If you’re craving a touch of color but prefer to skip the sun worshipping, fear not. The finest liquid bronzers can effortlessly impart a sun-kissed hue to your complexion, minus the harmful UV rays. These formulations seamlessly meld into the skin, granting you the appearance of eternally basking in the warm glow of golden-hour light. Unlike their powder counterparts, liquid bronzers offer a forgiving application, making them an excellent choice even for makeup novices looking to seamlessly incorporate them into their routine.

Whether delicately dabbed onto the high points of your face or seamlessly mixed with your foundation or moisturizer, the end result is nothing short of a natural radiance, as noted by Beth Follert, a respected makeup artist based in Los Angeles. What’s more, the effects are instantaneous, yet many liquid formulas also boast skin-loving ingredients that contribute to healthier, more radiant skin over time. Some even include SPF, providing an added layer of defense against sun damage—a particularly welcome feature come summer.

In the quest for your perfect liquid bronzer, the options abound. To assist in narrowing down your selection, we sought insights from Follert and Natalia Thomas, a makeup artist and hairstylist based in New York City. Below, discover seven standout picks, each boasting their stamp of approval.

NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer:

Renowned for their iconic Laguna bronzer, NARS has introduced a liquid version that promises the same sun-drenched warmth with a lightweight, buildable formula. Infused with monoi and tamanu oils, this bronzer effortlessly blends into the skin, imparting a natural-looking radiance that never appears orange or muddy. Its sheer texture makes it ideal for layering, allowing you to customize your desired level of sun-kissed glow with ease. Whether applied solo or mixed with your favorite foundation, the NARS Laguna Liquid Bronzer instantly enhances your complexion, leaving you with a luminous, just-back-from-the-beach radiance.

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Liquid Bronzer:

For those seeking a bronzer that delivers a dewy, sunlit finish, look no further than Benefit Cosmetics’ Dew the Hoola Liquid Bronzer. Infused with hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E and chamomile, this lightweight bronzer melts seamlessly into the skin, imparting a natural-looking warmth that lasts all day. Its buildable formula allows for effortless blending, ensuring a streak-free application every time. Whether applied to the high points of the face for a subtle contour or mixed with your favorite moisturizer for an all-over glow, Dew the Hoola instantly transports you to a tropical paradise, leaving your complexion luminous and radiant.

Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow Hydrating Tint:

Charlotte Tilbury’s Unisex Healthy Glow Hydrating Tint is the ultimate multitasking product for achieving a radiant, sun-kissed complexion. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil, this lightweight tint provides intense hydration while imparting a natural-looking bronze tint to the skin. Its unique color-adapting technology ensures a perfect match for all skin tones, effortlessly blurring imperfections and enhancing the skin’s natural luminosity. Whether worn alone for a no-makeup makeup look or layered under foundation for added warmth, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hydrating Tint delivers a lit-from-within glow that lasts all day.

Tom Ford Soleil Glow Drops:

Indulge in luxury with Tom Ford’s Soleil Glow Drops, a radiant liquid bronzer that delivers instant luminosity with a touch of sophistication. Infused with a blend of jojoba oils and antioxidants, this lightweight formula nourishes the skin while imparting a luminous bronze sheen. Its versatile texture allows for seamless blending, whether applied as a standalone highlighter or mixed with foundation for an all-over glow. With three flattering shades to choose from, Tom Ford’s Soleil Glow Drops offer endless possibilities for achieving a radiant, sun-kissed complexion that exudes effortless glamour.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer:

Make a statement with Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer, a creamy formula that delivers buildable warmth with a natural-looking finish. Available in a diverse range of shades to suit every skin tone, this bronzer blends effortlessly into the skin, imparting a sun-kissed glow that never looks heavy or greasy. Its long-lasting formula is resistant to sweat and humidity, making it ideal for summer wear. Whether applied with fingers, a brush, or a sponge, Fenty Beauty’s Cream Bronzer adds a touch of luminosity to the complexion, leaving you with a radiant, lit-from-within glow.

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick:

Elevate your summer glow with Hourglass Cosmetics’ Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick, a versatile formula that delivers intense luminosity with a single swipe. Infused with light-reflecting particles and squalane, this creamy highlighter melts into the skin, imparting a radiant, sunlit sheen that lasts all day. Its innovative stick design allows for precise application, whether applied to the high points of the face or blended over the entire complexion for a dewy finish. With a range of flattering shades to choose from, Hourglass Cosmetics’ Vanish Flash Highlighting Stick promises to illuminate your complexion, leaving you with a lit-from-within glow that captures the essence of summer.

Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint:

Experience the ultimate summer glow with Milk Makeup’s Sunshine Skin Tint, a lightweight formula that combines the benefits of a bronzer and a tinted moisturizer in one. Enriched with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, this skin tint provides sheer coverage while imparting a natural-looking warmth to the complexion. Its unique rollerball applicator allows for effortless blending, ensuring a flawless finish every time. Whether worn alone for a fresh-faced look or layered under foundation for added luminosity, Milk Makeup’s Sunshine Skin Tint delivers a radiant, sun-kissed glow that lasts all day.

In conclusion, achieving a radiant summer glow has never been easier thanks to the versatility and efficacy of liquid bronzers. From sheer tints to intense highlighters, the seven products outlined in this guide offer a range of options for enhancing your complexion and imparting a luminous warmth that evokes the essence of summer. Whether you prefer a dewy finish, a sunlit sheen, or a natural-looking bronze tint, there’s a liquid bronzer to suit every skin tone and preference. So go ahead, embrace the sun-kissed radiance of summer with these seven best liquid bronzers, and illuminate your skin with a youthful, luminous glow that lasts all season long.