Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Skip Tanning—These Body Bronzers Deliver Radiance Without the Commitment
From lotions to oils, these formulas give an instant glow.
As the weather warms up, everyone’s skin starts to look different. Winter paleness transforms into a more bronzed and even complexion with a hint of shimmer or high sheen. While we can credit the sun for a tanning boost, most of the time, the best body bronzers on the market do the heavy lifting. Not to be confused with self-tanners, bronzers, primarily used as a step in makeup, provide a quick path to summertime skin.
“Bronzer adds warmth to your complexion and mimics the look of a sun-kissed glow without sun exposure. It makes the skin appear healthier and radiant. By creating shadows and highlights, it subtly sculpts and defines facial features,” says NYC-based makeup artist Christian Briceno. On the body, it imparts a glow but takes it a step further by “enhancing skin tone and creating a luminous, even-toned finish,” he says. Ultimately, finding the best body bronzer boils down to what suits your skin type best—whether you favor liquid formulas that easily spread all over your body, or cream or powders for targeted radiance (decolletage, anyone?).
Our picks for the best body bronzers of 2025
Beyond that, aesthetics are a huge factor to consider when shopping for these radiant formulas. For busy bees who want to skip the wait time, we extensively searched for the top-rated lotions, oils, and even a powder that accelerates your glow. After consulting a makeup expert, polling editors, and reviewing customer feedback, we arrived at the following list of the best body bronzers for a tropical radiance at your fingertips.
Pros
- Conditioning ingredients
Cons
- Some users note the glitter can be overwhelming
In this formula, blurring doesn’t necessarily mean to mattifying. Instead, a blend of oils, shea butter, and squalane enhances moisture while delivering a shimmery finish and subtle tan.
Size: 6.8 fl oz
A reviewer says: “It truly makes you feel and look amazing! I love the nice shimmer over tanned skin!”
Pros
- Can be used on face and body
Cons
- Some users note the tan could be more pigmented
You’re just minutes away from a kiss from the sun. Clarins’ Self Tan Milky Lotion applies smoothly on the skin and deepens in color after a few minutes. Once touch-dry, slip into your clothes and be on your merry way.
Size: 4.2 fl oz
A reviewer says: “I have very sensitive, fair skin. This was the first tanning cream I have used that gave me NO adverse reaction at all. I used a light amount and it provides a light natural sun kissed color. I washed my hands thoroughly after and had no discoloration on my hands. There is a light coconut smell when you first apply, but this doesn’t last long. If you have darker skin, this may not provide enough color, but I did use a small amount.”
Pros
- Applies evenly
Cons
- Not instant
If you don’t tan easily or simply want an everyday boost in complexion, Blue Water Girls’ Private Island Glow brings the tropics to your home. Beyond its sunny scent, the formula is chock-full of castor oil, squalane, and shea oil to nourish as it tans.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t even wait for the sun to shine to apply a few pumps of this tan accelerant. Whenever an outfit calls for an appearance from my clavicle, or if I opt for something -less—be it the sleeves or the back‚ this serum provides a toasty bronze that looks like I spent hours under the Caribbean sun.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Some users note it doesn’t last longer than a day
The beauty of Vacation’s offerings is that its sunscreens are tailored for all preferences and lifestyles. Lying out in the sun feels even better when you’re gradually getting tanner and protected by the sun. Instant Vacation does what its name suggests—it offers evidence of a day well spent in the sun in a flash. The more you layer, the more pigmented it becomes.
Size: 5 fl oz
A reviewer says: “Blends well and doesn't look streaky. I put on lotion first. A little bit goes a long way.”
Pros
- Can be used with other body and face products
Cons
- Can feel sticky
This feather-light oil is the versatile companion to reach for whenever you need a radiance boost. It can be added to body lotions and creams or even to facial serums and moisturizers for added warmth. Thanks to the combination of cocoa extract and jojoba oil, your skin will drink it up.
Size 3.1 fl oz
A reviewer says: “Super happy I found thisd! I just tried this because my skin is so white after seeing no sun for the last few months, and this and so far it's the bext bronzer I've used. I love that there's no scent so it mixes in perfectly with my daily moisturizer to just give my skin a bit of a glow that lasts all day. I've used it by itself and also mixed in with my moisturizer and I love it both ways. Highly reccomend!!”
Pros
- Fast-absorbing gel formula
Cons
- Can transfer a bit
Perhaps one of the most famous body offerings in Fenty Beauty history, the Body Lava has officially returned in time for the summer—limited edition, of course. While it’s here, you can expect glowing, bronzed skin from head to toe in a range of skin-flattering shades. The gel-based formula dries down to a comfortable, non-sticky finish that looks gorgeous or is mixed with an oil.
Size: 3 fl oz
An ELLE editor says: “I was one of the folks who grabbed every color when this first launched in 2018, and have dreamed of a restock for years. My favorite shade is the discontinued shade Brown Sugar—which translates to the new shade, Hold my Trophy—a deep, bronzed hue that kissed my dark brown skin so perfectly that it looked like I was glowing from within. I don't have to top-up after applying, even in the dead of summer.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Two shades for natural-looking finish
Cons
- No noticeable sheen
While this is a traditional face bronzer, sometimes makeup can enhance other body parts, too. If your neck and chest could use a bit of bronzing, this expert-loved powder formula is light and effective enough to dust along the area for a cohesive blend.
Size: 0.34 fl oz
Our expert says: For a powder option, I like the Victoria Beckham Matte Bronzing Brick, the duo shades give the skin a healthy sun-kissed look. I love that is buildable, so you can choose the intensity desired.”—Christian Briceno, professional makeup artist
Pros
- Easily blendable
Cons
- Subtle sheen on darker tones
Patrick Ta’s viral body bronzer helps you achieve an even, toasted radiance wherever you apply it. The formula reads like a nourishing body cream, combining jojoba oil, shea butter, and rice bran emollients for a hydrated and smoothed complexion.
Size: 1 fl oz
An ELLE editor says: “I saw an influencer drag this along her décolletage and arms, and immediately purchased.
Pros
- Non-sticky finish
Cons
- Can take some effort to blend in
Here’s a reliable bronzer that won't show up all over your clothes or leave a sticky film. Butter Glow by Physicians Formula takes murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter to bronze, condition, and blur the skin, whether you’re heading into the sun or staying in.
Size: 3.2 fl oz
A reviewer says: “Love this bronze glow. I have only used it on my body, but I can definitely recommend it as a soft glow to accentuate your legs, decollete, and arms.”
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not pigmented enough for deeper skin tones
Is it really summer if you’re not dousing yourself in a Sol de Janeiro formula? For a glow that looks straight out of Rio de Janeiro, opt for the Glowmotions body oil. With two shades to choose from, the oil blends seamlessly to enhance your skin tone and dries down to reveal a shimmery finish. True to Sol de Janeiro fashion, this oil also unfurls a gourmand aroma.
Size: 2,5 fl oz
A reviewer says:
What's the difference between tanning and bronzing?
In the early aughts, tanning beds were commonly used to accelerate a sun-kissed glow in addition to lying out in the sun. “Tanning involves exposing your face and body to UV rays, either naturally from the sun or using tanning beds. While tanning can make skin appear darker, it's a sign of skin damage and carries risks like premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.,” Briceno explains. To avoid harming your skin, Briceno says to look into self-tanning formulas, “which darken the skin over time and often last for days without damaging your skin.” On the other hand, “bronzing is more of a cosmetic and temporary option. It uses tinted products to instantly add warmth and radiance to the skin without significant health risks.” Looking closely, many bronzing formulas boost radiance through tiny gold particles. “When selecting the right shade of bronzer, consider your skin type, complexion, skin undertones, and how you naturally tan in the sun,” Briceno advises.
What are the best practices when bronzing the body?
Similar to makeup, skin prep is paramount when dealing with body bronzers. “Exfoliate your face and body for a smoother skin texture. I like Andalou Clarifying Yuzu Grapefruit Body Wash, which gently exfoliates with salicylic acid and evens out skin tone for a smooth canvas to start with,” he says. From there, you want to skip any oil-based lotions or creams to ensure the bronzing formula can apply evenly.
“When applying the bronzer, build the intensity gradually, starting with a light layer to avoid streaking and over-darkening. I like blending the bronzer on the body downward, following how the sun hits your body naturally. Don't forget the ears, neck, and hands to create a natural bronze illusion,” he explains. Most bronzing formulas can be applied using your hands; however, using a brush or a mitt can make application easier and less messy.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled an expert and combed through customer reviews to find the best body bronzers on the market.
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
The Best Body SPFs for Head-to-Toe Protection
The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices That Actually Work
Readers Also Read
These Cosmetic Bags Work for Any Packing Strategy
Get Glowing Skin In a Flash With These Primers
Expert-Loved Brown Lip Liners to Stock Up On
The 5 Coolest Bobs At Copenhagen Fashion Week
