The best bronzers for pale skin

MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden has been formulated with a ruddy (not orange) undertone, making it look incredibly natural on pale skin tones. Like all of MAC’s powder products, this powder bronzer can be applied lightly for a subtle healthy glow or layered to create a more intense golden glow. Side note: If you choose to layer this bronzer, you don’t need to worry about going OTT as the powder contains anti-caking ingredients that help ensure a smooth, even application.

After the success of the OG formula Benefit Hoola Bronzer, the brand has released a lighter, pale skin-friendly version of the classic. While it still touts all the benefits of the much-loved original Hoola Matte Bronzer, the soft-matte finish of this natural-looking powder has been specifically formulated for those with fair skin, which ensures your porcelain complexion will be left looking inherently healthy, without your bronzer appearing too obvious.

While at first glance this bronzer might seem too orange for pale skin, the gel-powder has been formulated with an innovative soft-focus, smoothing complex that creates a subtle, luminous finish that will leave fair skin looking naturally sunlit.

If you prefer cream bronzers to powders (they're especially great for dry skin types), you’ll love CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel. This velvety cream-gel applies sheer and blends seamlessly into the skin for a super natural, ‘just got back from the south of France’ look. And while you may have overlooked this cult product in the past due to its price, you’re bound to get your money’s worth as the 30g jar will last you for ages.

If you’re after a bronzer that will leave you looking bronzed and glowing in equal measure, reach for Napoleon Perdis Total Bae Fake It! Bronzing Powder Veil. The multi-toned powder blends together to create a natural-looking bronze sheen on the skin rather than an obvious wash of colour, and the light-reflecting particles add a gorgeous wash of luminosity.

Besides coming in a super light shade, the best thing about this bronzer is how the two matte shades can be used on their own or blended together, meaning the powder will suit your skin’s tone when you have tanned skin, pale skin, or somewhere in between.

Housed in perhaps the biggest compact packaging we’ve ever seen, this finely-milled matte bronzer has been specifically formulated to match each and every skin tone (yep, even pale ones). We’re also big fans of the delicate coconut scent, for an endless tropical holiday vibe.

Variety is the spice is life, which is why we love this bronzing and highlighting quad from Maybelline New York. One of our favourite drugstore bronzers, not only can all four shades be worn separately (those with pale skin will have the most luck with the first three) or blended together, the gel-based formula is weightless and blendable, allowing you to easily control your look.  

Prefer blushes to bronzers? Then here’s the right blush for your skin tone.

What’s your Holy Grail bronzer for pale skin? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: Sevak Babakhani 

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is a cult favourite among medium skin tones and dark skin tones, and thanks to the lighter Milk Chocolate iteration, fair skin can now enjoy that gorgeous looks-like-the-real-deal bronzed glow. The silky texture blends like a dream and the natural matte finish and soft hue are just the thing for fair skin.

The Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow palette is considered a highlighting and contouring palette, but thanks to the shimmery pearl pigments in the darker shade, we think it makes a great bronzer for pale skin tones wanting a soft bronzed glow. Start off with a light application and build coverage if you want more colour payoff.