What if your next tan came from the beauty section of the supermarket rather than from a luxury counter for 40 euros per bronzer? Between inflation and desires for glow all year round, many wonder if a supermarket bronzer can really compete with the high-end icons. Makeup artists who spend their days testing textures have a rather surprising answer.
For many professionals and beauty editors, certain low-budget bronzers today offer a look and hold comparable to luxury products, provided you choose the right shade, finish and way of applying it. Makeup artist Alex McCormick even goes so far as to say about the elf Putty Bronzer: , before adding: , explains Alex McCormick, quoted by Who What Wear.
Why Supermarket Bronzers Can Compete With Luxury
For makeup artists Chelsea Roach and Natalie Dresher, the secret to a successful bronzer comes down to shade and placement, not price. Natalie Dresher advises choosing a bronzer three to four tones darker than your skin tone, because , specifies Natalie Dresher, cited by Glamor. She also recommends avoiding overly orange undertones and favoring neutral or slightly golden shades for a very natural warmed skin effect, even with a large surface product.
Another key point: the finish. Makeup artist Christian Briceno popularized the “suede” bronzer trend. For him, said Christian Briceno, quoted by Bustle. He explains that formulas that are too shiny give the impression of sweaty skin, while a matte that is too dry can dull the complexion; the suede finish, slightly blurred, offers that chic happy medium that we now find in several large-scale bronzers designed for combination to oily skin.
The supermarket bronzers that the pros love
On the product side, the selections from Who What Wear and French comparisons show that drugstore formulas are no longer discount options at all. The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is often cited as “best overall” for its silky feel and luminous finish, very similar to certain perfumery bronzers. Mon-Best-Comparateur also highlights Rimmel Natural Bronzer, NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer and elf Bronzer among the best choices for less than 10 euros.
On the French shelves, you can easily find large-scale bronzers like L’Oréal Infallible 24h Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer for a long-lasting matte finish, or the Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder, appreciated for its fine texture which blends in without a plaster effect. Essence bronzer sticks at around 3.50 euros were even pitted against Rare Beauty references at around 32 euros, with a very similar tan result when the shade and application technique are mastered.
Apply inexpensive bronzer like a pro
Makeup artists point out that bronzer, whether luxury or supermarket, is placed where the sun would naturally strike: top of the forehead, temples, above the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, jawline. On cream textures, Natalie Dresher recommends applying them before concealer and blush so that everything blends into the foundation. For a more pronounced sculpting effect with little product, simply concentrate the color on the most prominent areas then blend towards the inside of the face.
The gestures also count a lot to enhance an affordable bronzer. For liquid formulas, Chelsea Roach recommends a dense synthetic brush, working the product in by patting rather than rubbing; , explains Chelsea Roach, quoted by Glamor. Christian Briceno also recommends: , an approach in thin layers which avoids demarcations and gives this luxury look, even with a bronzer purchased in a supermarket.
Supermarket Bronzers FAQ
Does a supermarket bronzer last as well as a luxury bronzer?
Recent formulas show very good staying power, especially matte powders and suede finishes. On well-prepared and lightly powdered skin, a large-area bronzer can remain even all day.
How to choose the shade of your budget bronzer?
Makeup artists recommend aiming for three to four shades darker than your skin, with a neutral or golden undertone. It is better to avoid very orange bronzers, which harden the features and look less natural.
Which supermarket bronzer finish for oily or combination skin?
Oily skin better tolerates matte or suede effect powders, which blur pores and control shine. Finishes that are too dewy tend to accentuate the shiny appearance over time.
