Bronzer gives you the look of being in the sun without the risks of tanning, and unlike many self-tanning products, it won't turn your skin orange and can easily be removed if you don't like how it looks. Bronzer products come in many different forms, including gels, lotions, and powders, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the best bronzer products depends on your age, skin type, and skin tone.
If you plan to use bronzer products on your face, you'll want to choose a bronzer that won't make your skin break out or accentuate lines. For example, shimmer bronzer can look great on your shoulders, but unless your face is completely smooth, all that shimmer will settle into and highlight your wrinkles. If your skin is sensitive, consider a mineral bronzer, which usually contains fewer irritating ingredients than other bronzer products.
Gel or liquid bronzers have the advantage of not settling into fine lines the way powders can. They can also be mixed with facial moisturizer or body lotions for easy application. Some people with oily skin have difficulty with gel or liquid bronzers, as they can make skin appear oilier. You may also have more difficulty controlling the intensity of a gel or liquid bronzer and may need practice in getting the right amount of bronzer onto your skin.
Carefully consider the color of the bronzer products you use. If your goal in using bronzer is to replicate a sun-kissed look, the bronzer should be no more than two shades darker than your natural skin color. Be careful of bronzer beads or palates that contain bronzers in many different colors. While these can look pretty in the package, some of the colors may simply be too dark for your complexion, making it difficult to get the look you want. If you plan to use bronzer powder in place of blush, you'll want to pick a bronzer that is well suited to your complexion. Some bronzers come in a range of hues and may have pink, peach, or rose undertones.
Unless you are using a liquid bronzer that contains a sunscreen, keep in mind that no bronzer or self tanner will protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. Don't undo your efforts to protect your skin by using bronzer products instead of tanning by forgetting to wear a high SPF sunscreen daily.