8 Long-Lasting Bronzers For A Year-Round Glow

The easiest way to fake a summer tan year-round is by investing in long-wearing bronzers. I tested eight options to see which would last the longest without any touch-ups. From shimmer to matte and everything in between, I wanted to discover the best products for a long-lasting glow. I mean who has time for makeup that smudges off and fades away, really?

When it comes to maintaining your glow, it's all about reaching for products that work with your skin tone. Bronzing is all about adding color, and warmth to your skin without the hassle of being in the sun. No one wants to end up looking like a sad carrot. Keep your makeup looking fresh and bronzed by getting to know your products.

Want a bronzer that can double as a contour powder? Reach for something with cool, taupe undertones. Wanting to look like a sun-kissed beach babe no matter what the weather? Try palettes with more golden, red undertones to achieve that sunny glow. These simple tricks can have you looking your best even through even the gloomiest of months (looking at you, January). So soak up some fake sun rays, and reach for a long-lasting glow. After trying a plethora of options, I finally found some that really do last all day. Here are a few of my favorite long-lasting bronzers to keep your glow going all-year round.

Swatches

From left to right: e.l.f Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream in St. Lucia, Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, Ciaté London Bamboo Longwear Bronzer in Palm Island, NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten in Fair, Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette in Strip, Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long Wear Bronzer, Honey Cosmetics Face Powder in #48

In order to keep things simple, I've listed the bronzers in the order they appear in the swatch photo. To keep this experiment as accurate as possible, I changed nothing else about my makeup routine besides the bronzer. Typically, I use a face primer (Benefit Porefessional), a long-lasting foundation (Too Faced Born This Way Foundation), and a mattifying powder (Rimmel Stay Matte Powder). However, I did leave out any setting sprays in order to accurately test the wear time of the products. Here's what I discovered.

Best Cream Bronzer: e.l.f Contouring Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia

e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream , $5, Amazon

Looking for an inexpensive cream bronzer that won't slide off of your face? Try the e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream in St. Lucia. This creamy bronzer appears to be warm-toned in the pan, but actually swatches out to be a bit on the cooler side. Since this bronzer has a cooler undertone, it's perfect for achieving a realistic contour. Apply this with a duo-fiber brush in order to achieve a streak-free, long-lasting contour.

Staying Power: Six hours (without powder); Nine hours (with powder)

For Medium To Tan Skin Tones: Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer , $30, Sephora

Bronzing your face has never been such a treat. This matte bronzer by Too Faced smells deliciously like cocoa powder. You won't be able to put it down. This one looks best on those with medium to tan skin tones, and blends out like a dream. However, be sure to use a light hand when applying this product. A little goes a long way.

Staying Power: Eight hours

For Fair Skin Tones: Ciaté London Bamboo Bronzer in Palm Island

Ciaté London Bamboo Bronzer In Palm Island , $28, Amazon

While this one may look a little dark in the packaging, it actually swatches out to be a light caramel color. This silky option is great for those with fairer skin, who are looking to achieve a gorgeous glow. There is a slight shimmer to the bronzer, but not enough to show up on the skin. Don't worry — you won't look like a disco ball. You'll just look like a slightly more bronzed version of your normal self.

Staying Power: Seven hours

Best Everyday Bronzer - NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna

NARS Bronzing Powder In Laguna , $40, S ephora

Simply put, there is a reason that this NARS palette is a cult-classic in the world of beauty products. It's absolutely sensational. As a makeup artist, I have yet to find a client whose skin tone doesn't work with this product. It's that versatile. What's great about this one is the mixture of undertones in the product. By having both warm and cool tones (and just a hint of shimmer), this product works for almost anyone. It's also great for those who don't want to go overboard with their bronzer. The color easily blends into the skin without fading into the background.

Staying Power: Eight hours

For A Shimmering Glow: Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten

Laura Geller Baked Bronze-N-Brighten , $33, Nordstrom

Want your skin to absolutely glow? Reach for Laura Geller's Baked Bronze-N-Brighten. This is my go-to bronzer for when I really want my glow to stand out on my skin. With a mixture of bronze, pink, and peach tones, this product has intense pigmentation, and gives your cheeks beautiful color. I have this one in the shade "Fair," however, this shade would work well on light to medium tones as well.

Staying Power: Nine hours

For A Golden Tan: Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette in Strip

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette In Strip , $34, Sephora

Needing a warm-toned bronzer to achieve that perfect golden tan? Turn to the darkest shade in the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette. This option is a medium caramel color with touch of golden shimmer. It looks absolutely flawless on the skin, and is perfect for those who love an intense bronze. Take this product a step further by sweeping it across your collar bone and shoulders for an all-over golden glow.

Staying Power: Eight hours

For Extreme Staying Power: Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer

Too Faced Endless Summer Bronzer , $27, T oo Faced

Whether you're spending all day at a music festival or simply pulling a long-shift at the office, this is the bronzer you need for long day. While all of the options on this list have great staying power, this one really stays put. No touch-ups needed! With a mix of red and taupe tones, this product can also double as a contouring powder. How great is that?! This product is great for those who want a beautiful bronzer with extreme staying power.

Staying Power: 12 hours (really!)

For Deep Skin Tones: Honey Cosmetics Mineral Face Powder in #48

Honey Cosmetics Face Powder, $26, Honey Cosmetic

Honey Cosmetics Face Powder in #48 does wonders for those with even the deepest of skin tones. With red and bronze tones throughout, this product perks up the skin, and leaves a satin finish. This silky bronzer blends like a dream, and is perfect for those with dark skin tones who want an effortless bronze.

Staying Power: Nine hours

Don't leave your glow behind this fall. Amp up your color with long-lasting bronzers for the ultimate glow year-round!