The best cream bronzer does more than deposit color—it sculpts, defines, and illuminates. Applied strategically, it enhances cheekbones, contours the jawline, and brings dimension to collarbones, creating a natural finish that elevates any makeup look.

Vogue’s Favorite Cream Bronzers

Featured in this article

Best Gel-Cream

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Jump to review

Best for Pale Skin

MAC Cosmetics Glow Play Cushiony Blush

Jump to review

Unlike powders, cream formulas blend effortlessly into the skin—just like a foundation or concealer—offering a natural finish with a dewy glow that’s especially flattering on dry skin. They act as a subtle enhancer, building warmth and dimension without ever looking cakey or heavy, and their creamy texture allows for easy layering to create a sun-kissed radiance that appears truly lit-from-within.

Whether you’re after a luminous golden hue for a soft highlight or a matte shade for sculpting, these cream bronzers are multipurpose must-haves, delivering buildable pigment and dewy radiance that can enhance anyone’s daily routine.

In This Story

Best Gel-Cream: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

• Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites has long sung the praises of Chanel’s cream bronzer, previously telling Vogue, “If I had to choose a single makeup product I couldn’t work without, it would probably be this one. With a cream bronzer, the skin will have more of a glow than if you use a powder-based bronzer.” Pro artist Tasha Reiko Brown also points to the formula’s gel-like texture and believable undertones that add warmth without veering orange. “This product also makes for a softer contour of color before applying blush,” Brown previously said. Still, she notes the limited shade range means it works best for fair to medium complexions.
• Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, mineral waxes, light-reflecting pigments
• Type: Gel-cream pot
• Shades: 3
• Finish: Natural

Best Stick: Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer

• Why We Love It: Beloved for its ultra-blendable glide, Merit’s balm makes bronzing practically foolproof. The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s. Just swipe it along the cheekbones, temples, or nose bridge for subtle dimension and radiance. Pro makeup artist Anastasia Vavina previously noted this stick works well in a quick makeup routine for a “one and done” approach to adding color to the face—swipe it along the eyes too for an easy monochromatic look. Plus, it’s a great pick for mature skin types, as it won’t cake, settle into fine lines, and delivers just the right amount of moisture.
• Key Ingredients: Microfine pigments, fatty acids
• Type: Semi-sheer balm
• Finish: Satin
• Shades: Five