Goodbye, Muddy Bronzers—Here Are the 11 Best Cool-Toned Formulas for an Authentic Glow

      Bronzer is my go-to for achieving a sun-kissed glow reminiscent of a holiday, regardless of the time of year. However, if you share my cool or neutral undertones, you may have noticed that not every bronzer looks flattering on you. What appears golden and radiant on other editors can often turn too red, orange, or muddy on my skin. That's why I've dedicated the last few months to finding the best bronzers for those with cooler undertones, so we can maintain that bronzed look all year round.

      Why Do Some Bronzers Appear Muddy on Cool Skin Tones?

      Many conventional bronzers are designed to replicate a sun tan (or your favorite self-tanner for those who avoid the sun) and are formulated with warm undertones, including golden, red, or terracotta bases. Consequently, these bronzers can create a harsh contrast with cool skin tones, leading to an orange or muddy appearance.

      How Can I Determine My Undertone?

      Identifying your undertone is essential for selecting the right bronzer. Makeup artists suggest the simplest way to determine your undertone is by examining the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light.

      **Undertone Chart:**

      1. Veins appear blue or purple: Cool undertone

      2. Veins appear green: Warm undertone

      3. Veins show green, blue, and purple: Neutral undertone

      4. Veins appear green and blue: Olive undertone

      What Are the Best Bronzers for Cool Undertones?

      Brittany uses the Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream in the shade 05 (deep bronze with neutral undertones).

      To ensure your bronzer smoothly integrates with your cool-toned skin, seek out bronzers with cool, neutral, or rosy bases that won't clash with your undertones. It's advisable to steer clear of shades labeled as "warm," "golden," or "terracotta." While cream bronzers and liquid formulas typically blend more easily, traditional powder forms can also be effective. Below, I have compiled a list of the top bronzers for cool-toned skin, accommodating various budgets, skin tones, and formula preferences. Keep scrolling to view and shop my selection.

      **Best Bronzers for Cool Toned Skin**

      1. **Best Overall Cool-Toned Bronzer:** Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream, £38

      2. **Best Powder Cool-Toned Bronzer:** Haus Labs Power Sculpt Bronzer, £35

      3. **Best Cream Cool-Toned Bronzer:** Refy Cream Bronzer, £18

      4. **Best Liquid Cool-Toned Bronzer:** Saie Dew Bronze, £22

      5. **Best Shade Range:** Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer, £32

      

      **Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream**

      **Best Overall Cool-Toned Bronzer**

      Nars

      Laguna Bronzing Cream

      **Number of Shades:** 5

      **Shades for Cool Tones:** 01, 02, 05

      **Formula:** Cream

      Having been a staple in my makeup bag for the last two years, I couldn’t start this list without mentioning Nars' Laguna Bronzing Cream (I'm wearing it in the photo above). It comes in five diverse shades, three of which cater to cool undertones, making it suitable for most people. Additionally, its creamy formula blends effortlessly into the skin. As someone who tends to apply makeup a bit too heavily, it’s nearly impossible to over-apply this bronzer.

      2. **Haus Labs Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer**

      **Best Powder Formula**

      HAUS Labs

      Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer

      **Number of Shades:** 8

      **Shades for Cool Tones:** Bronzed Umber Light, Amber Horizon Medium, Acacia Ember Medium Deep, Jatoba Sun Deep, Khaya Spice Deep

      **Formula:** Powder

      If you prefer powder bronzers but find they often appear muddy on your skin, Haus Labs Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer is essential. Five out of the eight shades possess neutral, peach, or rosy undertones that complement cool skin tones, and this bronzing gel powder didn’t dry out or look patchy on my eczema-prone, dry skin—a definite plus.

      3. **Refy Cream Bronzer**

      **Best Cream Formula**

      **Number of Shades:** 6

      **Shades for Cool Tones:** Dune, Oak, Cedar

      **Formula:** Cream

      A quality cream bronzer can provide a bronzed effect on the cheeks without added shimmer, and Refy's radiant formula fits this description well. It’s a smooth, sheer product that can be built up to your desired intensity. I use the shade Cedar, noted as a deep shade with a neutral-cool undertone, but there are five other shades available.

      4. **Saie Dew Bronze**

      **Best Liquid Formula**

      **Number of Shades