What's a Good Bronzer for My Fair Face?

Why is it so tough to find a bronzer powder for my fairish skin? Those sparkle flecks always look fake—who can wear that to the office?—and the bronzers all seem too dark or too light! I just want something I can put in my purse and go. Help!
—Tara, Los Angeles

If you could see your dear StyleSpy right now, you would observe her on her knees, begging you to reconsider your insistence on powder. Powders can be lovely when they are milled well, but liquids—so much easier to layer and blend! And L'Oréal just released no less than nine—nine!—True Match liquid bronzers in small, purse-friendly tubes. If you cannot find a match among those, friend, I fear you do not have a face.

But if you must have powders, I will tell you that, yes, matte bronzers in medium shades do exist. And if your face is fair, makeup artists say that matte powders with a brown base, not orange base, are your best option. I'll give you a range of matte to semi-satin bronzers. The order goes something close to this: Dr. Hauschka, Colorescience (above), Larenim, Benefit (their Hoola shade comes in a little cardboard box that may not be best for a purse, but it’s a favorite among gals in-the-know), Mineral Fusion (sold at Whole Foods stores), Joey New York, Mally Beauty and Therapy Systems.

If you already have a slight tan, however, makeup artists recommend a bronzer with at least a little shimmer, to highlight all of your face's best parts. And for evening, of course, all bets are off, no matter what your skin tone. Get some glow! Sparklier brands include Bed Head by Tigi, Just for Redheads, L'Oréal, Dermablend, Body Shop and Glominerals.

If ease of use is as important as I'm reading it to be, start with Colorescience. Its bronzer line includes a wonderfully natural-looking shade called It's Only Natural. More importantly, they come packaged inside their own retractable, dispensing brushes, so you'll never worry about losing the applicator. A warning, though: Start sparingly. These are some powerfully pigmented minerals.

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