If you have pale skin, you’ll be all too aware of the issues associated with finding a bronzer that matches your skin tone: many shades lean too orange, they leave you looking muddy or are simply too dark for your fair complexion. Often even the lightest shade a brand has on offer isn’t a viable option for us pale skinned girls.
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But bronzers (like many things in the beauty world) have come a long way. Not only are more brands launching wider shade ranges, some are now releasing ones specifically formulated for pale skin tones. To help you meet your bestbronzermatch, and also find out exactly what to avoid when choosing a bronzer, we spoke to two top Australian makeup artists, Elsa Morgan and Nicola Burford.
First things first, colour. Morgan suggests opting for a bronzer that’s only a couple shades warmer than your natural skin tone. Additionally, while they may appear dull, she recommends choosing taupe-coloured bronzers to avoid looking orange or muddy. Burford also recommends steering clear of bronzers with “a silvery shimmer, as this can look grey and muddy if over-applied.”
Burford adds that the biggest mistake pale-skinned girls make is overdoing their bronzer application. “When you [over-apply], the face becomes darker than your body or way too shimmery, which can make you look deep-fried rather than sun-kissed!” So, go slowly and with a light touch!
Now you know whatnotto do and the shades you should avoid, read on to discover eight bronzers that are perfectly suited to 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, it can be applied lightly for a subtle finish 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.
Benefit Hoola Lite Bronzer
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, this natural, soft-matte 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.
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Sisley Phyto-Touche Illusion D’eté
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 sun-kissed.
CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel
If you prefer cream bronzers to powders, 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.
Napoleon Perdis Total Bae Fake It! Bronzing Powder Veil
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.
Clarins Bronzing Duo Compact in 01 Light
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’re tanned, pale or somewhere in between.
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Marc Jacobs Beauty Omega Bronze Coconut Perfect Tan in Tantastic
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.
Maybelline New York Master Bronze Highlighting Kit
Variety is the spice is life, which is why we love this bronzing and highlighting quad from Maybelline New York. 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.
