The Best No. 12: E.L.F. Bronzer, $3, 16 Best Bronzers -- and the 5 Worst

Makeup

16 Best Bronzers -- and the 5 Worst

If your Casper-like complexion needs a touch of faux glow, try using one of these best bronzers. Just make sure to avoid the worst ones on this list

July 17, 2012 | by Christine H. Lee | 88 COMMENTS

The Best No. 12: E.L.F. Bronzer, $3

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: This drugstore bronzer has become many readers' favorite. It "gives you a great glow" without "getting dark, dirty patches on your face." Readers agree this is "definitely a bargain" because "it's almost like a 4-in-1 product with a highlighter and a blush!" Readers also love its "sleek packaging," which makes "it look more high-end than it is." And one woman says, "I would definitely recommend this to a friend."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Best No. 11: MAC Bronzing Powder, $23

11 of 22

products mentioned

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Pressed Bronzer

5.7

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

6.3

E.L.F. All Over Color Stick

6.3

CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer

5.9

Maybelline New York Mineral Power Bronzer

4.9

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer

8.5

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer

8.5

Benefit 10

8.5

Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

8.5

E.L.F. Bronzer

8.9

MAC Bronzing Powder

8.7

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

8.5

Laura Geller Bronze & Brighten

9.0

N.Y.C. New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder

8.9

Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer

9.1

Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights

9.1

CARGO Bronzer

9.2

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer

9.4

Nars Bronzing Powder

9.5

Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel

9.6

leave a comment

View old comments

Thanks for putting this together. The Laura Mercer seems like something I would really like. Love Bobbi Brown's but was surprised not to see NYX's. The Matte works really well and is among my favorites also heard really good things about their new Illuminator one, but have yet to try it. Plan of fixing that soon

by Alana_Danes Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 07:25AM Report as inappropriate

Lots of good products listed. Cant wait to try something to make my pale skin look naturally tanner.

by kfloyd01 Friday, February 22, 2013 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

great info thanks!! ill deff be trying the NYC & ELF bronzer.

by .flawless. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 06:46AM Report as inappropriate

As a pale person, I am always on the look out for that perfect bronzer that will add dimension to my face, but looks natural and not the least bit orange. I love that you spend the majority of time praising the good bronzers, but also point out some of the worst.

by HeathRene Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 04:59PM Report as inappropriate

I was looking for a good bronzer, many of them turn me orange.

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 01:50AM Report as inappropriate

super excited to try the NYC and Rimmel bronzers!

by glamgirlseven Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

Great information with lots of price range.

by charbonn Friday, January 11, 2013 at 01:58AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you, I will be trying one of the Benefit bronzers for contouring!

by tarynone Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 07:13PM Report as inappropriate

great awesome

by Nicole2814 Friday, January 4, 2013 at 06:58PM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 09:27AM Report as inappropriate

I've tried some of these, and the reviews are very accurate.

by robyne00 Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 07:05AM Report as inappropriate

Very useful in decision making next makeup buy thanks!!

by jraber78 Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 08:50AM Report as inappropriate

Seems consistent with most of the lines other products. Arbonne makes a wonderful bronzer as well! NARS is my next purchase!

by BlackFleur145 Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 10:33AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried many of these bronzers and they are awesome!! Favorite is the Estee Lauder bronzer on this list :]

by Lamexicana1 Friday, November 9, 2012 at 07:15PM Report as inappropriate

a very useful article. Thanks! I most definitely don't see spending $25+ on bronzer, so it's good to see some inexpensive options here.

by venenumletalis Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 07:14PM Report as inappropriate

If I paid fifty bucks for a bronzer that turned out to be crappy, there would be hell to pay with the department store and/or company who makes it!

by BengalsGal Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 09:55AM Report as inappropriate

i love tarte brand,looks good, not orange

by sandyc Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

Flawless coverage. New fave!

by littleladyfish Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 05:35PM Report as inappropriate

NYC Sunny is my favorite!

by Chris213 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate

Good variation!

by kc99012 Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 04:54PM Report as inappropriate

I've been using the elf bronzer and I agree - it's fantastic!

by schien Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 10:39AM Report as inappropriate

I love NARS period. But Cargo has a bronzer that is called multi-mix bronzer and it's so easy to use that even the fairest of all can wear it.

by kiminsc Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 12:32PM Report as inappropriate

Love Hoola!!

by rachel_harville Monday, September 3, 2012 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

Love the Hoola bronzer

by michellefuentes Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 05:06PM Report as inappropriate

I love my Tarte bronzer but i am going to have to try the Laura Mercier gel!!

by rachel_harville Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 03:19PM Report as inappropriate

Cargo bronzer is very nice. Would like to try the Smashbox one.

by Nicole1021 Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 08:20PM Report as inappropriate

My beloved Tarte bronzer made the list. I disagree about Benefit's hoola, despite many people saying they love it.

by HeathRene Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 11:48AM Report as inappropriate

Christopher Drummond Bronzer loose powder is so amazing. Do you think you know what a bronzer should look like on your skin? Not until I purchased Christopher Drummond did I truly understand the art of pigmentation. His fine powder is like magic dust. It glides on so smooth and stays on so long it is like a true suntan. You get what you pay for in anything and in this Bronzer it's all about how intelligent the science behind the pigmentation and good ingredients can make a perfect bronzer. Thank you Diva Debi for recommending this cosmetic product in a previous post.

by desaragous Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 07:39AM Report as inappropriate

Nars Laguna is amazing. The only other bronzer forgotten here is Josie Maran. SHe has an Argan Oil Bronzing Concentrate that is truly amazing...

by Jennifer10708 Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

I don't use any of these bronzers. But I'm going to stay away from the low rated ones!

by yestfl Monday, July 23, 2012 at 09:51AM Report as inappropriate

I didn't find Too Faced Snow Bunny to be dark enough to be a bronzer. It is pretty though.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10:37PM Report as inappropriate

awesome

by Nicole2814 Friday, July 20, 2012 at 09:40PM Report as inappropriate

I've been debating whether or not to try out a bronzer, thanks to this story it looks like I will. I've been having a hard time trying to figure out which one to try and now I have a few options!

by greenivy8 Friday, July 20, 2012 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

I think it's fantastic that 3 of the top bronzers were under $5! Lately I've been using my Bare Minerals Healthy Radiance to get a healthy blush.

by alictasia Friday, July 20, 2012 at 06:16PM Report as inappropriate

I don't use bronzers much, but I happen to have the bare minerals warmth and I love it. You don't need to use very much so the product lasts a really long time. It's a great bronzer and definitely worth the money I spent. I've been seeing a lot more of the NARS products in these articles and I am looking forward to trying more of their products. Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions!

by flirtygirl214 Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10:58AM Report as inappropriate

I am fair, and I have to steer away from peachy colors. I have a blush that's very similar to nars laguna, and I can only apply it for the shimmer effect, very sheerly. Once the color shows up, I look overdone and orange. The most flattering bronzers for me have always been browns because they look really natural on me, like a natural tan would. I've gotten away with having my entire face, neck, chest, and shoulders bronzed before and still looked incredibly natural to the extent that I would get the occasional comment like, you look good, did you tan? but no one would be like you look orange or say it looked unnatural, and the vast majority of people just didn't notice. I loved one that got discontinued, Noah's Naturals, which was an amazing liquid formula, and now I just use the NYC Color Wheel Mosaic face powder in 724A All Over Bronze Glow. This is a great article though, because if I ever want to try something new (more often than not), I know where to look. :)

by shinyandiknowit Friday, July 20, 2012 at 08:21AM Report as inappropriate

Nars bronzers hands down are the BEST.

by volta Friday, July 20, 2012 at 01:48AM Report as inappropriate

i love bronzers and im still trying to find the perfect one to match my skin!!! hopefully one of these products on the list will work for me, can't wait to try them. thank you totalbeauty!! :)

by LeSucre Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 08:29PM Report as inappropriate

I love bronzers and I enjoyed a look at these but I have to agree with the reviewer, emilyvonrosco, who said earlier that they left out some great drugstore products. I have a host of bronzers and have found that the least expensive ones have been my favorites over the years!

by mhw Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 12:54PM Report as inappropriate

How do I order?

by Gsnogren Monday, June 4, 2012 at 10:40AM Report as inappropriate

I love, Love, LOVE bronzer!!! My favorite is Cargo's bronzers...the consistency is so smooth and silky plus they have a water-resistant bronzer that's perfect for humid weather.

by MizzPink Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 08:43AM Report as inappropriate

I am going to try the Origins product. I have fallen in love with their products so I can't wait to get this!

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 10:19PM Report as inappropriate

I like this article but I think they left out some holy grail drugstore finds like rimmel sundance or NYC sunny, also the elf blush and bronzing duo is almost an exact dupe for the nars laguna bronzer and orga$m blush... just saying

by emilyvonrosco Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 12:54AM Report as inappropriate

awsome tips

by darksecret Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 09:00AM Report as inappropriate

It wasn't listed surprisingly since it's always sold out when I want to buy more, but the best bronzer this fair-skinned girl has ever used in Too Faced Snow Bunny. It's perfect if you just want a little glow or want to look darker without looking fake or cake-y.

by howlATthemoon Friday, January 13, 2012 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

i love benefits products...i have to review hoola soon!...i have other reviews on my blog janellelora dot blogspot dot co m...go and look :)

by janellelora Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 08:37PM Report as inappropriate

Super helpful! All the bronzers I try to pick out always look so fake, I;m glad there are some great alternatives to try.

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10:32PM Report as inappropriate

I love NARS bronzers, I love the colors and the names!

by eugenia_lung Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 05:30PM Report as inappropriate

I love NARS everything, especially the blushes and bronzers. This product is one of those you will always want to invest in.

by susu_ibrahim Monday, December 12, 2011 at 04:32AM Report as inappropriate

i love all bronzers period i have like 50 diffrent ones:)

by laura_hernandezalvarado Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 01:13PM Report as inappropriate

I love my Rimmel bronzer, good color and its matte

by sarah_m Friday, August 19, 2011 at 09:38PM Report as inappropriate

I love bronzer but I have issues with it... mainly applying it lol

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:35AM Report as inappropriate

I have to get the Sugar Cosmetics and Urban decay bronzers; love em'!

by katherine_melendez Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 08:16PM Report as inappropriate

Origins bronzer is interesting,also Victorias Secret....I am curently happy with my Artdeco,Clinique and Pupa bronzers/blushes.

by selma Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 12:25AM Report as inappropriate

I'm always looking for a good liquid bronzer to mix w/ my zinc based sunscreen to cxl the white cast. I am looking forward to trying a couple of these.

by skinpro Monday, July 11, 2011 at 02:59PM Report as inappropriate

I've used the physicians formula bronzer, and I really had great results! I've heard it's best to apply bronzer to the apple's of your cheeks rather than all of your skin like I do with my Bronze Goddess bronzer by Estee Lauder.

by crystal_weisner Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 09:32PM Report as inappropriate

Love Urban Decay and CARGO bronzers! But not mentioned was the CARGO Blu Ray bronzer, which is beautifully matte and good for many skin tones.

by SunBunnyxxxooo Monday, June 13, 2011 at 08:32PM Report as inappropriate

I really love the bronzers by Guerlain and the Chocolate one by Too Face.. interesting it was beat out by Bonnie Bell.

by awan0912 Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11:55PM Report as inappropriate

So pretty. Unfortunately, my skin is way too pale and cool for most of these. And the Tarte beaded thing just looks pointlessly bizarre.

by krycekov Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 07:45PM Report as inappropriate

i use mac, it gives me a nice golden glow since i have a darker skin tone. i would like to try victoria secrets though

by AmandaAmanda Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 07:17PM Report as inappropriate

I have never used a bronzer I thought I would end up orange

by modinosaur Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 01:00AM Report as inappropriate

Most of the bronzers featured are way too dark for my fair skin

by elena62 Monday, May 9, 2011 at 01:44PM Report as inappropriate

i really am digging the Nars combo. i have been hesitant about trying bronzer, but i may have to go out and get that one! who can argue with the millions of people who say Nars blush is the best around? makes sense that they're good at bronzer too!

by mlenaei Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 03:45PM Report as inappropriate

Mmm, i'll try some of these!

by yckitsmary Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 02:32PM Report as inappropriate

Hmm I haven't tried any of those. I like Cargo's blushes, so I might have to give their bronzer a try. Wet 'n' Wild also has a surprisingly good bronzer!

by LipglossandSpandex Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 07:48PM Report as inappropriate

UD & Cargo are pretty good.

by volta Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 06:50PM Report as inappropriate

love sephora's sundisk

by lelalu100 Friday, March 18, 2011 at 07:11PM Report as inappropriate

Nars is an incredible brand and im sure the bronzer is good.

by brendag20127 Friday, March 18, 2011 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

The liquid one looks interesting..

by naughtnone Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 01:13PM Report as inappropriate

Nice roundup. I wish you had focused more on natural-looking (not shiimmery) bronzers for very fair skin. It's hard to find a good one!

by Jewelrydesigner Monday, March 7, 2011 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate

Nars and Hoola are definitely awesome but I swear by Tarte bronzing powder in Park Avenue Princess. It is quite possibly the BEST bronzing powder I've ever used!! It literally makes me look like I've spent a week at the beach. And I also like Bare Escentuals All-Over Face Color in Faux Tan. It is a fabulous color that goes on smooth and makes my face/neck look flawlessly tan.

by lisa2683 Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11:11PM Report as inappropriate

I really want to try the NARS one!!!

by judyangel101 Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

I've always wanted to try NARS!

by Bon_Bon Friday, February 18, 2011 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

LOVE NARS. I like that you picked such a large range of colors, it would be a great stash to have them all..

by GlamourIsLife Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 06:29PM Report as inappropriate

Cool, thanks for the info!

by aly7 Monday, February 14, 2011 at 10:54AM Report as inappropriate

by kayla_d_moore Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 05:24AM Report as inappropriate

Nars is fabulous.....but Lancome has worked well for me too.

by nani Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10:59AM Report as inappropriate

benefit hoola bronzer is the best bronzer i have ever used.

by kenya Sunday, December 26, 2010 at 11:27PM Report as inappropriate

Laguna is an amazing color!

by pynkNymphette Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 09:15PM Report as inappropriate

i love nars its amazing! i love highlighters and bronzers and anything nars is amazing to me!:)

by nikki_seczawa Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 06:10PM Report as inappropriate

HOOLA!!!!

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:13AM Report as inappropriate

Nars & Benefit have my favorite bronzers!

by pynkNymphette Monday, November 22, 2010 at 07:46PM Report as inappropriate

There where alot of useful tips in this artical,I certainly plan to try them,probably as soon as tomorrow.wish me luck...

by InPink101 Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 11:07PM Report as inappropriate

this review is good, but the best bronzer is no longer available, why do beauty sites and ratings no update that! it makes me so angry. Sugar Tropic Tan is NO LONGER AVAILABLE! anywhere!

by boorum Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 04:50AM Report as inappropriate

Looks nice and worth trying.

by momaguido Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 04:22PM Report as inappropriate

Looks beautiful!

by momaguido Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 04:13PM Report as inappropriate

cool

by rlbsnow Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 09:52AM Report as inappropriate

Home » Beauty Tips » Makeup » Face makeup » 16 Best Bronzers -- and the 5 Worst