Best Bronzers Over $30
Get Sunkissed Without the Risk: Best Bronzers for Over $30
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Powder
($65.00) contains four shades that go from light to dark. They can be used together, swirled, or alone for personalization, which is definitely nice. The compact is large enough where you can feasibly use one or two shades alone, rather than all four. What I love about this bronzer is it feels silky and smooth, very finely milled. It feels weightless, and it looks very, very natural. It has a subtle shimmer sheen when applied, but the shimmer isn’t overly so. It falls into the category of “sophisticated” shimmer–the kind that doesn’t accentuate facial flaws.
Guerlain Terracotta Mineral Loose Powder ($65.00) is a sheer-to-medium buildable, loose bronzer. It’s new for the spring/summer season, and included with the bronzer pot is a miniature kabuki brush. It is available in three shades: Light, Medium, and Dark. Light is probably going to be too light for most; this shade is most suitable for those who want just the faintest (and I mean faintest!) hint of color on them–perhaps as an allover powder vs. where the sun hits. It didn’t feel like there was any shimmer in it to me, and I did find it fairly blendable. The biggest downside is that it can get messy. Being a loose powder means that you may find a cloud of bronzer poof when you open the container, and you may get more powder than you’d like on your brush.
Dior Bronze Collagen Activ Bronzer ($48.00) is a new bronzer from Dior that is designed to help smooth and fill fine lines. It’s not just makeup, it’s makeup with skincare ingredients in it. The bronzer also has SPF25, which is nice, though not necessary (I’m already going to wear SPF all over my face, so my bronzer doesn’t have to have it). The new bronzer comes in four shades: Healthy Tan, Honey Tan, Amber Tan, and Spicy Tan. It’s near matte in finish, and it gives you a glowy, sunkissed look that looks very natural–no orange glow here. I found this particular bronzer very blendable upon application, and it felt softer and less powdery, too.
What’s your favorite bronzer?
The Chanel bronzer looks promising.. I didn’t like the original Soleil Tan (with the wavy surface) maybe I’ll get a better color match with this one… thanks for the quick review..
Let us know how this one works out!
I like the sound of that dior!
me too! i want to try it out, but the holts (where it’s exclusive to in canada) in my city stopped carrying dior so i hope to see it if i go another city this summer… they also have a purely matte bronzer, launched last year, that is AMAZING. great colors, matte finish, absorbs oils and has spf 20!
I believe The Bay also carries the whole Dior range as well — it does in Vancouver, at least. It’s my backup in case Holts is sold out of something! 🙂
It’s very nice 😀
I have guerlain’s terracotta bronzer in indian bronze (2008), it’s my fave thing ever. nice and golden and very sheer so I don’t feel like a bronzed statue with my already dark skin.
Sounds so pretty 🙂
Right now CK by Calvin Klein bronzer. 🙂
Ohh, I want to try that one!
Hi Christine, do u know if any of these are suitable for fair-very fair skin? Just for contouring. Thanks. 🙂
Hmm, I don’t think any of them are, to be honest – I think they’re going to not be neutral enough as a contour :/
I got the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer in Blonde.. it is FANTASTIC — not dark or orangey!:)
So happy to hear it, Izzy!
Oh my! Yummy!
I’ve been dying for that chanel one for a while. Will definitely get that. Also going to get the usual terracotta guerlain bronzer – pressed powder not loose powder. I’m loose powder shy.
I think you’ll like it! Especially if your a bronzer gal!
I have to put in a plug for my favorite, Guerlain’s pearly bronzing powder in Orient Sun! It is an amazing bronzer, and one of the few that looks natural with my pale, cool complexion! The shine is not overstated, but gives a subtle dimension to cheekbones, and the bronze has a hint of pink that makes it work for me! Hooray for not looking orange!
I’m gonna have to give this a looksie!
My favourite is Tom Ford’s The Bronzer in Bronzed Amber – at first it seems too sheer to really make a difference, but its so buildable & looks really natural. It’s not in stores anymore but you can probably find it on ebay for way less than what it originally cost.
I haven’t tried this, but you make me want to 🙂
I have to add my favorite – the Chanel Bronze Universel is amazing!!! Goes beautifully over liquid and powder foundation and looks so natural!!
Ohh, glad this one is working out for you!
Hmm I’ve never used Terracota bronzers before, but those favorable reviews definitely tempt me to try one after all! Before reading the comments I was drooling over the Chanel bronzer! I like the idea that you can custom-make your shade by using different shades in the compact. I’m currently using Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick in Bronze, and boy that sucker lasts forever! lol Perhaps it’s time for me to explore for new things!
I’ve heard a ton of raves for Guerlain’s bronzers, mostly the pressed since the mineral just came out!
I do love my Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer bronzer, but that Chanel Soleil de Tan looks extremely lovely. (And the Dior description too, but I digress!) I’m wondering about the shimmer level in the Chanel and Dior, however — I don’t want to look too sheen-y. Can anyone compare the shimmer to something else that I might recognise, say MAC MSFs, Dior Harmonie Blushes or Shimmerstars?? Many thank-yous in advance!! 🙂
I don’t think either of them has a lot of shimmer — not anything like MSFs!
I use many different bronzers, but Pur Minerals Bronzer is my absolute favorite. A little goes a long way & it looks great!
Awesome! It’s great that you’ve found what works for you!