Weighing up cream vs powder bronzer? We quizzed the makeup experts on choosing the right glow-giving formula

Ah, the age-old debate of cream vs powder bronzers. Where one often delivers a seamless, matte finish, the other melts into the skin for a glow and natural payoff. Both have their merits, but which is right for you? The experts weigh in.

Putting a pin in the different formula types for a moment, the best bronzers are designed to deliver a sunkissed glow to your complexion and depending on how and where you apply them, they can also help to sculpt and define your features - much like a contour product. Like with the best blushes, though, your choice of a powder or cream bronzer can impact the overall look and finish of your makeup, as well as how it wears throughout the day. If you have quite dry skin, for instance, or fine lines you don't want to accentuate, a cream might actually be better suited.

It's safe to say there's a lot to consider before you buy, so we've enlisted the help of industry pros to share their expertise on choosing the right bronzer for you - as well as their top application tips.

Cream vs powder bronzers: how to choose the best formula for you

As mentioned, a bronzer is great to have in your beauty bag when you're looking to add warmth and radiance to your skin. Personally, we tend to swap our contour sticks out for a glow-boosting bronzer when summer rolls around, but if you're new to the product, the sheer amount of formulas can be quite overwhelming.

That's where the experts come to the rescue, though, by sharing all their knowledge on texture, application and finding the right bronzer shade for you...

Our trio of bronzer picks

The differences between cream vs powder bronzers

Aside from the obvious differences in texture and packaging, the finish is really what sets the two apart. As Laura Geller, makeup artist and founder of Laura Geller Beauty, explains: "Cream bronzers tend to melt into the complexion and create a dewier glow, while powder bronzers usually offer a more soft-focus, flawless finish.

"The important thing to remember is that not all powders are created equal. A traditional powder can sometimes emphasise dryness, but a baked powder formula has a creamy feel and blends beautifully without looking chalky. It's really about choosing a formula that enhances your skin rather than sitting on top of it."

Can you layer cream and powder bronzers?

So, now that we know they offer such different finishes, with creams offering more of a natural, dewy radiance and powders, a more blurred and seamless look, does that mean you need both in your makeup bag?

"Not at all. If you find one formula that makes your skin look healthy and gives you confidence, that's all you need. Makeup should simplify your routine, not complicate it," notes Geller. "That said, some people enjoy having both a cream for a fresh, radiant look and a powder for days when they want a little extra longevity or definition."

You can also layer them, so if you really can't choose between a powder or cream formula, the two can come in handy. "Start with a cream bronzer while your complexion products are still slightly tacky," Geller recommends, "then, if you'd like a little more warmth and longer wear, lightly dust a powder bronzer over the top to set everything in place.

"The key is using a light hand; you want each layer to enhance the last, not compete with it. I'm especially partial to the silky, weightless texture of my Baked Bronze-n-Brighten Multipurpose Bronzer because it adds natural-looking warmth without ever looking heavy or chalky."

This same trick can be applied to your best cream blushes too - a powder can help to set everything in place and keep your favourite rosy hues from vanishing throughout the day (a common qualm with blush).

Which should you buy

• Cream bronzers: "are wonderful for anyone who loves a dewy finish or prefers makeup that feels almost wet and invisible on the skin." It's also a good option if you have quite dry skin.
• Powder bronzers: "are great for anyone who wants easy application, buildable colour, and a softly sculpted effect."

If you're stuck on which option would best suit more mature skin, Geller reminds us that, "The biggest misconception is that mature skin should avoid powder altogether. That's simply not true. It's all about the quality of the formula."

Geller adds: "I always tell women not to choose based on age, choose based on the needs of your skin. If your skin is very dry, you may enjoy the feel of a cream bronzer. We make a fabulous cream bronzer that lives in our Best of the Best Cream Palette. But certainly, don't write off powder just because you've heard it's "ageing." A lightweight baked powder the way we make them at Laura Geller Beauty is incredibly forgiving, doesn't feel heavy, and gives skin a natural-looking warmth without looking flat or cakey. Use whatever makes you feel good!"

How to apply cream and powder bronzers

• Applying cream bronzer: "Start with less than you think you need. I like applying cream bronzer to the high points where the sun naturally hits, the forehead near the hairline, temples, cheekbones, and a touch along the jawline. Blend with a dense brush using soft tapping motions rather than dragging the product across the skin. You can always build more, but it's much harder to take away."
• Applying powder bronzer: Use a medium-sized fluffy brush, tap off any excess, and think of it as adding warmth rather than creating sharp contour. Sweep the bronzer around the perimeter of the face, across the forehead, temples, cheeks, and lightly under the jaw for a natural, sun-kissed effect. With a baked formula, I also recommend building gradually. My Retractable Angled Kabuki Brush is my personal favourite brush to use to apply bronzer."
• Layering the two: Geller recommends starting with cream and dusting on the powder with a light hand afterwards - using your fluffy brush.