We earn commission on sales tracked from our links and codes. Thank you for your support! We earn commission from affiliate links/codes. Thank you!
They can be drier and harder to blend or more reactive to any lingering moisture on my skin (bare skin, foundation, etc.), so they’re not my favorite. I prefer a semi-matte/satin finish.
— Christine
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
Confession. I don’t have any preferences re: bronzer because I don’t know how to use bronzer. I always come out looking like my face is dirty or worse, like I’m trying to pass for a different ethnicity/race (NOOOOOOO!).
The one I use the most, UD Jawbone, is a matte finish. But it is a “natural” matte, not flat and dry looking! That’s the only type of matte bronzer I’m into. This particular type of matte doesn’t emphasize any of my old acne scars, either.
Otherwise, I hate flat, chalky looking bronzer. The ones that look like I just smeared dirt on my face kind of flat!
I’ve given up on all bronzers as well. No matter what formula, color, or finish I try, my face only looks dirty. That’s OK; I’m simplifying my makeup routine and stash, and it’s fun and relaxing again.
I’m not a big bronzer girl until I tried chanel cream bronzer. I highly recommend it. It’s a matte finish and I love it so
I don’t think I’ve ever used a matte bronzer, LOL.
I like the Wet N Wild ones and I still think Guerlain Terra Inca was the absolute pinnacle of bronzer for me 🙂
Matte is my go to finish, somehow any amount of sparkle or highlight looks unflattering to me. Neadless to say I prefer that finish.
I also like the versatility of a matte bronzer, that can double for a warming subtle blush that somewhat also chisels the cheeks. I’m not one to bronze my entire phase. Most mate bronzers also make awesome eyeshadows, for transitioning or blending warm looks.
But I do have to admit they tend to be patchy and not always easy to blend. A demi-matte or satin finish is indeed easier to work with.
I love matte bronzers. I think they are more natural looking than shimmery ones. The only con for me is they’re not as common.
Lottie London (ulta.com) makes a really nice one for only about 7 bucks. I think NYX does too. Even Maybelline City Bronzer isn’t bad.
Thanks! I’ll check them out and google some swatches.
When I find a formula that I really love….and a shade that actually is flattering on me….I love a good matte bronzer. However! These are few and far between. So far the MJ O!Mega Bronzer in Tantastic is perfect and the only one that works. Even on my dry retinol-treated skin.
Matte is okay if the formula runs sheer. I do not care for overly pigmented bronzer. I think people who tan easily are obviously the best candidates for the product and can successfully wear more and have it look incredibly natural.
I like reddish based bronzers for my skintone and I like sheerer formulas which allow me to add depth into my face without trying to look like I have an actual tan.
I love matte bronzer because it looks like the most natural tan on your skin. It can be a little harder to blend, but it’s worth it because it looks real.
I love matte bronzer because it looks like the most natural tan on your skin. It can be a little harder to blend, but it’s worth it because it looks real. It can also double as a contour.