I Tried 6 Bronzers That Give Black and Brown Skin the Perfect Subtle Glow

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(Image credit: @spiritedpursuit)

I'm just going to say it: Finding the right bronzer for your skin tone can be tricky if you're not white. I struggled for years to find a bronzer that would actually show up on my brown skin until recently. I gave a handful of bronzers from a few of my favorite brands a test drive, and I may have found the holy grail. I was particularly impressed with the pigment payoff of each, something that had been a huge issue for me in the past. A lot of darker bronzers end up being the same color as my skin, but not these! 

Don't worry. I'm not into gatekeeping. I'm sharing details on the six formulas that stood out below, along with a few bronzers makeup artists love for darker skin tones. Keep scrolling. There's definitely a formula for you.

Best Overall Bronzer for Deep Skin Tones: Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer

LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick

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(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)

Above, I'm wearing the LYS Beauty No Limits cream bronzer and Contour Stick.

Haus Labs Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer

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(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)

Above, I'm wearing the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream Bronzer.

Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

Mented Cosmetics Sunkissed Bronzer

Pacifica Sun Dreams Bronzer

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Soft Matte Longwear Bronzer

Danessa Myricks Evolution Setting & Blurring Loose Powder

Hoola Matte Bronzer

Up Next: For a Warm, Sunny Glow All Year Round, I Tell My Friends to Buy This $5 Staple

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.