Here in the UK, we’re not blessed with year-round sunshine, meaning that "glowing" isn’t often the word we’d use to describe our skin. Everything can look a little dull when emerging the other side of a long winter but, now that the weather’s improving, we’re ready to begin our summer beauty ritual and dabble in a little skin TLC.
Whether you’re looking to top up your post-holiday tan or you're unlikely to be basking in warmer climes anytime soon, bronzer is your best bet for creating a more radiant look. Dark skin suits warmth-adding orange and red tones, and liquid bronzers for an all-over glow. For the paler among us, marbled shades and pro-blending is the key, while olive skin can tap into golds to bring the tan.
From on-the-go gliding balms and time-developing serums to classic compact powders, here are the best bronzers we’ll be wearing this summer.
This article was first published on 24 May 2017
Praise be: a bronzer that doesn't make fair ladies look muddy. Nars' new Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer collection is a compact powder that comes in four shades, including cult classics Laguna and Casino. So no matter how little your skin likes the sun, you can get the glow.
Nars Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer in Seaside, £29, available at Space.NK
This clever little product conceals pores as well as providing a healthy dose of colour. The sunny equivalent of the brand's bestseller, Primed & Poreless, this is fragrance- and oil-free.
Too Faced Bronzed & Poreless Pore Perfecting Bronzer, £25, available at Beauty Bay
This marbled beauty is super-subtle, meaning you can blend as little or as much as you like. Shimmering powder highlights your cheekbones, while the bronzer gives you a sun-kissed tint.
Kiko Baked Bronzer in Mediterranean Tan, £22.90, available at Kiko
This compact includes three shades of bronzer, allowing you to shape and contour or combine colours for a tailored tan. The packaging will sit pretty on your bathroom shelf (or make you want two weeks in the sun, stat).
Clarins Bronzing and Blush Compact, £30, available at Feel Unique
This one is a dream for those who like to avoid powdered makeup. It's also pretty handy for when you're on the go: simply glide under the cheekbones and use your fingertips to blend – no brush needed.
Madame La La Bronzing Ball, £14, available at Madame La La
This pearlescent bronzer distributes flecks of gold around your face to give it dimension, avoiding the flat look you can get with a solid block of colour. It also absorbs sebum (oil), which is very handy come the heat.
diego dalla palma Gold Nuggets Bronzer, £24.48, available at diego dalla palma
Huda Beauty has established a cult following thanks to its hyper-pigmented colours, and this bronzing quad lives up to expectations. Designed to highlight and contour, it really does give you that "lit-from-within" sheen.
Huda Beauty 3D Highlight Palette in The Golden Sands Edition, £40, available at Cult Beauty
How satisfying does this look? The buttery texture of Laura Geller's bronzer goes onto skin beautifully. It comes in four shades and looks just as good on your Cupid's bow and brow bone as it does on your cheeks and temples.
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey, £21, available at Cult Beauty
This palette from ZOEVA contains peach, mocha, copper and chocolate tones, meaning you can mix and match to suit your skin tone. Make sure you blend properly, though.
ZOEVA Nude Spectrum Blush Palette, £15, available at Beauty Bay
This one is for those looking for a subtle and buildable tan all summer long. Apply a thin layer every morning and evening (don't forget your neck) and you'll see a glow build up over time.
By Terry Serum Terrybly Sun Booster, £70, available at Space.NK
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Eyeshadow Palettes You Can Buy For Less Than £20