Bronzers: 10 of the best

I'm sure bronzers have been explained to everyone – including myself – a million times. What they are, what they do, how to use them and yet… people still haven't quite figured out exactly how to use them. Or maybe they just haven't found one that suits them. So let's get back to the basics. Sometimes it's easier to start with what something isn't rather than what it is. The purpose of a bronzer is not to make you tan. If you're already using a bronzer that does this, you don't have the right product (but, of course, if your goal is to actually look tanned, then good luck). A bronzer is basically a bit of makeup meant to give your skin a boost so it looks less pale, more alive, happier and healthier. Essentially, it provides a natural, sun-kissed finish without the sun damage. Choosing the right shade is key – it's best to start with something subtle and work your way up – and texture makes a difference too. The bronzers presented on this page – liquid, cream and powder – are formulated in a flexible way, which makes their application easier and more or less safe, even for heavy hands. Importantly, finishes are created to complement actual skin tones, minimizing the likelihood that you'll look like a roasted orange.

1. Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum £15.95, lookfantastic.com 2. Giorgio Armani Beauty Bronzer £46, selfridges.com 3. NARS Laguna Ultimate Face Palette £60, narscosmetics.co.uk 4. Indeed Nanobronze Deep Bronzer Drops 24, £99, boots.com 5. Fenty Sun Stalk'r Bronzer £29, fentybeauty.co.uk 6. Clinique Sunkissed Face Gelee £32, johnlewis.com 7. Saie Dew Liquid Bronzer £20, cultbeauty.co.uk 8. Clarins Bronzer £40, clarins.co.uk 9. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer £75, chanel.com 10. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze £16.50, beautypie.com

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