5 Best Bronzer for Asian Skin 2023 | Reviews & Guide
Nothing is prettier than a glowy golden bronze on the skin under the sunlight on a hot summer day. However, for Asian girls like us, finding the right product that actually makes us look like those website models without looking sunburnt and unnaturally streaky is just frustrating.
Don’t worry, if you’ve been thinking about taking that sunkissed glow photo on the beach, we’re here to help you. We’ve created a list including the top options for you to pick out the best bronzer for Asian skin. Keep scrolling!
How to select the right bronzer for Asian skin tone
The right bronzer can give you that effortless sun-kissed glow that lifts your face and adds warmth to it. Here is how to select the right one for Asian skin.
Skin undertone
You must know your skin undertone before you go and shop for a bronzer. Experts suggest it is best to use a bronzer that is no more than 2 to 3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. If you have a cool undertone like Koreans, then using cinnamon and rosy bronzers is recommended. Those with a warm skin undertone should use caramel, peach, and golden bronzers.
Skin type
A creamy or liquid bronzer is best for people with dry skin as it will prevent caking. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin type, then you can use pressed powders for a beautiful glow.
Use
Determine how you intend to use your bronzer before you buy it. If you want to use it for just contouring, then make sure you choose a matte bronzer that will give a chiseled cheekbone look. If you want to add an unmissable glow for a night event, then you can opt for a shimmery bronzer. If you intend to use it for different purposes, then get a multi-purpose bronzer palette.
Blending power
A bronzer should blend easily onto your skin to give a natural look. When selecting a bronzer, make sure the bronzer has a good blending power that ensures zero patches after applications.
What color blush for tanned Asian skin?
The beauty of being an Asian with a tanned complexion is that there are so many blush shades that both flatter your skin tone, and express your creative, fun and bold sense of style. When looking for the perfect blush for a tanned Asian complexion, the key is to balance the richness of the tan with a complementary blush shade.
If you have fair to medium skin, you might find that peachy shades are ideal. The warmth of the blush will contrast nicely with the cooler tones of your complexion. For those looking to make more of a statement, rosy shades can create quite a look. This blush complements tanned skin without overpowering the complexion. For a light and bright look, frosty pinks work well. Whether you go pink and light, or rosy and dark, you can use your blush to make a fashion statement.
For those with deeper Asian skin tones, darker shades of blush can be a great option. Creamy bronzes, muted reds, and nude shades offer the perfect muted hue for those deeper complexions. If you’re feeling daring, a copper or copper-toned blush can punch up your look for a fun and flirty evening out.
No matter what blush color you choose, the most important thing is to apply it in moderation. Asian skin tones often show blush more intensely than other skin tones, so it’s important to take your time and build up the color slowly to ensure your blush looks natural. To add enough color, apply a blush brush dipped in the blush in a “C†formation around your cheeks, or for a enhanced glow, blend the color into your temples, the bridge of your nose, chin, and the apples of your cheeks.
Best Bronzer for Asian Skin
A small comparison of the best bronzer for Asian skin
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My Rating |
4.8
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Let’s dive into these products to find out which one is the best!
NARS Bronzing Powder (Laguna)
This bronzer has been an award-winning cult favorite for years now. The powder is milled so finely that it doesn’t feel a bit ashy, instead, it glides like butter on the skin, and fills in all the pores and uneven skin area. The shade is more suitable for pale Asian girls looking for a warm and glowy tanned complexion, as the texture includes a hint of golden shimmer.
Don’t worry the sheen is not too noticeable if you’re more of a matte girl. In the end, it will still provide a natural finish for an everyday makeup look. By the way, the shade makes a really pretty eyeshadow color too if you’re in a hurry!
Thing we liked
- Soft, buttery formula
- Smooths and evens out the complexion
- Subtle golden shimmer
- Natural finish
- Long-wearing
Things we didn't like
- Very expensive
- Has a bit of fragrance
My Ratings:
- Coverage - 4.5/5
- Shine - 4.5/5
- Finish - 4/5
Who It's Good For - Darker Skin Tones
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer (Deep Bronzer)
The name pretty much speaks for itself. The cream-to-powder bronzer is created with the combination of 3 nutrient-rich butter essences and other organic, cruelty free ingredients. This formula will not only guarantee safety for your skin, but it will also nourish it and help restore some of the moisture.
The shade is absolutely gorgeous as well. Its refined pearls and soft-focus pigments are the recipe for a super smooth, healthy and bright skin tone. Just like the packaging suggests, you will get that tropical, exotic finish to make you crave sitting on a beach under the sunlight. As from my experience, this is the most favourite one of best bronzer for Asian skin.
- Thing we liked
- Things we didn't like
- Safe and organic ingredient list
- Nourishing
- Soft and smooth
- Exotic, tanned glow
- Perfect shade for medium-toned complexion
- The packaging can be flimsy
My Ratings:
- Coverage - 4/5
- Shine - 4.5/5
- Finish - 4/5
Who It's Good For - Medium Skin Tones
Maybelline New York City Bronzer
If you’re going for a healthy neutral tan for a no-makeup makeup look, baby this is it! Sure, the available shades don’t look as orange as the typical bronzers you see out there, but that’s what's great about them. They are as natural and subtle as bronzers go, and yet you still look more tan and defined than usual.
You’ll be amazed by how soft the cocoa-butter formula feels on the back of your hand, and it glides on your cheeks like a dream. Another great thing is that you can totally use this as a contour or even eyeshadow if you’re into soft nude makeup style.
- Thing we liked
- Things we didn't like
- Natural, subtle finish
- Lightweight
- Soft and velvety
- Long-lasting
- Not suitable for all skin types
- Have to build up
My Ratings:
- Coverage - 3.5/5
- Shine - 4.5/5
- Finish - 3/5
Who It's Good For - Light To Medium Skin Tones
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer
Another cult classic that every makeup geek must have heard of at least once. It’s the ultimate one-shade-fits-all makeup product, suitable for practically all skin types, including all Asian skin tones. How is that possible, you may ask? Well, it’s formulated to be super blendable, so you just have to apply until it reaches the right one for you.
The velvet matte is absolutely dreamlike, as well. While it may be a bit bronze to use for natural contour, you can just sweep it all across for that tropical tan that lasts for hours. Oh, and did I mention that it includes a mirror and a small brush?
- Thing we liked
- Things we didn't like
- Ultra-blendable
- Very flexible for all skin types
- Beautiful tropical glow
- Velvety and matte
- Long-lasting
- Can be orangey
My Ratings:
- Coverage - 4.5/5
- Shine - 4.5/5
- Finish - 4/5
Who It's Good For - Medium Skin Tones With Red Undertones
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Bronzer
With 5 shades and a complete matte formula, this is one of the best drugstore bronzers on the market right now. The darker, browner colors are the ultimate tan for all Asian complexions, giving you the most luxurious sunkissed tan glow ever.
Also, it is multifunctional. You can basically contour your face with it, or add some color to your eyelids, or even aid your color-correcting cream. All NYX products are cruelty free as well, so there’s no reason not to check it out!
- Thing we liked
- Things we didn't like
- Multiple shades suitable for Asian skin tones
- Sunkissed tan finish
- Flexible use
- Cruelty free
- Can be too dark and orange
- Not too long-lasting
My Ratings:
- Coverage - 4/5
- Shine - 4/5
- Finish - 4/5
Who It's Good For - Medium Skin Tone With Olive Undertone
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Flexible for all complexions |
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A+ |
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Tan finish |
4.8 |
4.7 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
4.4 |
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Price |
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Why Every Asian Girl Should Own A Bronzer
Since Asian skin is already more naturally golden and bronze than others, many girls have actively stayed away from the whole world of bronzers in fear of looking burnt and uneven. Well, in a lot of cases, this is true, since many bronzers out there either do nothing for us or overdo it and make us look too brown.
Yet, with the right product and right techniques, Asian girls can look as radiant and captivating as ever. The whole market is expanding, with various shades suitable for all types of undertones that will compliment your skin and fake that holiday glowy tan instead of creating an orange look.
It is true that Asian girls’ facial bone structure is not as defined and “edgy†as white girls, but we can totally nail that natural looking, golden, sunkissed skin like no other, especially with the right bronzer. Remember to choose bronzers based on your skin tone, skin undertone, overall bone structure, and what you’re aiming for: whether it’s a tan look or more definition to your cheekbones.
Tips on How to Use Bronzer on Asian Skin
If you have indeed decided to test the waters, and you have successfully chosen the right one for you, let’s move on to the steps you need to take to look dashing and aglow.
Prep your skin beforehand
Finish the foundation, concealer and powder part first. Try to even out your skin color, hide away hyperpigmentation and flaws before putting on bronzer to avoid making them even more visible with the orange-ish bronzing powder. Using setting powder or baking is also a great choice, so that once the bronzer goes on it doesn’t look chalky or unnatural, and it can stay on all day long.
Of course, if you’re in a hurry and just want to put some color on your face, then bronzing bare-faced is okay too! You’d just have to use a bit more product and re-apply it several times throughout the day.
Go for the hand first
You definitely don’t want to go overboard with the whole bronzing thing, because, even if the bronzer is perfect for you, putting too much on will make you look cooked anyways. Use a big fluffy brush, or your finger, and test some of it on the back of your hand first to adjust the amount, then proceed.
It may take several tries, but once you get the hang of it, bronzing becomes easy and you can totally skip this step.
Next, the face!
The ultimate stop. It’s very basic. Just suck in your cheek or move your lips to the other side of the face so that the skin stretches out a little bit, and with the same fluffy brush, apply the bronzer under your cheekbones, all over your forehead near the hairline, and on your jawline.
Don’t forget to blend it smoothly and go off the lines a little bit to not create any harsh lines on your face. I’d suggest you own another slightly shimmery bronzer to go for the areas that you want to glow under the sun, too.
Finally, some highlighter
This is just an extra step. If you want to look as glowy as ever, just glide some highlighter or shimmery eyeshadows on your cheekbones for that insane radiant effect. Again, try not to overdo it or create any harsh lines, but don’t put too much on top of the bronzing area either, or you’ll probably look greasy, and nobody wants that!
