Best Cream Bronzers To See You Through Summer And Beyond

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.
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.
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.










