The best matte bronzer for your skin tone

To achieve a believably-glowy look (like you’ve been sunning it up on a holiday), it’s essential to use the right shade of bronzer for your skin colour so it doesn’t look muddy on your face. “To achieve a sun-kissed look, you want your bronzer to mimic your natural tan so it’s best to choose a bronzer that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone,” says Alphie Sadsad, makeup artist and National Artistry Lead of Sephora Australia. “Going any darker gives a very artificial, made-up look. This is an area where less is more!”

Other than finding the perfect shade of matte bronzer for your skin tone, Sadsad says your makeup tools are important for nailing a natural finish. . “Having the correct brush size and type will help distribute the product evenly around the face." He also advises, "start slow and light, always making sure to tap off any excess from the brush before application. Follow up with your foundation brush to blend out the edges so the look isn't too hard."

And Sadsad's best tips for applying bronzer to sculpt your features? "Always start lightly on your neck, swirl it in small concentric circles and work up to the jawline, cheekbones and forehead."

Looking for the perfect matte bronzer that will give you a nice golden glow all over? Here are the best matte bronzers according to your skin tone.

Best for light skin tones

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer: Just as the name suggests, this bronzing powder smells just like a sweet-smelling snack.

Sportsgirl Bronze Me Jumbo Bronzing Powder: This super-sized powder bronzer will ensure that you *never* run out of bronzer ever again.

CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in N40: Technically a finishing powder, this compact is actually perfect for those that want to even out their skin tone and add just a hint of colour to their cheeks. (Psst... whilst this product isn't new, the packaging is limited edition - so be quick!).

Best for medium skin tones

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric Bronzer in Amber: This is one of the best bronzers we've tried - the finely-milled powder melts almost instantly and doesn't catch on your skin.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Medium: You can't go past this iconic bronzing collection from Estée Lauder for a product that offers impressive sculpting powers.

Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Bronzer Perfect Tantric: The addition of blurring particles in the bronzing powder offers an airbrushed effect. Score!

Best for dark skin tones

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer in Hoola Toasted: The newest shade from Benefit Cosmetics, Hoola Toasted is chocolate-y and can warm your complexion right up.

Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Mocha Mami: Talk about serious colour  payoff! Its rich pigmentation and shimmer-free finish ensures dark skin tones can wear this without looking muddy.

Nude by Nature Pressed Matte Mineral Bronzer: Where makeup meets skin care; this bronzing powder is boosted with vitamin E and avocado oil to nourish whilst contouring your face.

Still not sure why you should be reaching for a matte bronzer? Expert makeup artist Rae Morris shares the top three reasons to go shimmer-free.

What’s your go-to product for looking naturally sun-kissed, and why? Let us know in the comments below.

Main image credit: Getty