Key ingredients: green tea extract, microalgae extract, squalane, | Finish: luminous | Available shades: 4
Best Palette: Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette
Why it’s worth it: We love to have options, and the Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette provides plenty of them. This face and eye palette contains 10 matte shades for contouring, bronzing, and even brightening with its concealer-like color. The best part about this palette: It contains both cream and powder variations of each shade, so you’re getting extra bang for your buck.
Editor’s tip: Hussein previously shared that she loves this palette for its versatility since the shades can be used on your eyes, brows, cheeks, and lips. “No matter what makeup look I’m going for, this palette is the first thing I reach for,” she says. “It’s hands-down one of my fave beauty products for its versatility, but the long-lasting quality of each creamy, putty-like shade also deserves a round of applause.”
Key ingredients: upsalite (mattifying agent) | Finish: matte | Available shades: 1 palette, 10 shades
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cream bronzers, liquid bronzers, and powder bronzers?
They have different consistencies, which leads to variations in their coverage, buildability, and finish. Cream bronzers stand out for their ability to blend on the skin more seamlessly, resulting in a more natural-looking finish, Rivero says. “Since the creams usually contain emollients and humectants, this type of bronzer will sit on the skin seamlessly as long as you’re blending it in,” he explains.
Meanwhile, “powder bronzers can sometimes sit on the surface of the skin or even accentuate fine lines,” he says. He suggests using a powder bronzer if your skin is on the oily side for their mattifying properties—and if you’re all about the drama, he also recommends layering both for a more intense sculpt.
As for liquid bronzers, more fluid options are great for highlighting specific areas of your face while bringing some warmth to areas, says Greenberg. They’re ideal for your cheekbones, forehead, and nose due to their shimmery finishes.
How do I apply a cream bronzer?
As with any bronzer, Pollara says you should apply your cream formulas to the areas of the face where the sun would hit your face, including the top of your cheeks, along your hairline, nose, middle of the chin, and forehead. “Using a brush, apply onto the skin using light strokes. Make sure to blend well into the skin for a natural finish,” she says.