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I swore off bronzer for such a long time. For years, everything I tried was too warm, muddy or dark. Being pale, I’d pretty much succumbed to the fact that bronzer perhaps just didn’t work for me – but in truth, I just hadn’t found the right one.
In recent years, I’ve tried dozens of bronzers, and while some have found themselves in the reject pile, four have received the coveted pale girl seal of approval, delivering a warm, sunkissed glow without looking orange.
One thing that’s particularly interesting is that two of these launches are brand new this year, so perhaps brands are finally starting to cater to more diverse skin tones. There’s also a cult classic in there, and a little-known brand I really think more people should know about.
While I’m firmly a cream bronzer fan, I’ve included a few different formats here, all of which I actually use in my kit, depending on the occasion, weather and various other factors. So, here are four bronzers I’d genuinely recommend to anyone with pale skin who’s convinced bronzer isn’t for them.
REFY Water Bronzer in Cove (£22)
REFY’s Water Bronzer is one of two new launches in my makeup bag, and it really was love at first swipe. I first tried it at a Selfridges beauty event where it was applied by an MUA and I immediately knew I’d be adding it to my collection.
Housed in a Korean-inspired cushion compact, the innovative water-based formula feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. Rather than delivering an intense hit of pigment that you feel like you spend forever blending out, it gives a sheer wash of warmth that can be built up gradually, making it almost impossible to overdo.
It comes in five shades and I wear the lightest, Cove, which has soft neutral-cool undertones that flatter lighter complexions beautifully, while the dewy finish leaves skin looking healthy and fresh rather than flat. It’s become my go-to for those effortless, ‘I’ve just been on holiday’ makeup days and pairs perfectly with the Water Blush. Using a stippled brush, you can also create some great faux freckles with it.
Read more: Six REFY beauty products you need to add to your makeup bag immediately
e.l.f sheer For It Blush Tint in Maple Latte (£6)
Launched as part of a four-shade expansion of the product back in May, the brown blush cheek and lip tint is a versatile stain akin to Benefit’s iconic Benetint but at a quarter of the cost. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it offers a hydrating, watery feel and a sheer wash of colour that can be built up for a more intense glow.
The tint is easy to build but as it’s a stain, you have to work quite quickly. Once it sets, it stays transfer-proof throughout the day, and because it’s designed for both cheeks and lips, it’s an easy way to create a fresh, cohesive summer makeup look.
Adored By Buttery Bronze Stick in Goddess (£16)
This was one of my favourite beauty discoveries last summer, and it’s remained a permanent fixture in my makeup bag ever since. Adored By has been launching collaborative drops with various beauty insiders, and their Buttery Bronze stick comes from their first edit with Lottie Tomlinson.
The first thing that struck me was just how buttery the formula is. I know it’s literally in the name, but it really does provide the smoothest glide before melting seamlessly into the skin, giving a soft-focus bronzed finish that never looks streaky.
It’s also infused with meadowfoam seed oil to help keep skin hydrated, and I love that it doubles up as an eyeshadow or lip colour for an easy monochromatic makeup look. It’s super easy to blend and build, while the cream-to-powder texture means it feels lightweight but also helps it last throughout the day. There are only two shades available in this stick, though, so may not be quite right for some people who prefer something with a little more precise.
NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder in 00 (£40)
If creams aren’t your thing, NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder in shade 00 is one of the best powder bronzers I’ve found for fair skin. The OG Laguna bronzer is a cult classic for a reason, with this lighter version having been launched in 2023 in line with the reformulation of the talc-free powder.
Now coming in nine shades, 00 is specifically designed for very fair complexions and features neutral undertones that avoid pulling too warm. The finely milled powder blends beautifully into the skin, creating soft, natural-looking warmth.
In terms of finish, it’s described as a luminous matte look that keeps skin looking healthy. It’s nowhere near as radiant as the cream formulas on this list, but equally, leaves it far from looking flat. This is a great option for powder makeup fans, or for dusting over a cream formula to help lock in a look all day long.
Read more: Eight NARS makeup bag classics I’ve tried and my honest opinion on them all
