The 8 Best Matte Bronzers if You Don't Like Shimmer

There are two types of people in this world: those who love shimmer and those who, well, don't. And if you fall into the latter category, there's nothing like a disco ball-esque bronzer to send you over the edge in a fit of regret and rage (excuse the dramatics). Love a side of radiance and sparkle with your bronzer? All the power to you. But if you'd rather stick with a matte finish to feign that post-vacay glow, we're 100% here for you.

Though we think there's always a time and place for a shimmering wash of bronzer, we typically prefer a sculpted—versus flashy—result (we're also still relatively scarred by the orange, light-reflecting days of high school football games and formals). But again, you do you. If you want to find the right matte bronzer for you, look for one in the format you prefer to use, whether powder or stick. It should be in a color only slightly darker than your own skin tone, to create a natural-looking finish. And it's definitely a bonus if the formula includes nourishing ingredients, be they hydrating or anti-aging.

Interested to see which matte bronzers Byrdie editors swear are the best? Keep reading for the best matte bronzers available now.

Best Overall: Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

What We Like

• Blendable
  
• Doesn't appear cakey
  
• Looks very natural
  

What We Don't Like

• Wears off easily
  

Perhaps one of the most iconic matte bronzers known to womankind, Benefit's cult-favorite bronzer is adored by makeup artists, celebrities, and editors alike. Plus, it comes in two different shades (light and regular) to ensure a flawless finish each and every time.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 4, Light to Deep | Size: 0.28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

What We Like

• Wallet-friendly
  
• Perfect for contouring
  
• Velvety texture
  

What We Don't Like

• Can leave skin looking a bit orange
  

What's more satisfying than finding one of the best matte bronzers on the market? Finding one of the best matte bronzers on the market that comes in at $10. To achieve the perfect matte bronze finish, NYX's ultra-affordable pick gets the job done at a fraction of the price.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 5, Light to Deep | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Stick Formula: Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick

What We Like

• Easy to use
  
• Blendable, buildable, and contouring
  
• Very hydrating
  

What We Don't Like

• Limited shade range
  
• Slightly greasy
  

In general, we don't associate liquid or stick bronzers with anything short of shimmer, shine, and dewiness. However, Milk Makeup counteracts the assumption beautifully with this user-friendly matte bronzer that comes in wanderlust-encouraging stick form. (In other words, you can officially say goodbye to the days of cracked compacts and shattered powders while en route.)

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 2, Medium | Size: 3.04 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shade Range: Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Deep

What We Like

• Very soft
  
• Long-lasting
  
• Smudge-free
  

What We Don't Like

• Not enough deep pigment
  

Bronzers have a notorious and annoying bad habit of coming in limited shade ranges—i.e., three at most. However, that's not the case with Bobbi Brown's beloved bronzer, which not only boasts the most flattering of matte finishes but comes in an impressive array of six different hues. We actually own a few so we can blend, mix, and customize our glow based on the season.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 5, Light Tan to Deep Golden Brown | Size: 0.28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Scent: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

What We Like

• Provides 8 hours of wear
  
• Infused with 100% real cocoa powder
  
• Good pigmentation
  

What We Don't Like

• Not very blendable
  

Not only does Too Faced's Matte Bronzer offer three surprisingly versatile shades, but the drool-worthy formula (we mean that literally) is also infused with real cocoa powder for a signature scent and a lustrous cast of bronze with absolutely zero shimmer. Depending on your skin tone, and quite possibly your taste preferences, choose from the brand's assortment of milk chocolate, chocolate, and dark chocolate and then blend, baby, blend.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 3, Light to Deep | Size: 0.28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural Finish: NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer

What We Like

• Has a soft-focus effect
  
• Feels weightless like second-skin
  
• Silky smooth
  

What We Don't Like

• Could use more pigment
  

If you happen to be a member of the shimmering bronzer camp, you're likely familiar with Nars' signature iteration in the now-iconic shades Casino and Laguna. But (to our delight) the brand has branched out to create four gorgeously non-glimmering bronzers in an appreciated matte finish. Laguna and Casino are still members of the collection, but now they're just a tad less light-reflecting.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 4, Light to Deep | Size: 2.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Waterproof: Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer

What We Like

• Waterproof
  
• Long-lasting
  
• Pure ingredients
  
• Gives a healthy, youthful glow
  

What We Don't Like

• Not a very smooth application
  

Waterproof, vegan, cruelty-free, and matte—what more could you want from your go-to bronzer? One of the best we've tried, this pick from Tarte is a Byrdie editor favorite and manages to look impeccably natural despite its long-wear profile. Plus, it contains moisture-locking ingredients like pure water, vitamins A, C, and E, and naturally, Amazonian clay to ensure the incandescent glow you crave.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 2, Medium to Deep | Size: 0.32 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Cruelty-Free: The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

What We Like

• Travel-friendly
  
• No orange undertone
  
• Doubles as shadow, brow-filler, and contour
  

What We Don't Like

• Not super blendable
  

We're not sure why this matte bronzer by The Balm still falls under the radar, but it's honestly one of the most flattering, well-formulated options we've tried (and consider us well versed in that arena). Great for delivering a flush of color and contour alike, this paraben- and cruelty-free pick is a must for the shimmer-averse. Oh, and you can also use it in lieu of your go-to neutral eyeshadow or brow powder.

Finish: Matte | Shade Range: 1, Medium | Size: 0.22 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What to Look for in a Matte Bronzer

Product Format

Most bronzers come in either powder or pressed powder form, but there are some now that are available in a stick format. A stick is an excellent choice for travel, or when you want to feel a bit more in control of exactly where you're placing the bronzer than you would with a brush.

Nourishing Ingredients

According to dermatologists, ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, and peptides may all boost your skin's anti-aging abilities, so those are a bonus to find in any cosmetic product. Additionally, a bronzer that contains ingredients that hydrate, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, will not only keep skin in better shape while you're wearing it, it'll help prevent your makeup from looking overly dry on your face.

The Right Shade

In order for your bronzer to give you a sun-kissed glow and not look like, well, makeup, it needs to be the right shade for your skin tone. Byrdie writer Adrianna Barrionuevo notes that "when choosing a bronzer, color matching is the number one goal." There's no overstating the importance of coordinating a bronzer tone with your skin.