Battle of the cream bronzers....

Because I have dry skin, I love cream cheek products. My favourite ever cream bronzer was Les Sahariennes, which was discontinued by YSL a few years ago (why do brands do this?!). It was the most beautiful product - a perfect texture for blending and giving a natural, sun-kissed look to the skin, even when worn without foundation. Thankfully, since then a lot of brands have seen the bright side and are releasing cream bronzers. They aren't just for those with dry skin, as you could set them with a little powder bronzer on top, or just some setting spray. They are also my preferred option for a very natural look, particularly in summer when I want to look sun-kissed but without actually tanning my face! I used to have quite a few, but have narrowed it down to four cream bronzers that I would highly recommend to anybody who wants to try one, but is unsure where to start...

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer: It's difficult to name a product from this brand that I don't love, but this is certainly right up there with my most loved. This is the shade 3 Macchiato (there are 7 available), and although it looks quite deep in the pan, it blends into the skin beautifully, to add a hint of warmth, without looking orange. If you feel like you've applied too much, just keep blending and you will get a beautiful result, without ruining your foundation underneath. I find that it applies equally well with a beauty sponge, as it does a brush, and a little goes a long way. Rihanna can do no wrong!

Swatches are unedited. From left to right: Fenty, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, Refy.

Nars Laguna Sunkissed Bronzing Cream: I love the powder version of this, so naturally wanted to buy the cream version. As you can see from the swatches above, this works best as a contour shade (depending on your skin tone). For me, it has that ashy undertone that I like in my contour. It looks very deep in the photo, but it does blend very well and a little goes a long way. If you want chiselled cheek bones, this is the product for you (although I think it may have been limited edition, so it isn't widely available).

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer: My most recent purchase, but it was in my holiday makeup bag and I used it every night. I saw Wayne Goss say in his review video, that this pulled green on him, but that's not the case for me at all. Again, it looks very deep in the pan but it is less harsh when blended into the skin, and worked beautifully to match my face to my body on holiday. I used it with my favourite Scott Barnes Flawless Face Brush (save 21% by using the code BEAUTYLYMIN at checkout on Look Fantastic). This brush just does the work for you. This bronzer claims to be humidity-proof and I would have to agree, as even in the evenings, the temperature was in the mid to late 20s (centigrade!) and it was humid, but my makeup didn't budge. There are lots of other wild claims, but I don't know how they work out the % of added hydration etc, so I won't comment on those. The product gets a big thumbs up from me though!

Refy Cream Bronzer: This is really good value at only £18, and is available in 3 shades. I have Sand, which suits my medium skin well. I love how easy it is to blend this product in, and I find that this one is really perfect on minimal makeup days - just concealer, brows, this bronzer and I'm ready to go. It's definitely the one I reach for when I'm going for a natural look, however it does build well, if you want to go for a full makeup look. I also find that it lasts really well on my skin.

It's difficult for me to pick my favourite as I really do love them all and use them in different ways. Obviously, it isn't necessary to own four (and this is my curated collection!!), however I think that everybody should own at least one cream bronzer this summer, as it helps makeup, or the complexion in general, to look fresh and radiant. I'd love to hear what your favourite is, if you own some, and if you prefer cream to powder bronzers?

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.