Spring is merely a stone's throw away, which essentially means that summer is just around the corner. It couldn’t come sooner, but for many, emerging from wintry hibernation will be a shock to the system – especially in the skin department.
The colder months can take their toll, leaving your complexion looking perhaps sallower and pastier than you'd like.
Enter our seasonal transition makeup saviour: bronzer. In a matter of minutes, you can transform your face from drab to fab with a simple wash of glow-boosting pigment. But herein lies the million-dollar question: which is better, cream or powder?
Hello! Fashion caught up with makeup artist royalty and founder of Jones Road Beauty Bobbi Brown to find out which formula is best for your skin type.
What is the difference between cream and powder bronzer?
© Photo: Getty Images
The primary difference predictably comes down to formula. A cream glides onto the skin and can offer a dewier, more natural-looking finish, whereas powder lends itself to a more matte look. That being said, plenty of powder formulas exist that are infused with shimmer, and so it boils down to personal preference.
READ: 14 best bronzers to use for a sun-kissed look this summer
MORE: 7 designer makeup brands that are worth the investment
Bobbi finds that many women have necks lighter than their faces because the face naturally catches more sun, and she feels that powders are easier to correct that imbalance.
Which has the best staying power?
Both are buildable, and for maximum staying powder you can layer the two. "Powder bronzer usually stays longer," Bobbi explains. "However, by applying cream on top of powder, you will get the most wear time."
MORE: Princess Diana's makeup artist Mary Greenwell shares her royal-approved beauty tips
Which formula is best for your skin type?
Those who suffer from dry skin may find cream formulas more comfortable because of the extra level of moisture that they offer. On the other hand, Bobbi finds that oilier types may prefer the "simplicity and ease" of powder bronzer, in addition to the fact that powders are better at minimising shine. "If you have dry skin, I recommend using a cream formula," Bobbi says. "If you have oiler skin, powder bronzer will work better."
Whichever formula you favour, we reckon it’s high time to get that glow…
Give your makeup collection a boost of bronze:
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, £46, Look Fantastic
SHOP NOW
Milk Makeup cream bronzer, £19, Cult Beauty
SHOP NOW
The Bronzer, £32, Jones Road Beauty
SHOP NOW
Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream, £43, Sephora
SHOP NOW
Bronze Balm, £32, Merit Beauty
SHOP NOW
Like this story? Sign up to our Hello! Fashion newsletter to get your weekly 'Fashion Fix' delivered straight to your inbox.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
