I love the sun. Or perhaps more specifically, I love the glowy, lit-from-within skin that I’m guaranteed post-holiday. Sadly, as this glow is yet to stay year-round, bronzers and glow boosters have become non-negotiables in my makeup routine, but finding the ones that add just enough depth and warmth to mimic a sun-kissed radiance is tricky when you have a dark skin tone.
Bronzer is also a great way to create a softly contoured look, and I’ve found that products that work with my undertones—shades infused with warmer hues like red, gold and copper—in a buildable texture that I can layer, really can be the difference between a good makeup look and a great one.
And as much as I love soaking up the sun and topping up my vitamin D, bronzing products give a safe way to warm up the complexion, which is crucial for all skin, including deep and darker tones. I'm especially grateful for the sun-safe education the likes of Dija Ayodele (aesthetic therapist, author and founder of Black Skin Directory) and skin cancer charity Melanoma UK have provided over the past few years, helping to clear up misconceptions about skin cancer risks for darker skin tones.
On to the bronzers. When it comes to formula, I’ve found that liquids and creams work best for balmy summer nights, however, I love using powders and serum-based glow boosters in the cooler months to add depth and warmth to any makeup look.
I've been through my fair share of formula fails thanks to the expensive game of trial and error that seems to go hand in hand with finding products for deeper skin tones. There seem to be a lot of bronzers around that are too chalky, too orange or too transparent, so to save you the same faff, I've shared my findings below.
So, without further ado, scroll on for the best bronzers for deep and dark skin tones.
Best Bronzers for Deep and Dark Skin Tones
1. Milk Makeup Bionic Bronzer
Pros: This has a great, rich shade range that adds a warm tone to the skin, and it's really easy to blend. Don't let the size of the tube fool you; thanks to its highly pigmented formula, a little goes a very long way. If you think you've come to the end of the tube, it's likely you still have months of application ahead of you.
Cons: The squeezy tube makes it tricky to use on the go.
2. Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronze
Wearing the Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronze.
Pros: This cream formula leaves a silky, second-skin finish and contains hydrating skincare ingredients. I think it adds the perfect amount of warmth without looking chalky or cakey, and it blends like a dream. I use a brush with this one and it just melts right into the skin.
Cons: It's very pigmented. I recommend starting with a super-small amount and building it up.
3. Haus Labs Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer
Pros: Velvet by name, velvet by nature. This one also gives a practically undetectable skin-like finish and contains hydrating squalane to nourish the skin. This is highly pigmented colour with a great shade range.
Cons: None. The pigment payoff is absolutely beautiful and the shade range makes it a great pick for darker skin tones.
4. L’oréal Paris Lumi Glotion
Pros: This skincare-boosted formula creates the perfect warm and sunny lit-from-within glow. I love wearing it on its own or under the brand's True Match Foundation for a super-dewy and fresh everyday look.
Cons: The shade range could be more expansive.
5. Trinny London Golden Glow
Pros: Incredibly lightweight, this cream formula is perfect for everyday wear.
Cons: The seamless blend gives a really subtle finish, so this isn't the bronzer to pull out when you're looking to create a full-face look that can last all night.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer
Pros: This powder is available in a great shade range for darker skin tones, whilst the formula contains nourishing skincare ingredients and gives a dreamy natural finish.
Cons: As a self-confessed sweaty girl, I have to sadly report that despite its promises, this bronzer is not quite sweatproof, so it currently stays firmly in my cold-weather makeup kit.
7. Victoria Beckham Beauty Matte Bronzing Brick
Pros: I love all things Victoria Beckham Beauty because every product is available in great shades and highly pigmented formulas. This bronzer is no different.
Cons: The powder formula may be too drying for some, so good skin prep is crucial.
8. Makeup By Mario Softsculpt Bronzing Shaping Serum Dark
Pros: This bronzing "serum" is a buildable, creamy formula and can also be used to contour.
Cons: Even though it's touted as a bronzer that can be worn with or without foundation, I've found that this one works best in my full makeup routine rather than as a standalone product.
9. James Reed Sunrise to Sundown Tinted Tan Serum
Wearing the James Reed Sunrise to Sundown Tinted Tan Serum.
Pros: If you're looking for maximum hydration and glow, this bronzing serum is it. I use it to add subtle, sunkissed dimension to my face, and it's sweatproof too.
Cons: A little goes a long way. I accidentally used way too much the first time I applied this formula, but it still dried down beautifully.
10. Huda Beauty Tantour Contour Bronzer
Pros: This one offers long-lasting wear in a great range of shades for darker skin tones.
Cons: May be too matte for dry skin types.
11. Danessa Myricks Evolution Setting Blurring Loose Powder
Pros: The only loose-powder formula on my list, this minimises the appearance of pores and texture, absorbs oil and reduces shine whilst bringing the glow. All the shades have the right balance of red and brown to create and enhance the tan you need, but shades 4.5 and 5 are especially great for darker skin tones.
Cons: The powder formula may be too drying for some.
12. Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum
Pros: This new launch from much-loved tanning brand Isle of Paradise applies evenly and adds a gorgeous depth to darker skin tones.
Cons: As I have combination skin, the hydrating elements of this serum are perfect for a dewy glow, but anyone with skin that skews on the oilier side might want to give this one a miss.
For a longer-wearing glow, skin prep is vital. Scroll for my favourite skincare products to help achieve it.
Shop My Glowy Skin Tool Kit:
Healthy, protected skin is always the goal for me, so this lightweight SPF is the dream base product for summer (and winter) golden-hour looks.
Deeply hydrated skin means your bronzy glow can last that little bit longer.
I swear by this for dewy, plump-looking skin. It's perfect for adding that extra oomph to your bronzy makeup looks.
