20th February 2026, by Tamara Corin | Read time: 4 minutes
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Achieving that just-come-back-from-holiday look couldn’t be easier thanks to this new growing category of bronzer sticks. Think of them as your cream bronzer but moulded into a stick shape, making application fast, super-easy and doubling up perfectly as a contour/highlighting stick too. And all this without a makeup brush in sight!
The beauty of these sticks is they melt into your skin and add colour and warmth that gives a lit-from-within radiance. Amanda Bell, Pixi’s Global Head of Artistry, suggests, “simply swipe the stick across your forehead, bridge of nose and high on your cheekbones. Basically, focus on the areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit the skin. Use your fingertips to gently buff the colour for a seamless finish.”
Aside from delivering believable colour and an incredible glow, these formulas are hydrating and great for boosting skin on-the-go, minus any effort whatsoever.
This double-ended hybrid stick gives a dewy glow that is hard to beat. Available in neutral and natural shades (Bondi Beach is our fave) simply wear alone, layer up or mix the shades up for a multi-dimensional finish. After applying colour, use the stick to buff in colour, and voila you’re ready to.
If you’re testing out the bronzing water and a little bit nervous of what your finished face will look like, this is a great entry-point. Infused with hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C, this balm works to brighten, hydrate, and soften the skin. It’s pretty sheer compared to the other sticks on this list, but it’s easier to apply and control as a result. You won’t even need a mirror for touch-ups – now we’re talking!
We’re a little bit obsessed with these new sticks on the block! Choose from four varieties (Warm Glow, Soft Glow, Rich Glow and Beach Glow) each as good as the next. These hint-of-a-tint sticks are great multi-functional products that work just as good on the cheeks as on the lips. Packed with aloe to soothe and calm and ginseng to revitalise and balance. Simply swipe, smudge, and go!
The ethos of this US favourite brand is all about no-fuss on-the-go products that can be applied anywhere. This super creamy formula comes in two wearable sun-kissed hues that gives skin great colour minus any shine or sheen – a superb choice for dry and older skin types. Packed with mango butter and avocado for a dose of hydration and nourishment. The large, rounded head allows you to effortlessly swipe it along your body too. Making this a top-to-toe summer essential.
Not essentially a stick but it has all the same creamy, easy-to-blend vibes, so we think it’s still deserving of a place on this list! If you’re not yet familiar with Bobbi Brown’s latest makeup venture, get educated now. Part of the all-natural collection, this is basically a mega pot of pigmented salve that make skin seriously shine with a holiday glow. Dab with fingers on your cheekbones, eyelids and on your cupid’s bow to dial up the dew.
From its packaging to its formulas, this celebrity-loved makeup artist-owned brand knows a thing about luxe, and this bronzer stick is no exception. If you want sculpted cheekbones, a prominent jawline and a warm glow, this multi-functional beauty will give you this and more, with its blendable and buildable satin finish that is very in keeping with the St Tropez folk. Plus, we love the magnetic push packaging.
This dual-ended bronzer and highlighter stick gives a glow-boosting sheen on skin that is perfect for vamping up your complexion subtly. Laced with jojoba oil, rosehip oil and shea butter, your skin will feel nourished and look luminous, almost glass-like. The only hard work having to decide which of the three stunning variations to choose from. Take your pick between ‘Sunrise u0026 Rose Quartz’ (a shimmering champagne pink highlighter and neutral tan bronzer), ‘Sunset u0026 Skinny Dip’ (a shimmering gold highlighter and rich terracotta bronzer) and ‘Sungaze u0026 Tan Linens’ (a shimmering golden peach and rich cocoa bronzer).
Of course, this list isn’t complete without Fenty’s Skinstick. Available in nine different shades, this formula is made to layer, with a buildable cream-to-powder formula that’s weightless and easy to blend.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however,
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One winner will receive Ancient + Brave products of their choice up to the value of £215 RRP plus one Ancient + Brave x Ocean Bottle Bottle worth £35 RRP. No cash alternative will be offered and any difference in value will not be refunded. The prize is non-transferable, non-resaleable, and subject to availability. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute products of equal or greater value if necessary. Open to UK residents only. Only one entry per person. Product selection and fulfilment will be arranged directly with the winner. The winner will be notified via email by The Handbook and contacted to organise the prize directly with Ancient + Brave. Product selection and fulfilment will be arranged directly with the winner and Ancient + Brave. The winner will be notified via email by The Handbook and contacted to organise the prize directly with Ancient + Brave. Product selection and fulfilment will be arranged directly with the winner and Ancient + Brave.
Any T&Cs: Over 18 only, UK entrants only. If a product in the desired color is out of stock, Kapten & Son reserves the right to ship the product in an alternative color.
Terms and Conditions for the Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf £250 Terrace Bar Tab & Shuffleboard Competition
1. Eligibility: This competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over only. Proof of age may be required.
2. Prize: The prize consists of: A £250 bar tab to be used at Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf 90 minutes of shuffleboard for a group of up to six (6) people at Electric Shuffle.
3. Redemption: The prize must be redeemed within six (6) months of the winner being notified.
-The prize can only be used at the Canary Wharf venue.
-The £250 bar tab must be used in one single visit. No change will be given for any unused portion of the bar tab.
-The shuffleboard booking for six people is for a duration of 90 minutes.
-Redemption of the prize is subject to availability.
-Advance booking is essential and should be made directly with Electric Shuffle, quoting the prize.
-Certain dates or times may be excluded due to high demand or private events.
4. Exclusions: The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, promotion, or voucher.
5. General: The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, and there is no cash alternative. The promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize with an alternative of equal or greater value if circumstances beyond their control make it
necessary to do so. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
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