10 Best Drugstore Cream Bronzers (Tested & Reviewed)

If you are looking for the best cream bronzers from the drugstore, here’s a complete list of the best drugstore cream bronzers, jelly bronzers and bronzer sticks for the perfect sunkissed glow rated by a makeup artist and beauty editor.

Bronzer is one of the most diverse products that you can own.

You can use a little for a casual day look or use more to create a defined and catching look.

No matter how you use it, all of us can find a fun way to incorporate bronzer into our makeup routines.

But, achieving the perfect glow on a budget isn’t easy.

There are a lot of cheap cream bronzers on the market, but it can be hard to figure out which one will look luxurious on our face but not on the price tag.

Today I am highlighting a few of my favorite affordable cream bronzers and a couple of my favorite cream bronzer sticks! 

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1.E.L.F. Putty Bronzer

First up, we have one of my favorites from elf Cosmetics.

One of the reasons that I love elf is because it is one of the few companies that are affordable, but still put a lot of thought into their products.

Many of their products have bonus ingredients that are good for your skin, and all of their products are cruelty-free. 

Fast Facts:

Price Range: $6
Best Qualities: Unique Formula, Buildable, Lightweight, Moisturizing

 Best Qualities of the elf Cosmetics Putty Bronzer

• Unique Formula: You won’t commonly find “putty” and “bronzer” in the same sentence, but elf has figured out a way to make it work.

The seven shades of this putty-to-powder product is a highly pigmented formula that leaves a semi-matte finish. 

• Buildable: This bronzer is also very easy to build with. Many beauty lovers found this bronzer to be easiest to blend with a sponge, and they were able to create a bold look without a lot of product.

• Lightweight: Even though putty sounds heavy, I love that this bronzer does not feel heavy on their skin. In fact, many people forgot they were even wearing it!

• Moisturizing Ingredients: Another great quality of this bronzer is that it has a few ingredients that are especially good for your skin.

First, it contains Aragon oil, which is especially good for moisturizing your face and keeping it hydrated. It also has Vitamin E, which softens and nourishes your skin.   

2. Milani Supercharged Bronzer Multistick

This cheap cream bronzer is a multi-stick, which means it can be used as a bronzer and a highlighter OR even for lips or eyes.

Besides that two-for-one special, there are a few other reasons why I love this cream bronzer.

Fast Facts:

Price: $8.99

Best Qualities: Hydrating Formula, Light Coverage, Sheer, On-the-Go

 Best Qualities of the Milani Multistick

• Super Hydrating Formula: This bronzer stick is made with emollient oils, which hydrate your skin, and squalene, which has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling. 

• Light Coverage: If you are looking for a bronzer that isn’t as bold and a little more subtle, Milani has you covered.

This bronzer stick has lighter coverage than traditional bronzers, which is perfect for a subtle bronzed or highlighted look!

• Sheer Look: Another unique feature of this bronzer is its sheer finish. Many customers describe their face looking fresh and dewy after applying this bronzer, so if that is what you are drawn to, this stick is a great fit!

• Perfect for On-the-Go: The convenient stick with a lid makes on-the-go travel easy. No more worrying about powder containers breaking or leaking into your bag. The Milani stick allows you to bronze and highlights virtually anywhere

Related Makeup post: How to Fake a Face Lift Using Cream bronzer (FULL TUTORIAL)

3. SHEGLAM GLOWIN’UP Skin Stick

Up next we have another cream bronzer stick that you are going to want to immediately add to your cart.

This is not only one of our cheapest bronzers on the list, but it has rave reviews. 

Fast Facts

Price: $4

Best Qualities: Sheer Look, Blendable, Long-Wearing, Waterproof

 Best Qualities of the SheGlam Stick

• Sheer Finish: Similar to the Milani multistick, the SheGlam bronzer also leaves your face with a gorgeous sheer finish.

• Blendable: SheGlam’s gel formula makes this stick easy to apply and even easier to blend.

• Long-Lasting: Another excellent quality of this cream bronzer stick is its long-lasting.

• Waterproof: Besides being long-lasting, it is also waterproof and sweatproof.

Related Post: My honest SHEGLAM MAKEUP REVIEW: Full face look using only Sheglam makeup Products

4. COVERGIRL Contour and Correct Palette

Who said you were limited to one color when it came to bronzer?

This Covergirl palette is an amazing deal for a wide variety of colors and ample opportunities to perfect your bronzed look. 

Fast Facts:

Price: Check the current price here.

Best Qualities: Variety of Shades, Multi-Function, Buildable, Natural

Best Qualities of the Covergirl Bronzer Palette

• Variety of Shades: This palette has eight cream shades. From fair-skinned to dark, this palette is perfect for everyone!

• Multi-Function: Another reason why I love this bronzer palette is because it has multiple functions. You can contour, neutralize, and highlight with this palette, so you really do get a bang for your buck.

• Buildable: Since this bronzer goes on light, it is buildable. Customers love that it blends easily, and you can use as much or as little as you want without it feeling heavy or looking cakey. 

• Natural Look: Another reason this bronzer is so popular is because of how natural it looks.

Related Makeup Post: Secret Hacks to apply CREAM BRONZER like a Pro!

5. NYX Wonder Stick

Double-sided cream bronzer? Yes, please! This NYX fan-favorite is well-known for its precision and great coverage, but here are a few more reasons why I love this bronzer. 

Fast Facts:

Price Range: $12

Qualities: Versatile Shades, Cruelty-Free, Subtle, Dry-Skin Approved

Best Qualities of the NYX Wonder Stick

• Versatile Shades: Even though there are only four different sticks available, each one has a perfect combination for highlighting and contouring to accommodate most skin tones.

• Subtle: Like the Covergirl palette, the Wonder Stick also leaves a subtle and natural look. Customers also love that it is easy to use and is the perfect product for contouring beginners!

• Great for Dry Skin: This cream bronzer has an excellent hydrating formula that is perfect for dry skin. It doesn’t dry out or flake off if you have especially dry skin, but it also doesn’t look oily!

6. RIMMEL Jelly Bronzer

Fast Facts:

Price Range: Check the current price here.

Qualities: Cooling Formula, Different Textures, Lightweight, Long-Lasting

Best Qualities of the Rimmel Bronzer

• Different Textures: This bronzer comes with both a matte and shimmer finish for whatever look you are going for!

• Lightweight: Another great quality of this jelly bronzer is that it feels lightweight and is buildable.

• Long-Lasting: Finally, this bronzer is long-lasting.

7. Physician’s Formula Sculpting Bronzer

The last bronzer that I want to share with you is a bronzer stick that you will feel good about wearing.

It is packed full of unique ingredients for your skin. Check out everything this small stick contains below!

Fast Facts:

Price Range: $10-$15

Qualities: Amazing Ingredients, Multi-use, Blendable, Matte Finish

Best Qualities of the Physician’s Formula Bronzer

• Amazing Ingredients: I love Physician’s Formula because they fill their products with so many ingredients that are amazing for your skin.

• Multi-use: You can use this bronzer for contouring, but some use it as an eyeshadow as well!

• Blendable: This bronzer is also very creamy, which makes it easy to blend and build. 

• Matte Finish: Finally, this bronzer leaves your face with a gorgeous matte finish, without looking dry or cakey. 

Related Post: Best Amazing Hoola Bronzer Dupes that won’t break your wallet!

8. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer, Beautiful Bronzer

The LA Girl Pro Concealer in Tone Bronzer is a versatile and highly pigmented concealer that offers full coverage for any skin imperfections. This concealer has a creamy and smooth formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural-looking, flawless finish.

The bronzer tone is perfect for those who want to add a touch of warmth and sun-kissed glow to their complexion.

The best part is the PRICE; check the current price here!! It’s super cheap, but with GOOD quality!!

9. NYX Professional Makeup Conceal Contour Palette

The NYX Professional Makeup Conceal Contour Palette is a versatile and multi-functional palette that offers a full range of colors for concealing, contouring, and highlighting.

The creamy and blendable formula of this palette makes it easy to apply and perfect for creating a natural-looking, sculpted complexion.

The cream bronzer shade can be used to add warmth and definition to the skin, creating a sun-kissed glow that looks effortless and radiant.

The benefit of having a full palette means that you have all the colors you need in one convenient place, allowing you to customize your look and achieve the desired effect.

10. Juvia’s Place Shade Contour Stick

The Juvia’s Place Shade Stick Contour is a highly pigmented, easy-to-use, and long-lasting contour stick that allows you to define and sculpt your features with ease.

This contour stick comes in a range of shades to suit a variety of skin tones, making it a versatile and indispensable tool in your makeup kit.

The smooth and creamy formula glides on the skin effortlessly, providing a natural-looking, blendable finish that lasts all day.

This contour stick is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and for anyone who wants to achieve a defined and sculpted complexion in minutes.

What’s the difference between cream bronzer and cream contour?

Cream contour and cream bronzer are both creamy makeup products used to enhance and define the face, but they serve different purposes.

Cream contour creates depth and definition by shading and contouring specific areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, jawline, and nose.

It usually comes in a range of cool-toned shades to mimic the natural shadows of the face.

On the other hand, cream bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed glow to the skin, usually by applying it to areas that would naturally be hit by the sun, such as the cheekbones, forehead, and nose.

Bronzer shades are typically warmer and more golden than contour shades.

Both cream contour and cream bronzer can be blended into the skin to create a natural and seamless finish, but they are meant to be used differently to achieve different effects.

Is liquid or stick bronzer better?

The choice between liquid and stick bronzer ultimately depends on personal preference and the look you are trying to achieve.

Liquid bronzer is often more lightweight and easier to blend, making it great for a natural and sheer coverage.

It also allows for a more controlled and precise application, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle, sun-kissed glow.

\On the other hand, stick bronzer is often more pigmented and can provide a more intense color payoff, making it perfect for those who want a bolder, defined look.

It is also convenient for on-the-go touch-ups and can be used to contour the face as well.

Both liquid and stick bronzers have their benefits, and the best option will depend on the individual’s desired look and application preferences.

Is cream or powder bronzer better?

The choice between cream and powder bronzer depends on personal preference, skin type, and the look you are trying to achieve.

Cream bronzer provides a more natural, dewy finish and can be used to enhance and define the skin’s natural contours.

It is also more moisturizing, making it great for those with dry skin.

Additionally, cream bronzer can be used as a buildable formula, allowing you to control the intensity of the color.

On the other hand, powder bronzer is often more versatile and long-lasting, making it a great option for those with oily skin.

It also provides a matte finish, which can be ideal for those who prefer a matte complexion.

Furthermore, powder bronzer can be used to set cream bronzer, making it easier to maintain the desired look throughout the day.

Ultimately, both cream and powder bronzers have their benefits, and the best option will depend on the individual’s desired look and skin type.

Conclusion on the Best Drugstore Cream Bronzers

Cream bronzers are the perfect addition to any makeup collection.

Finding an affordable cream bronzer can seem daunting at first, but as you can see, there are several drugstore cream bronzers that will leave your face looking like a million dollars without costing that much!

If you want to know my favorite of this list, it would be the E.L.F. Putty Bronzer, which is super affordable and has an amazing quality

comparable with the channel cream bronzer or the Anastasia beverly hills cream bronzer but ways less expensive!

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The Best Drugstore Cream Bronzers for the Perfect Glow