As the seasons change, the quest for a year-round sun-kissed glow remains a constant in beauty routines across the UK. Achieving that natural-looking warmth without orange hues or patchiness can be challenging, but our extensive testing has identified the top bronzers that deliver exceptional results.
Our Top Bronzer Picks for 2025
After rigorous testing of numerous formulas, we've compiled the definitive list of the 17 best bronzers available in the UK market. Our testing process involved applying each product at the start of the day and monitoring its performance over a minimum eight-hour period, paying close attention to texture, longevity, and how it interacted with different skin types.
Best Overall Performer
The Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder (£36) emerged as our top choice, maintaining its cult status since its 2001 launch. This powder formula blends effortlessly and offers buildable coverage that works for both subtle warmth and more dramatic contouring. With seven shades available, it provides versatility for various skin tones and seamlessly integrates with other makeup products without caking or drying.
Exceptional Budget Find
For those seeking quality without the high price tag, the Makeup Revolution Ultra Cream Bronzer (£6) delivers astonishing performance. This cruelty-free cream formula provides excellent blendability and a complexion-smoothing finish that rivals products costing seven times more. It effectively highlights cheekbones while maintaining a natural appearance throughout the day, even on oily skin.
Specialist Formulas for Every Need
Our testing revealed several standout products for specific requirements. The Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer (£45) demonstrated remarkable staying power, surviving unexpected ocean swims during testing. For mature skin, the Guerlain Terracotta 2024 Bronzing Powder (£39) offers a flattering finish with its signature scent and radiant combination of bronze, blush, and highlight.
Inclusive shade ranges have become increasingly important, and brands like Fenty Beauty and Made by Mitchell are leading the way. The Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer (£30) includes one of the darkest shades on the market and performs exceptionally well on oily skin, while Made by Mitchell's Curve Case Cream Blusher Palette (£24) offers excellent value with eight shades per palette.
Expert Application Tips
We consulted Chanel makeup artist Marco Antonio, who has worked with Vogue and celebrities including Kate Moss, for professional application advice. Antonio emphasizes that powder bronzers work best for oily skin as they control shine, while cream formulas benefit dry skin by avoiding emphasis on dry patches.
Antonio's five-step application process begins with tapping excess product from your brush, then sweeping bronzer onto sun-kissed areas like the forehead, temples, and cheekbones. Thorough blending is crucial to avoid harsh lines, and finishing with a light dusting on the neck and décolletage ensures a seamless transition.
The Verdict: Which Bronzer Should You Choose?
For most users, the Nars Laguna Bronzer provides the ideal combination of ease of application, natural finish, and buildable coverage. Its subtle shimmer flatters both young and mature skin alike. Budget-conscious shoppers will be impressed by the Makeup Revolution Ultra Cream Bronzer, which performs comparably to luxury alternatives.
The Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer (£20) deserves special mention for its innovative packaging and impressive pigmentation, while the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer (£45) remains a favorite for daily use despite requiring careful preparation for oily skin.
Whether you prefer powder, cream, liquid, or stick formulas, our tested selection ensures you can find the perfect bronzer to achieve that coveted sun-kissed glow throughout the year.
