TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: According to readers you can use this bronzer as your year-round golden glow go-to, or to simply enhance your tan in the summer with it's slight shimmer. "My skin looks healthy and just glows when I wear this bronzer," gushes one user. "I constantly get compliments when I have it on." If you're into contouring, readers say this bronzer is a great tool for sculpting out those cheekbones, while still providing a natural look. "I use this bronzer every single day," confesses one reader. "It gives you great bronzing color, and stays on all day. I love it!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: The combination of bronze tones "is truly multifunctional," raves one reviewer. "It works as an eye shadow, a highlighter, a bronzer or blusher," agrees another user. This mineral-based bronzer "goes on smooth, looks natural and lasts all day." To sum up: The "gorgeous, versatile color" is "perfect."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: This bronzer "has the perfect amount of shimmer," says one reader. She loves the "beautiful mocha color that blends easily." Another reviewer adds, "aside from the unbeatable color, this bronzer lasts 24 hours — even through swimming."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.6*
Why it's great: One reviewer appreciates this bronzer because it "doesn't break [her] out, is good for [her] skin, looks 100 percent natural and is so light [she] doesn't even know [she's] wearing it." Another readers adds, "Just two pumps with my moisturizer is enough to make me feel radiant." Even though it's on the pricier side, readers say "a little goes a long way."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.7*
Why it's great: One reader contours with this product every day and says it "makes [her] feel like [she] got a tan from Hawaii." She adds that it "has a subtle glow -- just enough to make the skin look naturally beautiful." This bronzer is "highly pigmented but not too brown or orange," says another reviewer.
We know sunbathing, tanning beds and even spray tanning can cause some serious skin issues, but does that mean we're doomed to be pale and pasty forever? Not a chance. There's still one safe way to get that golden glow, and it's in your makeup bag: bronzer.
The key to getting that perfect faux glow is not just having a great bronzer, it's knowing how to apply it as well. Since it's so easy to accidentally look like a muddy Oompa Loompa instead of Jessica Alba, we asked makeup artist Nick Barose for his best application tips, as well as his advice on picking the best bronzer for your skin tone.
The number one misconception about bronzers, according to Barose? People are misled by the name itself. "You should use a bronzer to look healthier and sun-kissed, not 'bronze,'" he says. For a believable tan, Barose says you shouldn't pick a color that is more than one shade darker than your natural skin color. And if you're fair skinned, he suggests looking for a sheer bronzer with peach tones. "Avoid reds or browns if you're fair, because those shades will make you look orange and dirty."
When applying bronzer, use a big, fluffy brush and tap off any excess product before swiping it on your face. He recommends that you concentrate most of the color at your temples and along the cheekbones. And without double dipping, lightly brush across your nose and chin. "Don't forget to apply and blend bronzer down your neck. And if your hair is up in a ponytail, you should also put a little around your ears," says Barose.
Now that you've got the know-how, all you need to do is find the best bronzer for you.
