The new ways to bronze

Best for: Normal or combination skin types
Matte complexions were big news on the s/s 10 catwalks (Givenchy, Chloe and Todd Lynn) and make a nice sophisticated change to the usual high-shine summer skin. If you need to visualise this effect, look no further than Ginnifer Goodwin who gets her sheenless bronzer right every time.
This is the perfect look for summer days in the office or for anyone who wants to appear chic and pulled together regardless of the heat. When looking for a matte bronzer, match it to the shade you go in the sun. If you turn a golden colour, find a matte bronzer with more yellow undertones. If you go a deep colour, wear a bronzer with pink-red undertones. Jemma Kidd explains how to get this type of bronzer right; “Don’t apply powder bronzer onto moisturised or oily skin as the pigment sticks to the oils, making it hard to blend. Make sure your skin is dry or dust with fine translucent powder first.”
Not only are matte, powder bronzers grown-up - as Ginnifer is well aware - they are the best choice for contouring and shading too.

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…

This is a great, dark matte shade so apply it lightly with a brush and layer gradually. Not ideal for pale skin tones, it is more suited to sun worshippers. This has a true brown hue so will suit most skin types.

Bahama Mama, £15 by The Balm at Harvey Nichols

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…

While this is very much a matte powder, it has a very subtle sheen finish. The pink undertones will suit people who go a deep tanned shade rather than a golden hue in the sun.

Bronzing Powder, £23.50 by Bobbi Brown

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…

Unlike Bobbi Brown’s bronzer this has sunny undertones, so it is ideal for anyone who goes a golden colour in the sun. It has a great buildable coverage and will flatter paler complexions.

Bronzing Powder, £25 by Laura Mercier

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…

Bronze Perfection Natural Skin Bronzer, £20 by Jemma Kidd

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…

The pigment in this isn’t too strong, which may sound like a bad thing but it actually makes you to look more sunkissed than muddy. This is the cheapest of the group and for that, you forgo the handy lid mirror that the others have.

Natural Bronzer, £5.49 by Rimmel

The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while it’s not quite sunny enough for a full blown fake tan, we can definitely start flirting with bronzers. This summer anything goes, whether you prefer a sophisticated matte look; a pretty, I’ve-been-for-a-facial, dewy glow or a fun shimmer, there's a bronzer out there to suit your skin tone and preference. Here are ELLE's top picks, expert tips from Jemma Kidd and some celebrity inspiration too…