Confirmed: The 11 Cream Bronzers That Pass Our Editors' Effortless Glow Test

In the last year, not only have I been loving bronzer, but I have gone completely mad for cream makeup formulations. Whether I’m sweeping a cream eyeshadow stick along my lash line or dabbing a cream blusher on the apples of my cheeks, I’ve realised they’re the quickest and most effective way to look ‘done up’ with very minimal effort. Plus, they’re super easy to blend with your fingers, and I am someone who generally prefers getting hands-on with makeup over using an army of tools and brushes. Anyone else with me?

At this time of year, I love using one of the best bronzers, but I don't like to wear too much heavy makeup or a really matte bronzing product. I am a fan of bronzing drops, but a product I really love is a cream bronzer, as it can give me a quick, reliable and natural glow. According to celebrity make-up artist Neil Young, this is all because creams are amazing at reflecting light away from the skin, giving you that natural-looking finish.

"Creams are also malleable and sit with the complexion rather than on top,” Young explains. "It’s perfect for creating a gorgeous glow without looking too made up."

How to Apply Cream Bronzer

When it comes to application, Young says it depends on the finish you’re after. "Cream bronzers can add dimension to the face by using them like a powder bronzer on the temples, forehead and cheekbones or as a fine veil all over the face.”

If you’re looking to softly contour the face, you can apply [the bronzer] directly to bare skin and then add a touch of foundation and concealer around it as and where needed. If your face needs a little powder to maintain your makeup, dust with a little translucent powder at the end of your makeup routine.” According to Young, if you’re going to use tools to blend, make sure they’re synthetic-based so they don’t absorb the product.

For a super natural finish, world-renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown says: "Smile and pat onto the apples of your cheeks using an upward motion, then use your fingertips to soften the edges.”

With all that in mind, here are 11 glow-giving cream bronzers that beauty editors really rate.

We've tested some of the best cream bronzers on the market.

Shop the Best Cream Bronzers

• Best Cream Bronzer Overall: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, £50
• Best Cream Bronzing Stick: Merit Bronze Balm, £27
• Best Lightweight Cream Bronzer: Refy Cream Bronzer, £20
• Best Glowy Cream Bronzer: Vieve Modern Radiance Bronzer, £35
• Best Sculpting Cream Bronzer: Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer, £35

1. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

The bronzer, the myth, the legend. I’m pretty sure many of you are already well acquainted with Chanel’s cult classic, and for good reason. Everything about this bronzer is decadent, from the packaging to the whipped cream-gel formula. I’d challenge anyone not to slightly hesitate when breaking into a new one. I find that you get the best finish when you apply an all-over wash of colour with a large brush, and freelance beauty editor Grace Day agrees. "I use a large fluffy brush to apply this, starting at the edges and high points of my face before lightly dusting all over to add warmth and glow."

2. Merit Bronze Balm

Another go-to pick for Day is Merit Beauty's cream bronzer. "It's buttery soft and so easy to apply. Plus, it's not overly pigmented, so it requires very little blending—a great choice if you do your makeup on the go, or simply want to keep your routine as short and simple as possible."

3. Refy Cream Bronzer

If you want a lightweight cream bronzer that blends like a dream, look no further than Refy's take. The silky formula melts into the skin to deliver a sheer veil of warmth wherever you require it, and it is easily buildable if you want more intensity. "Not only will this supersize pan last you forever, but due to the neutral-leaning shades, you can use it as both a bronzer and as a sculpting or contouring product. I even use it as eyeshadow in a pinch," says Day.

4. Vieve Modern Radiance Cream Bronzer

Deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay swears by this cream bronzer from Vieve. "I've tried many cream bronzers over the years, but I always come back to this buttery formula from Jamie Genevieve's makeup brand, Vieve. It adds subtle, natural-looking warmth to the skin and is perfect for those no-makeup makeup days when you just want to look a little sun-kissed. It melts into the skin thanks to a nourishing formula of squalane and avocado oil."

"I particularly love wearing this one when I'm on holiday," adds Day. "It gives the perfect all-over glow to match a tan, but without looking obvious or really even feeling like I have makeup on my face."

5. Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

"If you like a bronzer that does a bit of multitasking and can be used to lightly sculpt and contour your face, then I'd highly recommend this one from Makeup By Mario," says Day. "It adds warmth and glow but also structure, and the shades don't lean too warm or too cool, so they are flattering and don't require too much blending."

6. Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

"Warm in all of the right places, this bronzer seamlessly melts into my skin, leaving a sun-kissed halo that adds dimension and warmth," says Harrods beauty editorial lead Nateisha Scott. "A bronzer and contour all-in-one, it makes it in every makeup edit and beauty look." Day also counts herself as a fan.

7. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gorgeous Sunkissed Bronzing Cream

8. Glossier Cloud Paint Bronzer

9. Nars Bronzing Cream

10. e.l.f Putty Bronzer

11. Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

How We Tested

As beauty editors, it's our job to test a wide range of products to ensure that we are recommending the best of the best to our readers. As a team, we've tried hundreds of cream bronzers over the years, and only included our top picks within this edit. We've taken into account everything from ingredients, price, application and finish, and have made sure to include our honest thoughts on each product, including any stand-out pros and cons.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of makeup products, including bronzers, foundations, concealers and blushes, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.