12 Best Bronzers Guaranteed to Take Your Summer Glow to J.Lo Levels

Your guide to mastering the faux glow

By Cinya Burton Jul 10, 2015 6:43 PMTags
BronzersGetty Images

Right about now you've probably got a little tan going, right? You've enjoyed some fun in the sun and it shows—Nice! But how can you boost that natural glow to bronze goddess status? You know, Jennifer Lopez levels. Why, just a smidge of shimmer and a bit of bronzer.

Of course, you still want to keep it simple subtle. No one wants to look like an Oscar statue (or that chick from James Bond, for that matter).

Luckily, faking even more radiance is easy if you have the right products. And yes, usually that takes a lot of hours wasted in the Sephora comments section, plus your own trial and error testing period. But not to worry, you're about to skip all that because we've provided you a shortcut thanks to Robin Black.

She's the celebrity makeup artist with probably the coolest beauty Instagram you've ever seen and a certified expert in the art of the faux glow. Robin handpicked 12 top items that will give you glimmer, not glitter—and leave you sun-kissed from head to toe. 

Figure Flattery: 

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body: "Firming, sculpting and shimmering glamour in an easy to apply cream. Perfect for a poolside party or a night on the town. I also use it mixed with my regular body moisturizer for a subtle daytime glow."

Sisley Tinted Body Sun Glow Gel: "This luminous gel creates a flawless, natural looking tan in five minutes that doesn't transfer onto clothes and that washes off with soap and water. I tested it while wearing a white dress and was shocked to discover not a single smudge!"

Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil: "A luxurious silky oil with a sexy warm fragrance that will turn any evening into a special event. The golden and platinum shimmer is not so much a bronzer as it is an illuminator for your skin.  The best way to describe it is that your skin looks expensive which is probably exactly what Mr. Ford intended." 

(Self-Tanners)

Clarins Golden Glow Booster for Body: "This innovative formula is brilliant! Simply combine 4 to 6 drops of the Golden Glow Booster into any body moisturizer and apply.  The color builds up gradually and you can add more drops or apply more frequently to create your desired shade.  Try mixing it with the Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control for serious beach-ready results."

Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner: "Minimal scent, super moisturizing formula, no parabens, no sulfates, no phthalates and the mitt makes application easy."  

Kate Somerville 360 Body Tanning Towelettes: "These handy wipes are great to tuck in your bag for quick touch ups and weekend getaways. The natural looking color can be built up with multiple applications for shades ranging from a day in Santa Barbara to a month in Ibiza."

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Face Facts:

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base: "This classic Chanel bronzer can be used as a subtle tan on the whole face, as a gorgeous summer cheek color or even smudged on eyelids."

NARS Tahiti Laguna Bronzing Powder: "One of NARS beloved original bronzer shades re-imaginged in a finely textured powder with a natural looking finish."

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder: "No list of top bronzers would be complete without this cult favorite. Luminous and light weight, this velvety powder gives the illusion of a natural tan."  

(Self-Tanners)

Clarins Golden Glow Booster: "I love this product! Just add three drops of the golden liquid into your moisturizer and you slowly development a lovely glow. I found that five drops used twice a week gave me a serious 'just got back from the tropics' tan while three drops once a week gave me a lightly sun kissed look."

Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face: "This self tanner is very subtle so it's ideal for anyone who wants just a touch of sun without turning orange. The gel-cream formulation blends in smoothly and is meant to be used over your moisturizer several times a week." 

Tan Towel: "This classic self tanning towelette has a loyal following for it's streak free easy application, natural color and easy application."