9 Bronzers That Give Mature Skin a Sunlit Glow

Best Bronzers For Mature Skin

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Regardless of your age, a bronzer is one of the most effective makeup products to take a dull complexion and turn it into a warm, vibrant one. But when you have mature skin, you might feel like the bronzers you once enjoyed wearing every day slowly become useless and less flattering. There’s a reason for that.

As we age, our skin texture becomes more noticeable and wrinkles and fine lines become more prominent. And as you can infer, those skin changes do have an effect on how your makeup, such as your foundation, blush, and bronzer, looks. And that requires some modification on your part. Just to give you an example, our skin becomes drier as we age and most powder formulations start to look streaky and patchy.

I’m in my late 30s. And from what I understand from the email conversations I have with my readers in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s, and also from my mom’s friends is that you are very loyal to your beauty brands and stick with their makeup products. And you go back to those products every single time without regard to the changes that happened to your skin over the years. Here’s what I say to them and what I say to you: if you think that the 90s were ten years ago, it’s time to swap your bronzer for a new one.

Don’t fret. A bronzer is forever beautiful no matter your age or skin type. You just need to find one that works for you. Whether you’re looking for a cream bronzer or a powder bronzer or going for a matte finish or a dewy finish, below are the best bronzers for mature skin. I added both high-end options and budget options and also tool recommendations that go well with that particular bronzer. Read on!

The Best Bronzers For Mature Skin

1. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Best Bronzer For Mature Skin

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream - Best Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of Chanel
Cream-to-powder formula
Easy to blend
Can be used for definition too
Non-comedogenic
Works for all skin types
Pricey

A bit pricey for sure, but this bronzer lasts forever and is worth every penny! And I think this is the best bronzer for people with mature skin, or anyone looking for the most natural-looking warmth. This is a cream formula and it has a matte finish. But the consistency is almost like whipped cream, which makes it super easy to apply on textured skin. It blends like a dream! The shades are pigmented and with one brush swipe, you can actually bronze up your whole complexion. It doesn’t look streaky even on dry skin. And because it contains invisible powder particles, it has a skin-smoothing effect that subtly helps blur out texture irregularities too.

Best Bronzer For Mature Skin - Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan Bronze/Ejollify

Finish: Matte
Shades: 3
Size: 1.06 oz
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

2. E.l.f. Putty Bronzer

Best Drugstore Cream Bronzer For Mature Skin

E.l.f. Putty Bronzer - Best Drugstore Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of E.l.f.
Cream-to-powder formula
Affordable
Good shade range
Non-streaky texture
Suitable for all skin types
Not very long-lasting

If you’re excited about trying a cream bronzer but Chanel is out of your budget, no worries. This drugstore cream bronzer is almost the next best thing. This is super affordable and equally amazing on mature skin. Just like Chanel’s texture, it’s a cream-to-powder formula and applies smoothly on the skin. It’s also infused with argan oil to nourish. And if you have fine lines or wrinkles, this airy formula won’t emphasize them. The wide shade range includes deeper colors for darker skin tones too.

Finish: Matte
Shades: 8
Size: 0.35 oz
Other Features: Cruelty-free, vegan
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush and sponge

3. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

Best Powder Bronzer For Mature Skin

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer - Best Powder Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of Benefit
Smooth feel powder
Pigmented
Long-lasting
Works for bronzing and definition
Good for all skin types, even sensitive
Narrow shade range

The most important feature of a powder bronzer is a smooth, very finely milled formula. And that’s why I love this one. And not just me, this powder bronzer is a cult classic and rated 4.5/5 on Sephora. It is super pigmented so it allows you to warm up your whole complexion without using too much product. I can use it both in winter and summer because even though it has a matte finish, it looks very natural and doesn’t give your face an overly done look. It applies very smoothly and does not separate or get flaky on the skin. And the shade range is great for medium, olive skin tones.

Finish: Matte
Shades: 4
Size: 0.28 oz
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

4. Nudestix Nudies Matte Cream Bronzer Stick

Best Stick Bronzer For Mature Skin

Nudestix Nudies Matte Cream Bronzer Stick
Courtesy of Ulta
Truly cream formula
Light as air
Beginner-friendly
Multi-use stick doubles as an eyeshadow
Has built-in brush
Can smudge

If you told me you’ve decided to start wearing makeup today and you have no idea where to start with a bronzer, I’d hand you this! This is such a fool-proof, easy-to-use bronzing stick that you can’t mess it up! The cream formula is incredibly lightweight and has the most gorgeous, natural-looking finish that leaves your cheeks sun-kissed. Just do one swipe on each cheek and blend it in. Though it says matte, know that it’s not fully matte. It can’t really be because of its creamy texture. For that reason, it can move around later in the day. Consider using a setting spray to avoid that.

Finish: Matte
Shades: 8
Size: 0.25 oz
Other Features: Hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

5. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Best Drugstore Powder Bronzer For Mature Skin

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer - Best Drugstore Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of Ulta
Budget-friendly
Buildable formula
Non-patchy, smooth finish
Heavily scented (coconut)

Again, a budget-friendly alternative to high-end powder bronzers is this powder bronzer from the drugstore. This is another cult classic formula that delivers. Its fine consistency gives you easy application no matter what type of foundation you’re wearing. It’s not super pigmented but it’s quite buildable. The finish is subtly radiant and it gives you that sun-kissed cheeks without looking too bronzy. It packs murumuru butter, which gives the powder a very soft, smooth feel.

Finish: Radiant
Shades: 8
Size: 0.38 oz
Other Features: Cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

6. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick

Best For Contouring Mature Skin

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
Courtesy of Ulta
Gives natural looking definition
Makes contouring easy
Lasts long
Doubles as a matte bronzer
Can be difficult to blend

Contouring can go either way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can look muddy. But this formula makes it super easy and works as a contour stick and a cream bronzer. So if you’re like me and you have chubby cheeks, this contour stick can help you define your cheekbones and add some definition to your face. The stick applies super easily on the skin, even if you have full face makeup on. But the blending is a bit tricky, making it difficult to tone things down. It’s because the texture is not creamy enough. Here’s a quick tip to help you with that. Swipe the stick on the back of your hand to help it soften a bit. Dab your brush onto the bronzer and then apply it to your cheeks. Slowly build the pigments to your liking.

Finish: Matte
Shades: 9
Size: 0.25 oz
Other Features: Cruelty-free, vegan
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a beauty sponge

7. Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer

Best Liquid Bronzer For Mature Skin

Milk Makeup Bionic Liquid Bronzer - Best Affordable Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of Milk Makeup
Hydrating gel formula
Looks very natural
Beginner-friendly
Not very pigmented

Liquid bronzers, though relatively new to the scene, are becoming increasingly popular among natural makeup lovers and people with dry skin. To that end, this gel-to-liquid bronzer has such a lightweight formula with sheer coverage that it practically imitates your face’s natural shadows. But it’s definitely buildable. It also contains hyaluronic acid and collagen for added skin benefits and to make the skin appear smoother and plumper. So if you have dry, mature skin, this liquid bronzer is going to help you achieve that sun-kissed glow by blending into your skin.

Finish: Natural
Shades: 4
Size: 0.6 oz
Other Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, 90% natural
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with fingers

8. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand & Hollywood Contour Kit

Best Kit

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand & Hollywood Contour Kit - Best Bronzer For Mature Skin
Courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury
Celebrity-approved
Blendable
Buildable
Great for a natural contour
All-in-one cheek set
Pricey

Speaking of liquid bronzers, here’s your dream cheek team. I know there are lots of cheek palettes out there with bronzer, highlighter, and blush. But each of these wands is iconic. And if you’re new to makeup, you have all your essentials together to create a youthful, radiant, sun-kissed base. You have your bronzer, a seamless shimmery highlighter, and a glowy cream blush. If you’re not interested in a kit, here’s the low down on the Hollywood Contour Wand. This is primarily for contouring, so it’s more pigmented compared to other liquid bronzers. It blends out really, really well and allows you to define your face to your liking. And because it has a sponge applicator tip, it makes it easy to contour a double chin with precision. So if you want a liquid bronzer that has more depth with cool undertones, this is lovely.

Finish: Natural matte
Shades: 2
Size: 0.40 oz
Other Features: Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

9. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Best Radiant Bronzer For Mature Skin

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Highlighting bronzer
Very natural radiant finish
Seamless, compressed powder
Pricey

This is one of my all-time favorites. This is almost a shimmery bronzer but not like the traditional, glittery finish ones. The texture is silky and seamless. It basically defines your features and brings about a healthy dose of highlighter on your cheeks without making you look overly done or too sparkly. The shimmers are very finely formulated into the powder so there’s no visible flakiness. Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, this works for all skin types. This particular shade below is great for light, fair skin with pink undertones.

Best Radiant Bronzer For Mature Skin - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer
Mini Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light/Ejollify

Finish: Radiant
Shades: 4
Size: 0.39 oz
Other Features: Cruelty-free, vegan
Tool Recommendation: Applies better with a brush

So these are the best bronzers for mature skin. Again, you can’t go wrong with Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream. It’s cream but not like a buttery, heavy cream. So it stays put. And if you want a powder formula, Benefit Hoola Bronzer has stood the test of time and is a great option no matter your skin type or tone.

If, by any chance, you haven’t found what you’re looking for, below is your guide to finding one along with how to apply a bronzer and other things to keep in mind.

How To Choose a Bronzer For Mature Skin

Formula

Bronzers come in cream, powder, liquid, gel, and stick formulas. While things come down to personal preference when it comes to which one to choose, here are their advantages and disadvantages.

Powder bronzers are the traditional way to bring warmth to your complexion. They’re suitable for all skin types but usually work better for people with normal, oily skin. If you have dry skin and you’re going for a powder formula, make sure the texture is very finely milled. That’s what makes a powder bronzer a good one. It has to apply smoothly so that it doesn’t look patchy on your skin.

If you prefer a more natural look, opt for cream or stick bronzers. They’re creamier because they contain emollient ingredients that moisturize the skin. They work for all skin types but are especially suitable for people with dry skin, and dull skin.

And lastly, liquid bronzers are usually the lightest in texture but can require a few applications to get more pigments. Because color payoff goes down depending on how runny the consistency is. In terms of your finished look though, liquid bronzers are the go-to for that subtle, tanned look.

Finish

Bronzers can have a matte, dewy, natural, and shimmery finish. Again, it’s a matter of choice. For everyday makeup, go for natural and matte finish bronzers. They’re great for a put-together, clean look. And because of the powder consistency, they can blur out minor skin texture irregularities.

If you’re going for a full glam look, radiant and a bit shimmery finish bronzers are better. As long as it’s not too shimmery, or sparkly, a radiant finish bronzer can make your highlighter redundant and give you a luminous, bronzy glow.

Shade

Keep your skin tone in mind when choosing a bronzer shade. To get a natural bronze, pick your bronzer shade 2-3 shades darker than your own skin tone.

How To Apply Bronzer For Mature Skin

If you need some brushing up on how to apply bronzer for mature skin, here’s your guide to getting a flattering sun-kissed bronze.

Skin Prep

First and foremost, your skincare makes an incredible difference in how your makeup looks in the end. So remember to start with a clean face and apply your toners, serums, and moisturizers. Moisturized skin looks smoother and plumper, reducing the visibility of uneven skin texture and wrinkles. If it’s daytime, finish your skin care with sunscreen.

After you’re done with your skincare, move on to your makeup. Some people do their eye makeup and then move on to base makeup and others do the opposite. But know that you don’t need to wear foundation to use bronzer. You can just wear something very light to slightly even out your skin tone.

For example, you can try using a CC cream, a BB cream for mature skin, or a tinted moisturizer and just be done with it. I can recommend Erborian CC Water Gel if you don’t like wearing base makeup. It’s an illuminating primer you can use alone. It gives you a radiant base and makes you look glowy all day in all the right places.

Brush Choice

The best brush to apply a bronzer is an angled brush. These types of brushes are sometimes called sculpting brushes. But they’re helpful for beginners because they make bronzer placement much easier. If you’re on the lookout for a brush, I can recommend Fenty Beauty Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush 190.

You can also try Huda Beauty Sculpt & Shade Face Brush. It’s a dual-ended brush. You can use the small side to apply your cream bronzer and the bigger side to blend it. You can also use a round, diffusing brush. But they can move your bronzer around too much with all the swirling and you might end up dispersing your bronzer all across your face. Additionally, a makeup sponge is also a handy tool for applying bronzer.

Application

A bronzer is supposed to imitate a tan you’d get from lying under the sun. So it goes on the cheeks, the temples, the nose, and the chin. Here’s how to apply it:

  • Dip your brush into the bronzer and tap off the excess product.
  • Draw a ‘C’ from your temple down to your cheek. Or you can do a ‘3’ and start from the temple, move onto the cheek, and to your jawline. Do the other side and blend your bronzer really well.
  • Once you’re done warming up your complexion, do a small swipe right above the tip of your nose and diffuse it to avoid harsh edges.

FAQs

Read Next: Best Tinted Moisturizers For Mature Skin

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