I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow.

I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow.

      Don't misunderstand me. I appreciate a good bronzer. While there are fantastic cream bronzers and bronzing drops available, as a beauty editor with oily skin, they don't always perform well on my complexion. The same applies to powder or matte bronzers, which can sometimes make my skin appear too dull. The challenge is finding a bronzer that gives my skin that fresh-from-the-beach feeling without needing self-tanning drops. Just when I thought I had tried everything, I found my bottle of By Terry Tea to Tan and realized that water bronzers are the perfect solution for achieving a natural-looking glow.

      What Are Water Bronzers?

      Water bronzers are water-based products with a golden or bronze tint. Their lightweight formula allows them to glide on like watercolour pigments, offering a soft, translucent splash of colour that feels and looks weightless. You can blend them into bare skin for a sunlit appearance or layer them over makeup for a realistic tan without the heaviness of cream or powder options that often sit on the skin. They absorb like a second skin, leaving a bronzed stain that lasts all day, usually without transferring. These have become my preferred method for faking a tan without resorting to self-tanners, as they adhere better to my skin compared to other bronzers (especially during the recent heatwaves). Below, I've compiled a list of the best water bronzers I've tried that should also find a place in your makeup collection.

      The Best Water Bronzers

      Best Overall: By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body

      Best Luxury Water Bronzer: Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash

      Best Compact Water Bronzer: Refy Water Bronzer

      Best Skincare/Makeup Hybrid: Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water

      Best Water Bronzer Drops: Self Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops

      1. **By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body**

      Best Overall

      Pros: Leaves skin with a natural-looking bronze tint; can be worn alone or with makeup; suitable for face or body; matte formula and transfer-proof.

      Cons: Dries quickly, requiring prompt buffing; available in just one shade.

      ByTerry's Tea to Tan was the first bronzing water launched in 2014 and continues to be an essential product among beauty editors. Its water-based formula provides a sheer, bronze tint usable in many ways. You can apply it directly on bare skin for a sun-kissed effect, blend it over makeup with a brush as a lightweight bronzer, or mix it with your moisturizer for a dewy finish. It’s completely matte without shimmer but still gives your skin a subtle glow, remains long-wearing, and is transfer-proof. You can even apply it on your body for an instant, natural-looking tan. Its lightweight nature gives you that well-rested glow that looks like you've just come back from a week away. It also comes in a smaller travel size if you prefer not to commit to the full size, but once you try it, you’ll find it hard to use anything else.

      2. **Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash**

      Best Luxury Water Bronzer

      Pros: Sheer bronze tint offers a realistic glow; no glitter or shimmer.

      Cons: Comes in just two shades; often out of stock.

      I confidently say that the Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint is one of my top products released this year. It features a rollerball pipette applicator similar to the Colour Wash Blush Tints (£44), and these watercolour-inspired bronzers provide a sheer bronze wash that sets into a long-lasting stain. The formula incorporates activated seawater, antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, and hydrating coconut water, resulting in a fresh, juicy glow that remains even after the color has set. Available in two shades, including Tan Line, a warm medium bronze, and Heatwave, a deeper bronze that I enjoy applying to my cheeks, forehead, and nose for a believable bronze hue.

      3. **Refy Water Bronzer**

      Best Water Bronzer Compact

      For on-the-go touch-ups, this Refy compact is an excellent choice. Inside, there's a cushion infused with a water-like texture and bronze tint that applies to the skin with a watercolour-like transparency. You can dab your makeup brush into it and build up to your desired color without the heaviness often associated with cream or powder bronzers, plus it includes a mirror for convenience while out and about.

      Pros: Variety of shades for all skin tones; travel-friendly.

      Cons: It can dry out quickly, so keep the seal intact between uses.

      4. **Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water**

      Best Skincare/Bronzer Hybrid

      If you prefer something leaning more toward skincare than makeup, this tinted serum is a fantastic option. Unlike tanning drops, this product doesn't develop into a tan, instead providing an instant wash of color that cleanses off

I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow. I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow.

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I've had enough of bronzer—I'm opting for this instead to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow.

I'm retiring my cream bronzer.