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Image / Beauty

The best bronzers on the market according to Irish beauty experts


By Edaein OConnell
24th Feb 2019
The best bronzers on the market according to Irish beauty experts

It goes without saying that here in Ireland, we like a subtle, bronzed glow.

And could you blame us? We rarely see sunshine, and when we aren’t physically on holidays on a tropical island, we need a little something to aid our imagination. Bronzers are universal in their application. They can be used to simply warm up the face, they are a contouring hero, and they can also be used for eyeshadow; so we think they are worth the time and monetary investment.

Related: IMAGE staffers reveal their must-have products
for the Business of Beauty Awards 2019

From creams to powders and to shimmer, how are we supposed to know which ones are the best? Bronzer (though we love it) does have its precarious moments. There is a fine line between ‘bronzed’ and ‘orange’, and many of us have crossed over this line numerous times.

We luckily had some make-up experts on hand to lend us their bronzing knowledge, and they’ve kindly supplied us with five of the very best on the market right now. Subsequently, we then spent all of our money.

Nevertheless, it was worth it, because the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards 2019 is only two weeks away and we want to look like our best, bronzed selves.

Fenty Beauty Match Stix 

€26 at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre

Make-up artist Tara Donaghy says, “I’m a huge fan of cream bronzers on dry/dehydrated skin types. Fenty Beauty’s Match Stixs are ideal, they are so easy to blend and the shade line-up has something for everyone.”

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish

€31.50 at Arnotts

If there is a make-up brand you can always trust, it’s MAC. It’s always there when you are in need of a make-up saviour and Tara believes this is a must-have bronzer in any kit. “The silky mineral powder blends seamlessly on all skin types.”

Soleil Tan De Chanel

€40 at Brown Thomas 

A firm favourite in the beauty world, this bronzer is universally flattering and super blendable. Make-up artist Judy Wong believes it to be a must-have, telling us, “it’s creamy and easy to use.”

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

€37 at Brown Thomas 

Bobbi Brown products are stalwarts in the beauty bags of the make-up artists, but their bronzer isn’t usually the first product that comes to mind when you think of the brand. However, Laurence Keating believes the brand “does deeply underrated bronzer. Natural is my go-to.”

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna

€39 at Brown Thomas 

Although not the biggest fan of bronzer, make-up artist John Bowes says this bronzer is always one he will love, telling us: “I actually rarely use bronzer! I usually use a warmer shade of foundation and blend it into the base for a warm glow before I set it with powder. However, I will always adore the NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna to add natural depth and warmth to the skin.”


All of the make-up artists who have been mentioned above are nominated in this year’s IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards. To vote for them (or any of our nominees), simply click on the link below…