viral TikTokers like Charli D'Amelio, Tinx, and Remi Badar. But that description is somewhat selling the multi-purpose product short. Bronzer can do much more for your face, like give the illusion that you've nailed the perfect skincare routine, rockin' a radiant complexion.

Despite bronzer's almost magical ability to convince everyone that you just got back from a tropical paradise, many formulas can lean too orange-toned, too ashy, too fake looking, or too sparkly. But once you know which products work for your skin tone, and how to properly apply them, you'll be on your way to a faux glow and lifted look in no time. So consider us your bronzer gurus as we brush you up on the basics of bronzer, and help you find the perfect match.

When looking for the best bronzer for your skin tone the objective is to choose a shade that looks like your natural complexion when it is tanned. "Bronzer should be a couple of shades darker than your skin tone so that you can see the contrast between your skin color and the bronzer tone," says makeup artist Tobi Henney, who has painted the faces of Megan Fox and Kiernan Shipka.

The safest place to start when picking a bronzer shade is a color that appears two to four shades deeper than your natural skin tone Hailey says. Then, if you would like a contrast that seems more intense and bold, you can choose an even darker shade after experimentation.

The experts say that those with fair skin tones look best in a bronzer with neutral undertones, so grab shades that aren't too cool or warm like taupe, beige, and light brown. For tan and olive skin, browns with a reddish undertone will complement your complexion best. As for deep skin, look for a bronzer with gold and mahogany undertones. If you aren't sure just what undertones you have, you can use our handy quiz or stick with a neutral shade, as Tobi recommends.

NYC makeup artist Judi Gabay adds that you should consider what you will use the bronzer for before adding to cart. "Warmer shades bronze skin, while more grey-toned, cooler shades work well as contour," she says.

As with most makeup products, you should consider your skin type before selecting a bronzer brand or formula. For normal to dry skin types, Tobi recommends using cream bronzer as the product's moisture will help you maintain a dewy look all day. Cream bronzer also works best for beginners since the formula blends easily and goes on lighter. According to Judi and Hailey, pairing powder and cream bronzer is the right move for oily skin types.

"I recommend that oily skin beauties use a combination of a cream bronzer layered with a powder bronzer to keep it in place," says Tobi. Dusting a similar colored powder bronzer over top of cream acts in the same way as setting powder does for the foundation, locking in the product you've already applied.

Start with a small amount of bronzer on a large, fluffy makeup brush. Hailey says to then sweep the bronzer in a number three shape over the perimeter of your face, "from the edge of [your] forehead," moving down "to below the cheekbone, to below the jaw bone."

Using the leftover product you still have on your brush, you'll want to blend the bronzer down your neck, your nose, and the tip of your chin. If you feel that you've applied too much bronzer and want to back peddle, take a clean fluffy brush or use your clean fingertips to buff and blend out any areas where the bronzer appears too heavy.

Now that you've passed bronzer 101, read on for the best bronzers that'll give you that next-level glow.

When two of our experts swear by a specific product, you know it's that good. "This has always been a personal favorite of mine to throw in the handbag for touch-ups on the go," Tobi says. "The color is perfect for a bronzed goddess look."

Clocking in as the most affordable option on our list, this bronzer from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a part of their TikTok viral putty line as a follow-up to the now fan fave Putter Primer. Blendable and buildable, fans of the $7 product can't get enough of it.

Formulated with hydrating mango butter and apricot oil, this multi-use cream bronzer stick creates an instant sunkissed look with a natural-looking matte finish.

Our friends at Charlotte Tilbury have come up with a 16-hour wear cream bronzer for face and body that is sweatproof. Plus, it hydrates with hyaluronic acid.

Though the highly pigmented shades may look intimidating, this bronzer when gently buffed onto your skin leaves a stunning, glossy glow. No highlighter needed here, thanks.

"For a hint of sparkle," Tobi recommends the 'Refined Golden' hue. With finely spun pearl shimmer pigments baked into the bronzer, you won't run the risk of having chunky glitter on your cheeks. Plus, the fragrance-free formula won't aggravate acne flare-ups.

"I love this for dry to normal skin types," Tobi says. "The cream texture glides onto the skin and can be blended easily."

"I have used this for years on my clients when they have a big red carpet moment," Tobi says. "It is so stunning and has a little bit of a golden finish to it."

Created by Kim Kardashian's longtime MUA Mario Dedivanovic, this creamy bronzer stick is made to carve out your jawline and cheekbones. "I am obsessed with the Makeup by Mario contour sticks," says Hailey, "His shade ranges are *chefs kiss.*"

Not only does this bronzer have a weightless feel, but it's also a non-greasy, transfer-resistant formula that is easily brushed onto the skin. Plus, Rihanna's shade ranges are always immaculate, so you know there is a color in the line for your tone.

Bronzer beginners listen up! Smashbox powder contour kit lets you sculpt and glow with a 3-in-1 bronzer, highlighter, and contour palette. Plus, there's a guide for creating your own looks included.

Like sunshine in drop form, this Omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oil bronzer moonlights as skincare. Antioxidants from cocoa extract boost the skin's defense against environmental irritants all while giving you a bronzy glow.

Ready for that lit-from-within bronze? L'Oréal's super affordable bronzer has great buildable coverage, a subtle shimmer, and three neutral shades that work for most skin types.

This bronzing duo creates options for you to play with during your glow-up. Use the darker shade to contour your cheekbones and jawline, or mix the two shades together to find your perfect hue.

The murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butter enriched formula is full of fatty acids and vitamins that deeply hydrate skin without clogging your pores.