If a Natural, Sunless Glow Is Your Goal, Editors and Celeb MUAs Recommend These 7 Liquid Bronzers
They work like a dream.
There's nothing like achieving the perfect natural, sun-kissed complexion with little to no effort and your skin's safety in mind. (If your skin is prone to burning, spending time in the sun might be risky.) Thankfully, the best liquid bronzers can give you that irresistible lit-from-within glow without the lasting, and sometimes irreparable, effects of extensive sun damage.
Between cream bronzers, classic powders, and liquid iterations, there are a lot of glowy formulas to choose from—but liquid bronzers really shine in the dry and sensitive skin department (or on anyone who wants a dewy, skin-quenched tan). They also have the unique advantage of being the right consistency to mix into your foundations, moisturizers, skin tints, and even liquid blushes to create custom shades. But for the best results, you have to know your ideal hue.
“When it comes to anything bronzer-related, it's all about the undertone,” celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell explains. “You want it to have a rich, warm undertone that gives your skin a bronze, warm glow—that mimics what sun-kissed skin would look like.” Try going two shades down from your normal foundation shade for a hue that looks natural on you.
Ready to reach your glow goals? Ahead, find the seven best liquid bronzers for all types of budgets.
The Best Liquid Bronzers, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Multi-Use Bronzing Shaping Serum
- Best Drops: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
- Best Applicator: Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Sculpting Liquid Bronzer
- Best Drugstore: Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops Bronzer
- Best Long-Wearing: Natasha Denona Hy-Sculpt Liquid Bronzer
Best Overall: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Multi-Use Bronzing Shaping Serum
Pros: Easy to apply, sheer yet buildable, natural finish
Cons: None we can think of
Size: 1.01 oz. | Shades: 7 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Application: Pump, wand
BothBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editors and celebrity MUAs agree: Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Serum is top of the line for liquid bronzers. Sewell describes it as “more of a sheer glow—perfect for no makeup days,” though she adds that it’s easy to build intensity for full-glam moments should you want to. Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia agrees, as this is one of her everyday go-tos for natural-looking warmth.
It includes a double-sided applicator (it can be pumped out for an all-over wash or swiped on with a wand for precise placement), and it dries into a natural-looking finish that looks like your skin, just better. The versatile formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for an extra kiss of nourishment and hydration.
Customer review: “First of all, I rarely write reviews. This has totally earned every bit of praise. I’m very much a no makeup makeup kind of girl. This bronzing serum is perfect for that. I’m not a huge fan of bronzing drops. They tend to make my skin look muddy. This formula has the perfect balance of color and sheerness that makes it look like part of your skin. I love the doe foot applicator. It blends like a dream. It’s very sheer so, if you really want to bronze yourself, go a shade or two darker than you think you’ll need…Mario really knocks the bronzing products out of the park. I’ve tried them all. This one right here is my favorite.”
Best Drops: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
Pros: Adds a natural-looking glow, versatile formula, protects skin barrier
Cons: Product separates, only one shade
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: Cacao extract, peptides, chronocyclin | Application: Drops
Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Drops went viral for a reason: the formula is nourishing, looks gorgeous on a variety of skin tones, and mixes well with a variety of complexion products. It’s packed with skincare ingredients such as the antioxidant cocoa extract to fight pollution as well as peptides to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Customer review: “It's the perfect amount of color (I have VERY pale skill and freckles) I'm a self tanner addict and when I don't have time to self tan or am taking a break from it I grab a pea sized amount of this stuff and I look alive again!! It's sheer and you look sun kissed.. it's perfection!”
Best Applicator: Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Sculpting Liquid Bronzer
Pros: Beginner-friendly applicator, easy to blend, blurred finish
Cons: Small amount of product in comparison to others
Size: .40 oz. | Shades: 6 | Key ingredients: Glycerin, licorice root extract, silica | Application: Doe foot
This liquid bronzer from Saie hits the mark in so many ways: it's easy to apply, leaves your skin looking hydrated, and offers a luminous warmth that looks oh-so real. Brascia favors this easy-to-apply product on days when she wants a more concentrated bronze—swiping the wand over her cheekbones and the perimeter of her jawline and forehead for contour-like dimension.
Customer review: "I loved this so much! It's such an amazing bronzer and could work for contouring. Very sculpting and new-user-friendly. I'm a new make-up enthusiast and this worked so well compared to other bronzers that I have tried. I have tried bronzers that look like they just stain you smudgy and some without enough pigmentation. This was sooo good."
Best Drugstore: Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops Bronzer
Pros: Easy to blend, versatile use, budget-friendly price
Cons: Not a wide shade range
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 2 | Key ingredients: Peptide polyglutamic acid, blackberry extract | Application: Dropper
For a vacation-level glow without the pricey plane ticket, turn your attention to Versed’s Lumizing Glow Drops. This sheer formula offers natural-looking luminosity and a sheer wash of color while preserving a gentle formula—it works on all skin types and textures, and really revives the appearance of dull skin.
Customer review: “I looove these drops. I’m super pale and I mix them with my face moisturizer or sunscreen to add some glow and life to my base, the color is perfect because I don’t look orange at all—just nice and dewy.”
Best Long-Wearing: Natasha Denona Hy-Sculpt Liquid Bronzer
Pros: Natural finish, buildable formula, weightless consistency
Cons: High price for small amount of product
Size: 0.47 oz. | Shades: 6 | Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate | Application: Pump
If you've ever watched Sewell's TikTok tutorials, you'll know the makeup artist is serious about preserving an all-day glow—and one of her go-tos for a stay-put, non-patchy bronze is this Natasha Denona pick. “Natasha Denona is great for those full glam moments," Sewell explains, adding that it's easy to build coverage in thin, breathable layers. This hydrating, serum-based bronzer feels virtually weightless, but has some serious staying power thanks to its waterproof formula. If you're looking for a bronzer that will last through hot summer weddings and day-long events, this is the one to add to your cart.
Customer review: "I really enjoy this product- it is super pigmented and the tiniest amount works to bronze/contour my whole face. It blends well and gives a pretty glow that looks natural, sculpted, and glowy. I like the pump applicator to control the amount of product dispensed and avoid messiness."
Best Budget: Sheglam Sun Beam Matte Liquid Bronzer
Pros: Low-priced, doubles as contour, buildable pigment
Cons: Slightly difficult to blend
Size: Not listed | Shades: 13 | Key ingredients: Not listed | Application: Doe foot
Fact: SheGlam's Liquid Bronzer is one of the best multitasking products on the market. It's quickly become our go-to cross between a contour and bronzer. Each swipe delivers a gorgeous, natural-looking finish that softly blurs and sculpts the skin without clinging to dry patches or accentuating texture.
Customer review: "’ve tried many cream/liquid contour products but no matter how expensive or high quality it claims to be…. NOTHING beats this one right here. From their blushes (same formula it seems) to this contour product, I can’t help to keep going back. It is 100% a staple product for me whether I wanna be snatched or for everyday. Extremely easy to work with, blendable, doesn’t dry too fast, goes over foundation well. It checks all the boxes for the price… it can’t be beat!"
Best Hydrating: Milk Makeup Bionic Sunkissed Liquid Bronzer
Pros: Long-wearing formula, skincare-infused, great for dry skin
Cons: Formula can separate in the packaging
Size: 0.6 oz. | Shades: 4 | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, Reishi mushroom | Application: Gel
This liquid bronzer by Milk Makeup is a must-have for anyone with dry, normal, or combination skin that wants a dewy, natural-looking finish. Each dollop offers a sun-kissed glow that lasts all day, and its hyaluronic acid- and plant extract-infused formula essentially makes this product an extra skincare step.
Customer review: “This is a good bronzer. I blend it with my day cream and it gives a natural looking glow. You control the depth of color depending on amount, a little goes far. For my friends that will never forgive Clinique for discontinuing the best bronzer ever, this is so far the best alternative I have found.”
What to Look For in a Liquid Bronzer
- Formula: Not all liquid bronzers are made equal, so it's important to determine which qualities you'd prefer in your perfect formula. Some of our picks, like the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops, are great for those seeking versatility and glow, whereas the Natasha Denona Hy-Sculpt Liquid Bronzer is the best for long-wear and sweat-defiance. Each product offers up its own set of benefits.
- Shade range: Sewell stresses the importance of finding the right undertones for your skin, whether you lean cool, olive, warm, or neutral. Most bronzers are formulated with warm undertones to mimic the warmth of the sun, but you want to be sure the pigments in the shade don’t skew muddy on your skin. Go one or two shades darker than your skin tone for a natural-looking bronzed.
- Skin type: You'll want to consider the canvas when selecting the best liquid bronzer for you. If you have dry skin, you'll want to go for something hydrating, like Milk Makeup's Bionic Sunkissed Liquid Bronzer. However, people with oily complexions might fare better with the aforementioned Natasha Denona pick, which is waterproof and resists oil.
How do you apply liquid bronzer?
Like any liquid makeup product, applying liquid bronzers can be a challenge since they risk appearing streaky and unnatural. Remember that a little can go a long way with these, so it's best to build up the product as needed. "Liquid bronzers are great for a very natural look and healthy glow," says Charlie Riddle, global beauty director at Stila. "Using your fingers, you can apply it onto the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose for a sun-kissed look."
Because these formulas are so versatile, most can also be applied with a brush or Beautyblender. Celebrity makeup artist Etienne Ortega recommends shaking your product before use to get the smoothest consistency. “Put a dab on your palette before applying, but if you don't have a clean palette, the back of your hand works as well,” he instructs. “Then, using your tool of choice (soft, fluffy brushes tend to have the best results), sweep the product into the contour areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, temples, hairline, and, lastly, the jawline. I like to go over the area and lightly dab with the same brush to make sure it's pressed into the skin."
Which liquid bronzers are best for mature skin?
Sewell singles out the Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Multi-Use Bronzing Shaping Serum and Natasha Denona Hy-Sculpt Liquid Bronzer as great options for people with mature skin. Both are infused with skincare ingredients, are easy to blend, and don't settle into or accentuate fine lines, which are the magic words when it comes to mature skin makeup. Just make sure to properly prep with a great moisturizer before starting to bronze.
Is liquid bronzer better than powder bronzer?
Sewell says that this question is subjective. "It's more of what your skin needs and how long you need your makeup to last," she explains. "You can use either powder or liquid alone depending on skin type, or you can layer them together if you need 12-hour wear. It's a personal preference! I talk about a lot of these tips in my Makeup By Kelli Anne ‘Longwear Makeup’ tutorial."
How We Chose
WWW editors chose the best liquid bronzers on the market by researching the best formulas on the market, testing a handful of products themselves, and polling celebrity makeup artists on their personal recommendations, tips, and tricks. We then updated this piece for freshness, re-evaluated our previous picks, and edited the winning products to reflect the current market (and our favorites today).
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
