So if you want to get technical about it, this isn’t even a bronzer. It’s a “complexion balm,” but since we have no idea what that means and we use it exactly the way we use a bronzer, it’s a bronzer to us.

Ok, so how is it different? Why is it so much better? And in what way are its features so remarkable that we decided to dedicate an entire article to it?

Well, let’s count the ways.

First, and most important, it’s VERY sheer. And discovering this feature is exactly why we realized all other bronzers are junk. They’re just too thick, too heavy, too creamy, so they don’t make us look like we’re tan. They just sit on top of our skin and make us look orange.

But just look at this subtle, natural, bronzey glow that doesn’t look like makeup:

Is it that it’s packed full of vitamins A, C, and E which are full of antioxidants? Is it that it’s made with Omega 6 fatty acids which keep the skin nourished and therefore, never gets cakey? Is it the perfect shade range that tends to be more cool-toned and natural rather than warm-toned and muddy? Perhaps it’s all of those things.

But that doesn’t fully explain how they created the soft, hallucinogenically sheer texture.

And this is where we discuss its true magic:

The texture of this bronzer floats over texture in our skin. So wrinkles, pores, lines, marks, laxity, they all sort of fade away under the light cloak of this glowy balm. And that’s when we realized that TOO MANY LAYERS is why we often hate the way our makeup looks. Every morning we dutifully paint our faces with all of our well-chosen products, and then we look in the mirror and feel … older. And typical bronzer over foundation/concealer/powder, is just too many layers, and thus, it creates texture on our skin when there was no texture before. And this is why we often look at our bare skin and think we look younger than when we’re wearing makeup.

And that’s exactly what this bronzer achieves. We somehow look like we’re wearing no makeup at all, but our skin is sunkissed and glowy. We love wearing it over THIS, the best tinted moisturizer on earth. But we’ve also been known to wear it on totally bare skin, finishing with a slick of lipgloss and a blink of mascara for a gorgeously natural, no-makeup makeup, summer face.

Oh, and if you really want to apply it like a pro, use THIS sponge. Get it completely damp under running water, ring it out thoroughly, then use the butt of the sponge to pick up some product and bounce it on your cheekbones, nose, forehead. And then look in the mirror. And, finally, smile.

Price: $32

BUY THE BRONZER

We also love the liquid version you just blend out with a brush for an even more natural skin-like finish.

BUY THE LIQUID VERSION

BUY THE SPONGE

BUY THE TINTED MOISTURIZER

At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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