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The sun has been teasing us with its hat recently, so while its 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, Ive-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
Best for: Normal or combination skin typesMatte 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 ma
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
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 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
Best for: Normal to dry skin types and older skinDewy complexions are flattering and extremely youthful, just look at Kate Bosworth for proof. If your pocket won’t stretch to regular facials, bag yourself a good liquid foundation (we recommend MyFace’s MyMix Foundation, £12.99) and one of these liquid, gel or cream bronzers that you can press and blend onto the skin for a plump, dewy effect.Rather than using a brush as you would with a liquid foundation, Jemma advises using “a sponge or your fingers, blending outwards and upwards so that it fades seamlessly”.Another bonus to crème or liquid bronzers is that your complexion will never look caked or too heavy; however it will make oily skin look even shinier, so best avoided if that's you. These bronzers are particularly good for older skins as they are moisturising and more forgi
This compact gives the benefit of a dewy sheen, bronze hue and a pretty shimmer. Press this onto cheekbones, brow bones and forehead for a flattering glow.
Daly Face Bronze, £9.50 by Marks & Spencer
The Bronze Goddess range has two great non-powder bronzers this year. The Luminous Liquid Bronze is high in pigment and offers a flattering sheen, ideal for layering over an existing tan. The Bronzing Gel is thinner in consistency and gives a bronze veil to paler complexions. Take your pick.
Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronze, £20.50 and Bronzing Gel, £24 by Estee Lauder
This bronzer smells great (part fruity, party herby) and gives skin a really great sheen. The shades are golden, not dark, so are great for English Roses . It also works brilliantly as a highlighter on tanned or darker skin tones.
Summer Impressions Bronzing Fluid, £23 by Dr.Hauschka
This complexion enhancing make-up base works in two ways. You can apply it all over your skin for a hint of colour or, on paler skin tones, concentrate it on the points where the sun would hit your face – forehead, cheeks and nose for a more natural effect.
Acti’mine Sun spf 15, £23 by Givenchy
Best for: Young skin with a normal complexion Ok, so shimmer isn’t the most sophisticated finish for a complexion, but it is the most fun. If you’re off to festivals and summer parties then these are the bronzers for you. They glimmer in the sun and are best used to accentuate the high points on your face (cheek bones, brow bones and also your décolletage). Look to Cameron Diaz for inspiration, she rocked shimmer on the red carpet at the Oscars.While they are a fun choice, Jemma Kidd says “Bronzers with too much shimmer can make you look very shiny and are ageing on mature skin.” So avoid them if you have a predisposition to oily skin; if you’re older and want to have a bit of fun with your tan, Jemma recommends seeking out a bronzer with
Unlike the other bronzers in this category this can be worn wet or dry. It starts life as a cream which is baked (explains the name); the final texture is really light for a powder so you will avoid any caking or streaking. Used wet on a brush it can be applied to eyes and lips, as well as cheeks.
Baked bronzer in gilded, £15.50 by Urban Decay
Multi-tonal bronzers are always flattering and this shimmer brick is no exception. It is very shimmery so use it to highlight cheek and brow bones and your décolletage. If you apply this all over you’ll just look shiny – not a good look. There are five strips of colour in this palette which can also be used individually as eyeshadows making it great value for money.
Shimmer Brick, £7 by Famous by Sue Moxley
This is another multi-tonal bronzer. You can use this swept all over the face as it will give your complexion a healthy glow rather than a high-shimmer finish. You can also apply it as a highlighter or use it to create a pretty, pale eye or a stronger smokier look.
Cheek & Eye Glow, £22.90 by Rituals
This is a lovely bronzer. It has the high pigment of a matte powder but is shot through with a golden glow. It’s flattering to dark or tanned skin tones and will work well on paler people too - just need start off gently and layer up to a desired shade.
Bronzer, £20 by Illamasqua
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