The Best Liquid Bronzers For Capturing That Elusive Winter Glow And How To Use Them

I don't know a single beauty editor who does not extoll the skin-livening, glow-giving prowess of bronzers, whether it's a cream bronzer or a powder version. But I never quite got the hype. Those who love bronzers often preach about how 'sunkissed' it made them look but - not to brag - my Malaysian heritage meant that my complexion looks, technically, sunkissed by nature. Would a bronzer actually make a difference?

As it turns out, it does. Liquid formulas generally impart a more natural finish, so I gave the Jones Road Gel Bronzer a go and in the most natural way, it simply perks up my complexion without adding obvious colour (like a blush would). Nothing muddy or shimmery here, just a polished finish that makes me look as though I've been having bowls of fresh fruits and jugs of water while sunbathing on my terrace on the Riviera - despite the weather outside being cold and frightful. It's a subtle skin enhancer, but an impactful one. To find out more about liquid bronzers, I went straight to Lan Nguyen-Grealis, the make-up artist who's worked with celebrities such as Raye, Paloma Faith and Jing Lusi.

What are the benefits of a liquid bronzer?

'Liquid bronzers typically provide a more natural and dewy finish,' Nguyen-Grealis tells me. Their pigments tend to be more sheer than those in a cream or powder texture, and they diffuse seamlessly to impart a radiant glow. 'They are particularly suitable for dry or mature skin because they add hydration and avoid settling into fine lines,' she adds.

How to use a liquid bronzer

Bronzing drops and liquid textures are much easier to blend than powders or creams, and can be applied with fingers or an angled cheek brush. You can use a sponge too, but it might absorb more product than necessary. 'Liquid bronzers can also be mixed with foundation or moisturiser for an all-over glow,' shares Nguyen, who also recommends using it on cheeks and the tops of your forehead. I like to blend mine along the jawline too, for a sculpted effect.

How to find the right shade of bronzer

On my own olive complexion, I favour bronzers with golden undertones and often head towards a shade lighter than my skin in order to keep it looking natural. For fair skin tones, Nguyen recommends light to medium shades with neutral or cool undertones while caramel or honey hues can enhance the natural warmth of tanned complexions. 'For deeper skin, try shades of terracotta, mahogany, or deep bronze and look for warm, red, or gold undertones,' says Nguyen-Grealis. 'Avoid ashy or overly light shades as that can appear greyish on dark skin.'

The beauty editor-approved liquid bronzers