20th February 2026, by Tamara Corin | Read time: 4 minutes
SHARE
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,
The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate
links.
Join our emails packed full of ideas of the best places to eat out, drink, and generally great lifestyle content for your chance to win.
Your entry has been successfully submitted!
Love What You're Reading?You've reached your 3 article limit - sign up to keep reading.
Join The Handbook's growing community of over 12 million across all channels
for access to full articles and our daily edit. It's quick, free, and keeps you in the know.
Get your free daily guide to the best food, fashion, beauty, culture and travel content,
delivered straight to your inbox.
Don't BeA Stranger
Did you know that 95% of first-time visitors land on a webpage and never come back?
If you’ve loved exploring our content today, don’t let this be a one-time thing. Subscribe now to keep the inspiration coming.
A Letter FromThe Editor
Want to stay in the loop with the absolute best in fashion, food, beauty, travel, and culture across London and beyond?
You don’t need to keep checking back here - let us bring the scoop straight to your inbox.