The Best Bronzer for Mature Skin Requires Targeted Application

I have fair skin, so pops of color work well long On my cheeks, forehead or chin. (I don’t even confusion At 45, I’ve found a blush that works for me, but I’m always wary of bronzers. Some are too dark, some are too shiny; but luckily, not all bronzers are created equal.

According to professional makeup artist Christian Briceno, the best bronzers for mature skin don’t risk adding too much pigment (or unnecessary glitter) to the skin. According to him, aging skin benefits from clear, buildable pigments that layer smoothly, have true skin undertones, and have a soft, smooth finish that’s neither bland nor sparkly. “It works best with a mild, skin-like glow that prevents the face from looking dull, but isn’t so reflective that it accentuates pores or fine lines.” Those formulas do exist (hint: they’re on the list below.)

FashionFavorite bronzers for mature skin:

Best Bronzing Cream

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer

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Best Bronzing Powder

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

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Briceno adds that the best bronzers have benefits beyond just color wash. “For mature skin, bronzer isn’t about getting warmer; it’s about adding shape in a way that still looks like skin,” he says. To achieve this, Briceno stresses the importance of targeted application, rather than spreading bronzer all over your cheeks like blush.

For mature skin, “keep the bronzer higher,” he says. “Focus on the hairline and upper cheek areas, then blend upward to lift the face.” Don’t buff also Still, “if you blend too long or too vigorously, you’ll not only soften the edges, but you’ll erase the shape you’re trying to create,” Briceno warns. “Blend until the edges disappear, then stop.”

Ready to apply bronzer like a pro? First, choose a formula that nourishes and smoothes mature skin. Whether you prefer cream, liquid, or powder, here are expert picks of bronzers to give your skin a healthy, natural glow.

In this story:

best liquid: Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded tinted highlighter

• Why we love it: one FashionWestman Atelier’s favorite all-around bronzer drop, perfect for those with dry skin, this tinted highlighter from Westman Atelier is packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients. It contains vitamin C to protect against free radical damage, avocado seed oil to replenish moisture and add antioxidant protection, and toon oil to firm the skin. The formula is available in four radiant shades, including Peau de Soleil, known as Golden Hour Bronze, which instantly warms and awakens the complexion while providing long-term benefits. The shade can be worn alone or as a glowing, even-toned foundation; it can also be used as a highlighter, dabbed onto the high points of the face.
• Main ingredients: Vitamin C, avocado seed oil, toon oil
• tone: 4
• size: 1 oz

best cream: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer

• Why we love it: this Fashion– The tried-and-true bronzer is a staple in celebrity beauty bags: Jennifer Garner, for one, is loyal to its lightweight, velvety matte glow. Industry insiders have also joined the Les Beiges fan club. “If I had to pick one makeup product that I couldn’t live without, it would probably be this one,” professional makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites previously said. “It looks natural, blends easily, looks great before or after makeup, doesn’t interfere with makeup underneath or on top, and even adds a bit of coverage.”
• Editor experience: “[This] It delivers rich golden pigment that neither shimmers nor smudges my perfectly applied base, leaving a lasting impression on me. ” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
• Main ingredients: Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Derivative), Kalanchoe Leaf Extract
• tone: 3
• size: 1.06 oz

Best powder: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

• Why we love it: Makeup artists generally don’t recommend using bronzer on mature skin to avoid highlighting texture, but this buttery drugstore classic is an exception. Made with hydrating seed oils and antioxidant vitamin E, this silky bronzer stands out for its compatibility with aging skin. “This brand’s bronzers are intentionally softer, which creates spreadability without over-pigmenting the skin,” says esthetician Kerry Spindler. “The lighter pigment content means the color sits on the skin rather than overpowering it. This is important when skin barrier function is compromised or the skin is thinning.”
• Main ingredients: Murumuru Seed Butter, Cupuazu Butter, Vitamin E, Tucuma Butter
• tone: 8
• size: 0.38 oz

best shades: NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream

• Why we love it: This classic bronzer is fragrant with hints of gardenia, coconut and vanilla. It seems Like a souvenir from a tropical vacation spot. “NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream will give you a ‘soft holiday warmth’ effect without being heavy,” says Briceno. He also favors recipes that add coconut oil, which makes the cream smooth. “The most forgiving creams are cushioned and glide on so they blend without tugging,” he points out. The cream is also a backstage beauty secret: models like Angelina Kendall are fans.
• Main ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, squalane
• tone: 5
• size: 0.67 oz

best stick: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Melted Foil Stamping and Engraving Stick

• Why we love it: “For skin that looks hydrated, lively, and sun-kissed, I recommend the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Melting Bronzing & Sculpting Stick,” says professional makeup artist Mally Roncal. The formula is available in seven colors, from taupe milk chocolate to dark brown chocolate espresso, and features a portable foil wand for foiling on the go. It’s enriched with cocoa fruit powder for antioxidant protection, conditioning and a hint of chocolate, and it also contains squalane to moisturize the skin and support its barrier. “It blends into the skin like butter and is so versatile,” Roncal attests. “You can use it to bronze, contour, or even as an eyeshadow base.”
• Main ingredients: Cocoa fruit powder, squalane, dimethicone
• tone: 7
• size: 0.28 oz

best shades: Saltyface liquid bronzer

• Why we love it: The ingredients in this skincare-first shade read like a wish list for mature skin. The formula is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe leaf extract to plump and hydrate, marshmallow root and green tea extract to provide antioxidant protection, chamomile and cucumber flower extracts to soothe irritation, and niacinamide to brighten. All this in a TSA-friendly tube with a newly upgraded applicator that delivers a slow and steady drip of product. This shade has a universal tone that leaves a warm, shimmery color but is subtle in appearance and isn’t: I just came back from St. Bart’s. I’ve used this on many a cold (or sleep-deprived) day, and it always does the trick when I just need to look more energetic.
• Editor experience: “When I dropped this on the back of my hand and initially saw the chocolate color, I thought it was too dark for me. But when I blended it in, it turned into a sheer, slightly golden shade that was like a subtle wake-up call to my cheeks.” —Jenny Berg, Writer
• Main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera leaf extract, green tea extract, marshmallow root extract, chamomile extract, cucumber flower extract, niacinamide
• tone: 1
• size: 1 fl oz