If you’re looking to keep that coveted post-vacation glow all year, one product belongs in your beauty bag: bronzer. The good news? You don’t have to look very far to find it. Some of the top-rated bronzers are available right at your local drugstore. Whether you're after a sun-kissed glow or a contoured makeup look, the best drugstore bronzers offer high-quality formulas and come at affordable prices—so you never have to sacrifice one for the other.
Ahead, we'll help you choose the best drugstore bronzer and even provide you with some application tips. Additionally, we'll give you the lowdown on the internet's top recommendations so you can make an informed decision without having to visit the drugstore.
Choose The Right Bronzer For Your Complexion
Shopping for a drugstore bronzer can feel overwhelming, given the variety of formulas and shades available. However, we’re here to let you know that the perfect bronzer exists for every skin tone. The key to finding the right one lies in choosing shades that complement your complexion.
For deep skin tones, bronzers with rich red, brown, or golden undertones offer a luminous finish. Medium to olive skin tones benefit from copper, terracotta, or neutral hues, while fair skin tones look best with soft rose or peach-pigmented bronzers. And note that it's suggested to steer clear from shades that are too orange or muddy. Instead, opt for hues that naturally enhance your skin’s warmth. Whether you prefer a matte finish or a dewy sheen, when you find the right bronzer, it can give you a healthy, lit-from-within glow year-round.
How To Use A Bronzer
Using a bronzer is not nearly as complicated as it may look. Apply it to the areas of your face where the sun naturally hits—your forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jawline. A fluffy brush works best for powder formulas, while a beauty sponge or fingers can blend creamy or liquid bronzers seamlessly. If you want to add depth to your look, use a bronzer as a contour by applying it beneath your cheekbones, along the sides of your nose, and around the perimeter of your face. This technique helps to sculpt and define your face, giving you a polished, radiant finish.
How We Found the Internet’s Best Drugstore Bronzers
Since we know it can be challenging to find the bronzer that works best for your skin and undertones, we used our data-driven algorithm that factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to pull together this list. This proprietary tool ranks and scores only the best products the internet has to offer, so you can trust they're the real deal. From moisturizer bronzer sticks to shimmery compact powders, scroll on to shop the best drugstore bronzers that will give any complexion a year-round, just-got-back-from-the-beach glow.
September 12, 2024
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Pixi On The Glow Bronze Tinted Moisturizer Stick Bronzer
Overall Score
4.6
10
Pixi On The Glow Bronze Tinted Moisturizer Stick Bronzer
4.51
841 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Stick Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
With just one swipe Pixi's On-the-Glow Bronze Tinted Moisture Stick delivers a sun-kissed glow, leaving behind a radiant and healthy sheen. This multi-use stick is perfect for adding a natural hint of color to your cheeks and lips, while providing hydrating moisture wherever you choose to put it.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Packed with vitamins for added antioxidant benefits, this formula comes in four universally flattering tones that complement all skin tones.
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Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder
Overall Score
4.6
09
Maybelline New York City Bronzer Powder
4.48
5005 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Matte Drugstore Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The Maybelline City Bronzer is a versatile powder that effortlessly contours and bronzes, giving your skin natural radiance. Whether you’re adding warmth all over or defining your cheekbones, the micro-milled texture ensures an undetectable bronze glow.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Made with a hint of cocoa butter, this drugstore bronzer provides a soft, comfortable feel on the skin.
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L'Oreal Paris Infallible Soft Matte Bronzer
Overall Score
4.6
08
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Soft Matte Bronzer
4.58
857 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Waterproof Drugstore Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Soft Matte Bronzer gives you an instant, sun-kissed glow with a soft matte finish. Whether you're contouring or adding warmth, its buildable formula offers breathable, weightless coverage that lasts up to 24 hours.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This viral bronzer has taken TikTok by storm. The versatile formula is praised because it's transfer-proof, waterproof, and resistant to heat, humidity, and sweat.
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Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder
Overall Score
4.65
07
Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder
4.6
1984 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Bronzer For Dry Skin
WHAT IT DOES
Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder is a lightweight, finely milled formula that delivers a warm, sun-kissed glow year-round. The buildable matte powder allows you to customize your look without worrying about it becoming cakey or creasing throughout the day.
HOW TO USE
With a powder brush, sweep a small amount of the bronzer just under the cheek bones to gently contour or across the high points of the face to add warmth.
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Rimmel London Natural Bronzer
Overall Score
4.65
06
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer
4.29
27549 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Bronzer With SPF
WHAT IT DOES
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer delivers a long-lasting bronzed look that stays put all day. This buildable, waterproof bronzing powder is formulated to blend seamlessly with all skin tones, allowing you to easily customize your level of warmth for a natural, radiant finish. Plus, it even contains SPF.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I've been wearing this bronzer for years!!!!! I've tried so many high end bronzers but I ALWAYS come back to this one. All of the shades are phenomenal and stay on all day! Even before the setting spray days (yes that's how long I've used this) it literally stays on all day, setting spray or none this will not go anywhere. Best bronzer out there!!"
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Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer
Overall Score
4.65
05
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer
4.37
1057 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Liquid Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer by Physicians Formula adds instant warmth and a natural-looking sun-kissed glow to your complexion. The sheer liquid formula provides a radiant finish while hydrating and illuminating your skin, leaving it looking fresh and dewy all day. Made with high-quality ingredients, this affordable bronzer is a total steal for $15.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This is a super versatile product from physicians formula! I've been using it as a bronzer and it blends amazingly as well as lasts all day on bare skin. ie no foundation underneath. As I become more tan I can see myself mixing this in with my sunscreen and skin tints. Overall I am loving the ease of use and shade!"
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E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer
Overall Score
4.7
04
E.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Bronzer
4.13
6050 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Cream Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The e.l.f. Putty Bronzer is a unique putty-to-powder formula that delivers highly pigmented, buildable color for a natural sun-kissed glow. Its semi-matte finish smooths and evens out your complexion, offering lightweight, non-greasy wear that lasts all day.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Enriched with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, this bronzer nourishes and softens the skin while enhancing its glow. The formula is free from harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, and like all E.l.f products, this bronzer is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
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L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer
Overall Score
4.8
03
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer
4.51
4935 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shimmer Drugstore Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The silky-soft powder formula offers a subtle shimmer, giving your complexion a natural, lit-from-within glow while adding warmth and dimension. Whether you want to create an all-over bronzed look or contour, this top drugstore bronzer does it all. Reviewers love the super-sized compact, which makes it easy to apply on both face and body for an effortless sun-kissed finish.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Formulated in three shades (light, medium, and deep), the L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer promises an all-over bronzed glow for everyone.
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NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Bronzer
Overall Score
4.85
02
NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Bronzer
4.39
2654 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Natural Drugstore Bronzer
WHAT IT DOES
The NYX Buttermelt Bronzer is a buildable, lightweight bronzer that delivers up to 12 hours of transfer-resistant wear. With this bronzer in your beauty bag, achieving a flawless, sun-kissed glow is effortless. Just blend and buff where the sun naturally hits you for glowing, lit-from-within skin.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Thanks to a nourishing blend of mango butter, shea butter, and almond butter, this bronzer conditions your skin without leaving behind a greasy, muddy, or patchy finish. Plus, it's available in eight rich, pigmented shades formulated to enhance all skin tones.
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Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
Overall Score
5
01
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer
4.64
87768 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Bronzer Overall
WHAT IT DOES
This ultra-rich bronzer instantly melts into your skin, delivering a natural, tropical-like glow. With a soft, creamy texture that combines the best powder and cream formulas, the Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer seals in moisture for immediate and long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin glowing and nourished.
NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS
Infused with Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter, and Tucuma Butter sourced from the nutrient-rich Amazon, this bronzer is packed with essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that condition, moisturize, and soften the skin. It comes with a sponge applicator specifically designed to seamlessly blend the creamy formula onto your skin.
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