The Best Bronzers for Every Bride

If you're looking to add dimension to your features or want a glowing complexion sans UV radiation, consider adding a bronzer to your beauty repertoire. Perfect for bringing color to winter skin, contouring like a pro, or evening out a summer facial tan, the makeup bag essential does wonders for wedding day beauty. From matte to dewy and shimmering to understated, these days there are more finishes than ever to help you get your gold—or glitter—on.

Plan to test out several before the big day, working within a shade or two of your skin tone (if you're very fair, for instance, go no darker than light-medium). To test-run each option, master your application technique. First, start at the forehead and sweep a half-circle to the cheekbone and again to your chin—imagine you're drawing an E. Then, repeat on the other side—this time imagining you're drawing a 3.

Sparkly formulas "reflect light, giving skin a radiant glow," says Stephi Maron, founder of New York City makeup boutique Blushington. We recommend Elizabeth Arden Sunset Bronze Prismatic powder ($40, elizabetharden.com).

A riff on the cushion foundation fad—think a pillow soaked in bronzer that you dip a sponge into—delivers sheer and buildable color, so you have total control. Try Sephora's I ♥ Cushion bronzer ($15, sephora.com). 

Speckled formulas, with their hint of highlighter, are easy to blend (no obvious lines) and very forgiving—perfect for the bronzer newbie. And CoverGirl's TruBlend bronzer ($9, covergirl.com) is soft on your wallet, too. 

Peach and ivory shades keep bronzer from becoming too dark and overwhelming for fair skin. "Anything can look overly vibrant against a pale complexion," says makeup artist Fiona Stiles, so sample something like
La Mer's Limited Edition bronzing powder ($85, cremedelamer.com). 

These glitter-free formulations warm the complexion in the most natural-looking way, making them a must-have for contouring or defining facial features. We like Laura Geller's Baked Mediterranean bronzer ($35, qvc.com). 

Zinc oxide–based powders are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, with the added bonus of sun protection. In Clarins Bronzing Duo's ($37, clarinsusa.com) case, that means SPF 15. 

Customize your color with a Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Bronzer compact ($58, sephora.com), which graduates from bronzer to blush to highlighter. 

For drier types, cream textures add a soft, dewy sheen to skin while giving a much-needed hit of hydration. Apply with fingertips or a synthetic-bristle brush. We suggest Laura Mercier Bronzed Butter Face
& Body Veil ($50, bloomingdales.com).