If you’re new to the bronzer scene, let us be the first to welcome you.

 

Bronzer is considered a makeup bag “extra,” but if you ask us, it’s an everyday essential. The right bronzer will add a sun-kissed glow to your skin while defining your cheeks and jawline. Similar to a blush, it complements your natural beauty with a little added color depth.

 

If you’re choosing your first bronzer (or switching over to a nontoxic brand), you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the product and color options. The two most popular kinds of bronzer are cream bronzer and powder bronzer. Here, we dive into the benefits, trends, and ingredients so you can pick the product that checks all your boxes…

 

Cream Bronzer vs. Powder Bronzer: What’s the Difference?

 

Cream bronzer is a hydrating product that can be blended into the skin with your fingers or a makeup sponge. It’s newer to the makeup scene, and since it’s an easy product to use, it’s preferred for minimalist makeup routines. Ideally, your cream bronzer should provide a sun-kissed glow and skincare benefits.

 

Powder bronzer is the more traditional bronzer option. It’s commonly used to contour (with other powder makeup products) and blends in well with a brush. Cream bronzer is preferred by makeup artists to create full coverage and trendy looks. Plus, there are more shade options available for powder bronzer.

Your Powder Bronzer Guide

 

We have to admit, we have a favorite. It’s powder bronzer. Especially when paired with cream products (like cream concealer and blush), powder bronzer can act as a setting product. In other words: the results you want with less time and fewer products.

 

Powder Bronzer Trends

 

Powder bronzer lends to more precise application, and it’s great for a bold look. Contouring remains the most popular trend for powder bronzer, but modern styles are a little softer than the “snatched” contour we saw in the 2010s.

 

Powder Bronzer Application

 

Unlike cream products (which can be applied and blended all at once), we like to use powder products one at a time. Start with your concealer before moving on to foundation, blush, and luminizer. Then finish the look with contour. By adding powder bronzer as your last step, you’ll naturally set your makeup for all-day wear.

Powder Bronzer Benefits

 

Powder products are most common with older generations, who learned heavy-handed blush techniques in the 80s and 90s. You apply it similarly, working alongside the cheekbones and brushing upward for a natural lift. That said, powder products are best worn on younger skin. These products can help dull any excess shine on your T-zone, where oil tends to accumulate.

 

Another benefit to powder bronzer is more precise application. You can apply powder exactly where you want it and trust it to stay in place all day (unlike cream products, which are more likely to migrate). Powder bronzer produces stronger lines and better contour.

 

Powder Bronzer Ingredients

The same as with cream bronzer, you should always prioritize high-quality ingredients that are nourishing to the skin. Powder bronzer should have similar ingredients (jojoba oil, castor oil, and essential oils) but a higher concentration of rice powder, silica, or magnesium.

 

Powder Bronzer Skin Type

 

Anyone can wear powder bronzer, but we recommend it for people with medium to oily skin. The powder should soak up excess oil and leave you with a matte finish. If you want, you can apply luminizer for a more controlled dewy look.

 

If you want to wear powder bronzer on mature skin, just make sure you offset the powder with a base layer of hydration. Use a serum and a makeup primer to prep your skin, and follow up with an oil-based foundation. Then, apply your bronzer last. This should reduce any irritation, dryness, or sensitivity that’s common with mature skin.

 

Your Cream Bronzer Guide

 

Cream bronzer is best for a subtle and airbrushed look. It blends well with other cream products and acts as an all-day moisturizer. You’ll want to find a makeup and skincare hybrid that’s made with quality ingredients and improves the texture of your skin over time.

 

Cream Bronzer Trends

 

The dewy look is in, and cream bronzer products help you achieve it. Combine your cream bronzer with a liquid foundation, cream concealer, luminizer, and cream blush for all-day glow.

 

Cream Bronzer Application

 

With a cream bronzer, you’ll want to apply other cream products at the same time. Dab cream concealer around your eyes, on the bridge of your nose, and on your chin. Press cream blush into the apples of your cheeks (or apply in an upward motion for more definition). Then, apply your cream bronzer under your cheekbones, jawline, and at the top of your forehead. Use a makeup brush or makeup sponge to blend all the products together.

Cream products may not stay as well as powder products. To encourage all-day wear, use a nourishing makeup primer and finish with a setting spray, setting powder or our mineral makeup.

 

Cream Bronzer Benefits

 

The real benefit of a cream bronzer is the ingredients. Cream products have a higher concentration of jojoba oil, castor oil, and vitamin E oil (all health-promoting ingredients). Cream bronzers are best for people who want to achieve an airbrushed and blurred look. They’re easy to store in your pocket or purse and reapply anywhere (since you can blend cream bronzer with your fingers).

 

Cream Bronzer Ingredients

 

Drugstore cream bronzers are usually made with a silicone, water, or chemical base. Since these ingredients are meant to soak into the skin, they may be even more concerning than conventional powder bronzers.

 

But when made with clean ingredients, cream bronzers can not only be safe for your skin but actively nourish it. Instead of a chemical or silicone base, we recommend bronzers with jojoba oil, castor oil, or vitamin E oil. You can also use various herbs and essential oils for added benefits.

 

Cream Bronzer Skin Type

 

Even though cream bronzers are popular with young people, they’re best worn on mature skin. The moisturizing jojoba oil and castor oil are soothing for sensitive skin and target common skin concerns for aging women. If you’re younger with naturally oily skin, you can still wear a cream bronzer. But you may want to set your makeup with a powder so it stays longer.

 

Cream Bronzer vs. Powder Bronzer Is a Personal Choice

 

The type of makeup you use on a daily basis is a personal choice. So are the ingredients.

 

With so many color varieties and makeup brands available, it’s concerning that we don’t have more nontoxic options. You can decide on cream bronzer vs. powder bronzer, but you can’t decide to leave the hormones disruptors out of conventional products.

 

At Toups and Co, we’re on a mission to make all-natural products mainstream. As fellow consumers, we want to have a say in the product’s health just as much as the color or texture. From bronzer to blush to foundation, we create formulas that are long-lasting, results-driven, and safe for the whole family.