The 9 Best Bronzers for Fair Skin, According to Makeup Artists and Editors

I have the utmost respect for an elegantly crafted bronzer formula. But, at the same time, I frequently struggle to find a shade in the range that doesn't leave my incredibly pale, never-tan skin with an orange, oompa-loompa-ish tint. I refuse to look like a bad fake tan victim (although there are self-tanners on the market that are great), so I set out to find the best bronzers for fair skin. I wanted an assortment of creams, liquids, and powders that would give even the lightest tones a subtle glow and cheekbone definition, without the chalky, ruddy oxidation.

I have the luxury of having dozens of formulas at my disposal, so I set off on a testing mission. Over the past few years, I've swatched and blended well over 50 different bronzers from brands like Dior, Chanel, and Physician's Formula. I've also tapped top makeup artists in the business—the likes of whom work with Olivia Rodrigo, Emma Chamberlain, and Rihanna—for their suggestions.

Without further ado, I present to you: The best bronzers for fair skin.

The Best Bronzers for Fair Skin

Dior Forever Natural Bronze - Limited Edition

While I personally endorse every single bronzer on this list, it's the Dior Forever Natural Bronze that I always go back to. My undertones are cooler, so shade 004 is my go-to, but shade 002 is ideal for warmer complexions. The micro-fine powder never applies streaky and the pigment doesn't oxidize throughout the day, meaning it looks the same hue in the morning as at night. As the name indicates, it gives a healthy glow to my skin—without unwanted orange tones.

Pros: Has shades for all undertones; Chic packaging

Cons: Not the most pigmented option

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

This may have a drugstore price point, but the formula feels as luxe as it gets. It applies seamlessly onto the skin without any patches or clumping. It does pack a decent amount of pigment, so make sure to tap any excess off your blush before putting it on the skin. Regardless of the shade you pick, there are no red undertones, which prevents the powder from appearing dirty. To top it all off, it smells sweet and tropical.

Pros: Editor's Pick; Great for skin with pink undertones; Blendable; Top-rated at Ulta.

Cons: Some reviewers say it's not long-lasting; Some reviewers said the scent was too strong.

Chanel LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Every ounce of hype you've heard about this formula is well deserved. It gives the perfect glow, while sculpting and defining contours with ease (you really don't have to be a pro to ace this application). It's one of the only bronzers I've found that stays on all day and doesn't pill, which is probably why it's Kendall Jenner and Olivia Culpo's favorite.

Pros: Comes in a large pot and will last a long time; Editor-approved; Top-rated on Ulta

Cons: Only comes in two colors; Can be too orange for cool undertones

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna

You'll find this bronzer in every pro's kit—it's incredibly versatile and perfectly complements fair, warm-toned skin. “I use it on my face, yes, but also on the eyes for an easy, monochromatic makeup look," says Marie Cliare's E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. It has a slight golden shimmer that looks healthy, not glittery or sparkly."

Pros: Editor-approved; Pigmented; Blends easily; Has a healthy glow; Top-rated at Sephora.

Cons: Some reviewers say the powder cracks easily.

Also Recommended

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

This is a bronzer that has stood the test of time—its cult classic status remains two decades after its launch. "This was the first bronzer I ever bought for myself, and I still use it in my rotation today," says Marzovilla. "It comes in four shades, including the iconic original, has a matte finish, and has a neutral undertone for seamless blending." It's multi-purpose, so feel free to use it as eyeshadow, bronzer, or contour.

Pros: Editor-approved; Top-rated on Sephora; Very beginner-friendly.

Cons: Some reviewers found it too dark for their very fair skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo

Fellow fair skin girl and actress Sydney Sweeney keeps this bronzer-highlighter duo in her makeup at all times. She'll whip it out for "soft glam," dusting the shades on her cheekbones, eyes, and chest. It is the ideal color combo for warm-toned fair skin with both shades having a golden base—and a hint of sparkle.

Pros: Great for photography; Blends easily;

Cons: Some reviewers say it doesn't wear for a long time.

MAKE Beauty Skin Mimetic Microsuede Powder Bronzer

The two lightest shades in this range, Aura and Lunar, work extremely well on fair skin, according to Marzovilla. "I love to wear Lunar all over the face in the winter for a healthy flush, whereas Aura is great for sweeping across my eyelids and on my cheekbones for a bronzy look in the summer," she shares. The formula is a powder, but it won't look cakey on dry skin because it's so finely milled.

Pros: Editor-approved; very blendable; has a very lightweight formula; great for dry skin; you can buy a refill instead of buying the case again.

Cons: Has a matte finish so it won't give you a glow.

Makeup by Mario Softsculpt® Shaping Stick

If picking out a shade stresses you out or you don't have time to swing by a store for a proper shade match, I promise you will be happy with Makeup by Mario's Softsculpt Shaping Stick in the shade light, which dries down into a soft matte. It has a neutral undertone, so with a little blending and the right blush, it will flatter flatter the entire range of fair skin tones.

Pros: Dual-ended stick format; Easy to blend

Cons: Tube gets a little messy

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum

I take pride in the fact that I stay out of the sun, but occasionally, I wish I looked a hint sun-kissed. When those times come to pass, I mix a few drops of this new tinted niacinamide serum in with my moisturizer. It gives my entire complexion a subtle bronze, and because I'm rubbing it all over, I never worry about streaks or uneven application.

Pros: Easy to apply; Works with all undertones

Cons: Can cause some pilling

How to Find The Best Bronzer Shade for Fair Skin

“Generally speaking, your bronzer color should be one to two shades darker than your surface tone (or skin tone),” makeup artist Priscilla Ono explains. You'll also want to consider your undertones. Brands typically group their shade ranges and undertones together, so it’s easy to find one that works.

If you’re not sure of your undertone, Ono recommends looking at the veins in your arm. "If they are blueish, you have a cool undertone; if they are greener, you’re warmer; and if you can’t really determine which shade you are, you’re more likely a neutral undertone,” she adds.

What Bronzer Formula Should I Use?

Powder, cream, and liquid formulas are at your disposal with fair skin, so it really depends on the finish you're looking for. "Liquid bronzers can be mixed into foundation for a subtle amp up on warmth and will dry down, while cream bronzers can stay looking dewy and blend into skin seamlessly for an effortless look," explains celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha. Powder bronzers on the other hand are available in luminous and matte formulas, which can be great for oily skin types.

How to Apply Bronzer to Fair Skin

With fair skin, less is always more. "Apply bronzer where the sun would naturally hit—the forehead, tip of the nose, chin, and cheekbones," says Braha. If you're using a brush, make sure to tap off excess product. If you're using a cream, place the product on the back of your hand first. Building bronzer in light layers is key to looking glowy and tan, as opposed to overly orange.

Meet The Experts

Judi Gabbay Braha is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. Her work has been featured in Seventeen Magazine, Vogue Italia, Marie Claire, Nylon and more. She has learned tricks of the Hollywood trade from top artists such as Mario Dedivanovic, Scott Barnes, Samuel Rauda and Patrick Ta. And, she's worked with networks such as Bravo, TLC, ABC and more.

Priscilla’s passion for beauty began in the ‘90s, while watching music videos on MTV. She has since translated her obsession for artistic expression into a 13-year career as a celebrity makeup artist and instructor, leading sold-out master classes and creating looks that have graced international magazine covers, campaigns, and red carpets.

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