When it comes to summer beauty bag essentials, cream bronzers are rapidly becoming a non-negotiable for many. Unlike their powder counterparts, cream products offer a dewier, more natural complexion that gives skin an effortless, sunkissed look. They’re also easier (read: more forgiving) to apply, offering smooth yet buildable coverage, which gives you extra control over the final look.

So, whether you’re new to cream bronzers, or are already an avid convert, read on for our guide to the best cream bronzers of 2025, along with the skin types they’re best suited to and how to incorporate them into your routine.

 
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Why choose a cream bronzer over powder?

While there might not be much unanimity over whether cream or powder bronzer is ‘better’, the beauty community agrees that each option has its upsides. Cream formulas give a more natural, dewy finish than powder, which is particularly good for dry and mature skin. As for coverage, cream bronzer is also considered more buildable and easier to blend into the skin. Inversely, if you have oily skin, you might prefer the mattifying effect of powder, which also tends to last longer.

Cream gives a much more natural, dewy finish than powder, which is particularly good for dry and mature skin.

How to apply

For the best results, apply your cream bronzer with either a beauty blender or dense stipple brush. As for how much is needed, always start with a little less than you think (as some creams are more pigmented than others), and work up until you achieve your desired coverage.

best cream bronzer chanel
This Chanel bronzer is a cult classic among beauty editors thanks to its lightweight cream formula, velvety finish and blendability.
best cream bronzer nars
Inspired by NARS’ best-selling Bronzing Powder shade, Laguna, the long-lasting cream version is scented with monoï de tahiti oil.
best cream bronzers e.l.f.
If you’re after a more affordable cream bronzer then e.l.f.’s putty to powder formulation, with argan oil and vitamin E, is one to know, with its semi-matte finish.
best cream bronzer charlotte tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury’s glowy bronzer lasts up to 16 hours, is sweat and humidity-proof and also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate skin and lock in moisture.
best cream bronzer fenty beauty
You can rely on Fenty Beauty for an inclusive shade range, and their bronzer is no different. Sweat and water-resistant formula comes in 7 shades designed for soft contouring.
best cream bronzer rose inc
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s brand, Rose Inc, offers an easy to apply cream to powder bronzer containing skincare ingredients such as rose oil, vitamin C and E.
best cream bronzer refy
Refy’s cream bronzer is a viral hit for a reason, providing buildable coverage, warm undertones and a smooth velvety finish.
best cream bronzer beauty pie
For a silky cream to powder texture, Beauty Pie has you covered with its non-greasy formula providing a natural, blendable finish.
best cream bronzer saie
Saie’s cream bronzer is a rich, velvety balm texture which also contains ingredients like organic colloidal oatmeal, grapeseed oil and elderberry extract.
best cream bronzer rare beauty
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty brand has a much-loved cream bronzing stick. Available in 7 shades, the weightless, liquid-like formula is easy to blend, making it perfect for beginners.
best cream bronzer anastasia beverly hills
If you want something between a cream and powder bronzer, Anatasia Beverly Hill’s product might be for you, offering a semi-mate finish in 7 different shades.

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.


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