This supplement is a gamechanger for life after menopause
This supplement is a gamechanger for life after menopause

Edaein OConnell

Ms Moneypennies giving confidence in a world full of financial jargon
Ms Moneypennies giving confidence in a world full of financial jargon

Fiona Alston

This fish & chips burger was made for long weekends
This fish & chips burger was made for long weekends

Meg Walker

‘I wondered would I ever get my strength back’: Loretta Kennedy on recovery after a brain tumour
‘I wondered would I ever get my strength back’: Loretta Kennedy on recovery after a...

Jennifer McShane

April Guide: 14 of the best events happening this month
April Guide: 14 of the best events happening this month

Sarah Gill

April 2026: The best of streaming, TV and cinema this month
April 2026: The best of streaming, TV and cinema this month

Edaein OConnell

Three exceptional stays less than two hours from Dublin
Three exceptional stays less than two hours from Dublin

Dominique McMullan

Seven of the best restaurants in Galway
Seven of the best restaurants in Galway

Edaein OConnell

Meet the Galway craftsman capturing seaside finds in cast concrete
Meet the Galway craftsman capturing seaside finds in cast concrete

Michelle Hanley

Erris Burke: A week in my wardrobe
Erris Burke: A week in my wardrobe

Sarah Finnan

Image / Beauty

The best bronzers for dark skin (that actually work)


By Aisling Keenan
11th Sep 2019
The best bronzers for dark skin (that actually work)

Finding the best bronzers for your skin tone can be quite a challenge. First up, bronzers for dark skin – these are great and reasonably priced too. Win, win!


Something that was seriously lacking in the beauty industry until recently was a selection of bronzers with innovative formulas that add warmth and definition to dark skin tones. Thankfully, there are now some decent ones out there – and they don’t cost the earth either.

Some tips to remember when applying bronzer: do not use it to contour – it’s not for that purpose. Use it only where the sun naturally kisses your skin. Apply in sweeping motions with a large Kabuki-style brush. Buff in circular motions for a realistic finish.

best bronzers

Sleek Makeup Contour Kit in Dark, €8.45 

This duo has a seriously deep, dark brown for contouring dark-toned skins, and comes complete with a little highlighter alongside it. It’s great for giving shape to the face, and for less than ten euro you get a double jobbing product that lasts.

best bronzers

ELF Cosmetics Bronzer Palette in Deep Bronze €9 

This one has a nice mix of shimmers and mattes, meaning a dynamic and multi-dimensional finish. It has a great sized mirror too, however, I probably wouldn’t bring a palette this size with me on the go.best bronzers

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze, €7.99 

This one I would happily and easily throw in my bag. It’s sweat-proof, moisture-proof and so appropriate for a heavier night on the dancefloor, this one is so reasonably priced and gives a really natural, warm finish to the skin.

Photography by Jason Lloyd Evans.


Read more: How to choose the right bronzer tone for your skin (so you don’t look orange)

Read more: The best bronzers on the market according to Irish beauty experts

Read more: the best of SS20 beauty at NYFW