Bronzer is your shortcut to a healthy, have-you-been-on-holiday glow in just a few swipes. Application is key though, and you’ll need one of the best bronzer brushes to avoid a muddy or tangoed finish.
Not sure what kind of brush to use for your bronzer? The answer will be slightly different depending on who you speak to. Some makeup artists recommend a tapered angled brush when asked how to apply bronzer, while others prefer a domed one that could be used as the same brush for bronzer and blush. Fluffy kabuki brushes are a popular choice too, and work best for bronzer vs contour.
Ultimately, it comes down to the texture of bronzer you’re using (the best cream bronzer brush will vary from the best powder one) and the kind of look you’re hoping to create. This brings us neatly to the questions of where to apply bronzer and where should bronzer go on the face. Ideally, bronzer should be kept to the so-called ‘high points’ where the sun naturally hits. That’s your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the tops of your cheekbones and your chin. Being this precise with your bronzer placement will take a little more consideration than smooshing it all over, but the payoff will be far more convincing.
1. POWDER BRUSH BB101
A lot of thought has gone into the bristles on this sleek bronzer brush. Not only are they synthetic, but they’re also infused with anti-bacterial properties and crafted to exactly the right length to ensure they distribute the perfect amount of bronzer onto your complexion. Impressive, eh?
2. MF4 FACE BRUSH - ANGLED ALL OVER
If you prefer bold brights over classic black and metallics then you’ll love the zesty lime shade of the Mitchell MF4 Brush. The precision size and angled shape are perfect for getting into the smaller areas of your face, such as around the nose.
3. 143S BRONZER FAN BRUSH
Flat, fan-shaped brushes like this one from MAC are great for bronzer brush beginners as they make it easy to place powder products onto your skin in a way that follows the natural curves of your face. Top marks for the chic bronze handle too.
4. P-25 DENSE ANGLED BUFFER BRUSH
Cream and liquid bronzers can take a bit more persuasion to get them where you want them, and this angled brush has the perfect bristle density for smudge and drip-free blending and sculpting.
5. HD CONTOUR BRUSH
Bronzer can be used for contouring but requires a slightly different approach as you’re using the product in the hollows of your face to create the illusion of shadows rather than a sun-kissed glow. The Brushworks HD Contour Brush is the ideal shape for carving out your cheekbones and jawline.
6. CREATE YOUR LOOK RETRACTABLE KABUKI BRUSH
Good brushes don’t need to break the bank, and this one is very affordable at just £6. The retractable shape isn’t just handy for travel but also allows you to control how sparse the bristles are – keep them more tightly packed for cream formulas and more spaced out for powder.
7. ROUNDED CHEEK BRUSH
Another purse-friendly brush, the BH Cosmetics Rounded Cheek Brush will work hard in your kit, doubling up as a blusher and highlighter brush too. The rounded shape is great for creating a soft finish.
8. F29 HD BRONZE™ BRUSH
No one likes a starchy makeup brush, so you’ll be pleased to know that the synthetic bristles on the Sigma Beauty F29 HD Bronze Brush are velvety soft. The handle is super durable too, making for a tool that’s built to last.
9. KABUKI BRUSH
This kabuki brush from EFFN may have been made with tanning in mind but works just as well with bronzer too. The handle is short enough for maximum precision, but long enough to give you the space to blend and buff too.
10. A01 - DOMED POWDER BRUSH
Spectrum are the masters of making brushes that not only look great on your dressing table but really work too. This high-quality powder brush will leave you bronzed to perfection.
11. LUXURY BABY KABUKI BRUSH
The cutest kabuki brush we ever did see, this is our best bronzer brush pick for anyone who regularly finds the zip of their makeup bag straining at the seams. Although small, it is mighty, and the flared bristles will pick up plenty of product from your bronzer pan.
12. SUNTORINI MULTI-POWDER BRUSH
Worried about your best bronzer brush getting grubby in your bag? This retractable, pocket-sized brush with a lid is a simple solution. It’s a multi-tasking master too, as the domed shape and mini size make it perfect for applying bronzer, blusher or setting powder.
13. DRIPPING GOLD LARGE KABUKI BRUSH
If you want a bronzer brush that will work on your body for a spot of tantouring (that’s contouring with tan) too, then Sosu Cosmetics Dripping Gold Large Kabuki Brush is just the ticket. The densely packed bristles are great for really working bronzer or fake tan into your skin for a flawless finish.
14. VEGAN BRUSHES 105 BRONZER BRUSH
The cruelty-free beauty movement has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and now most makeup brushes available are vegan – but we still like to see brands shouting out their eco-credentials. The synthetic hairs on this super-sized bronzer brush by Lethal Cosmetics are extra soft too.
15. PRECISION DUO CONTOUR BRUSH
If you really want to get into the detail then this brush is the perfect tool for you. The fluffier end is great for buffing bronzer onto your forehead, cheeks and chin while the clever ‘U’ shaped brush has been carefully designed to contour and sculpt the sides of your nose.
