When we talk about complexion-boosting dynamic duos, the power that a superior bronzer and contouring combo hold remain unmatched. For those who still aren’t 100% clear on the differences between the two, contouring makeup adds dimension to the face, defining and snatching your angles. These tend to be on the cooler spectrum of browns to help mimic natural shadows. Bronzers, on the other hand, add warmth, leaving you with a sun-kissed beach island glow even in the pits of winter. It’s like a caffeine fix for your complexion, adding soft radiance that makes your skin pop.
And yes, we melanated babies can wear bronzer too! Formerly, there was a misconception that bronzers were only reserved for fairer skin tones, but recently we’ve seen brands expand their line-ups of bronzing shades to cater more to richer skin tones. A few of our fave bronzers and contouring picks for deep skin tones?…
Source: Sephora.
Shades: Deep 2 and Deep 3.
A contour balm that ranks high in our list of face-sculpting blends thanks to its hydrating and skin-refining properties. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, flower extract, and meadow-foam seed are all infused in this formula, leaving you with soft and subtle contours that look like real-life shadows.
Shades: Tan and Rich.
This cream-to-powder bronzer is an absolute game-changer — adding warmth, face-snatching contours, AND a luminous glow in one go. And the undertones of these are just *chef’s kiss.* Buttery in texture, this bronzer glides onto skin like a dream, and once blended, you’re left with a streak-free sculpted finish that looks 100% legit.
Source: E.l.f Cosmetics.
Shades: Cabana Cutie, Beach, Please! and Sun Kissed.
Another cream-to-powder bronzer that gets 10s across the board from texture to finish. It’s super-lightweight but holds so much power when it comes to pigments, so it’s best to apply this in light layers until you build your desired intensity. Star ingredients in this velvet matte formula are argan oil and vitamin E, nourishing and moisturizing your complexion for a supreme skin glow.
Source: Juvia’s Place.
Shades: Deep Dark and Dark.
This five-star rated contour palette seriously lives up to its hype — a bronzer and cheek color combo that transforms your complexion, taking it from lackluster to flawlessly sun-kissed. We like to extend both colors to the eyes too. Blend the lighter shade all over your lids, and for a little eye definition, utilize the darker shade to contour the crease. Finish off with several coats of mascara and a shiny lip gloss for a stellar soft glam look.
Source: Coloured Raine.
Shades: Cocoa Goddess and Mocha Queen.
Another all-star powder that makes for easy bronzing — we highly recommend this gem for newbies. Its velvety texture glides on effortlessly, creating a poreless and airbrushed finish that looks filter-like. Coloured Raine also offers affordable bronzer and brush bundle packs so you can look flawlessly sun-kissed all year round.
Source: EM Cosmetics.
Shades: Pangea and Nomadic.
We can’t get enough of these decadent contour sticks that allow you to snatch and sculpt while on the move. Made for makeup minimalists, this boujee mousse-textured formula contains a unique Satin Cloud Complex — ‘a blend of rich powders and emollients’ for soft and solid color that looks velvet-like. Squalene and vitamin E are also whipped up in this mix for an added dose of skin-loving benefits.
Source: Sephora.
Shade: Pacific Coast.
This bronzing balm provides a yummy, dewy-looking sheen that even a Krispy Kreme donut can’t match. Dab some on your cheekbones, brow bones, eyes, and lips for an all-over lit-from-within glow. And the best part is it doesn’t contain any sparkles or glitter, so you can go over the top with your layers and not have to worry about looking like a disco ball. In it, you’ll also find mango butter and green tea extract to moisturize and soothe your complexion.
Source: UOMA Beauty.
Shade: Black Pearl.
We love this double-ended contouring and highlighting pigment stick for sculpting out natural shadows on the skin. It glides on like literal mousse and sets to a beautiful soft matte finish once blended. It’s also buildable, allowing you to achieve both subtle and bold contours with ease.
Shades: Caviar and Ebony.
If soft contours are more your vibe, this handy stick adds light definition with zero streakiness in sight. And when it comes to shades, this formula gets its undertones so right, providing true-to-life contour color.
Source: Sephora.
Shades: Chestnut and Cool Brown.
When it comes to weightless but saturated cream bronzers, this baby reigns supreme. Expect concentrated color, which once buffed out, leaves radiant second-skin definition that doesn’t shift or slip. We also love how versatile this matte formula is. Use it to outline your neck, cheekbones, (even your boobs), for a sublime face and body snatch.
Speaking about contouring creams, check out our comprehensive guide to mastering the ultimate natural snatch.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, although some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.