10 Bronzers That Will Make Fair Skin Look Marvelous, Not Muddy

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Along with many other fellow fair-complected ladies, I don't mind being pale AF in the Summer, but I do mind looking like I have a vampiric pallor. I wear bronzer all year round to add life back into my sallow skin . . . and to avoid the concerned queries of "Are you feeling OK?"

However, finding a formula that looks realistic on my complexion was no easy task. Many shades lean too orange on my practically-white skin, and overall, the pickings are just too dark for me. (I daresay this was a more challenging quest than finding a perfectly pale highlighter!) After lots of trial and error, though, I've landed on some really exceptional products. I promise these bronzers will transform your skin from the eerie glow of "never seen sunlight" to the sun-kissed warmth of "just got back from the Bahamas." Read on!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

It's rare that I finish a beauty product (regardless of how much I adore something, I try so many formulas that it's hard to keep up!), but I've gone through two of these Tarte bronzers. The finely-milled powder is loaded with natural-looking golden pearl shimmer. This makes your complexion appear especially luminous, as well as sun-kissed.

Buy it: Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess ($30)

Nars Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Irrésistiblement

Nars Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Irrésistiblement

The classic Laguna may get all of the credit (and it's still one of my favorites!), but pale girls should really snatch up this Nars bronzer, too. The matte formula has a pinkish-red undertone, flawlessly mimicking the hue of skin when it's both burned and tan after a day at the beach.

Buy it: Nars Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Irrésistiblement ($39)

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer

Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer

Benefit's original Hoola formula is widely celebrated, but this sheer liquid iteration is especially flattering on pale skin. I like adding a pump's worth of cream to my foundation to give my fair complexion a subtle glow.

Buy it: Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer ($28)

MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Golden

MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Golden

This formula has a ruddy (not orange!) undertone, making it look hyperrealistic when dusted on pale skin. Like all of MAC's powder products, it can be applied very lightly for a more natural look, or layered on to create a believable, beach goddess glow.

Buy it: MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Golden ($26)

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Aruba

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Aruba

Bobbi Brown told Into the Gloss that she developed this peachy-hued shade specifically for her rabbi's daughter, because "she's so white-skinned." When you try it on yourself, you'll feel like this is your bespoke bronzer, too.

Buy it: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Aruba ($42)

Shiseido Oil-Free Bronzer in Light

Shiseido Oil-Free Bronzer in Light

Blemish-prone beauties and those with warm undertones alike will covet this product. It's dermatologist-tested and noncomedogenic, so it won't exacerbate sensitive skin, and the formula's yellow cast will be especially flattering on golden-toned gals.

Buy it: Shiseido Oil-Free Bronzer in Light ($35)

Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer

Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer

Don't be thrown by that chocolate stripe! All the shades in this compact blend together beautifully to create a fair, rosy-bronze hue that won't overwhelm pale skin. Women with complexions on the darker side of light will enjoy using this product in Winter — it's designed to look like the tan one gets after a day on the ski slopes!

Buy it: Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer ($30)

Bare Minerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer

Bare Minerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer

After just one use of this unique serum formula, you'll be hooked. Add a supersubtle warmth to pale complexions or build it up to a full-on bronze — either way, you'll be reeling in the compliments. I recommend using this specially-designed brush ($30) to apply, as it beautifully buffs the liquid into skin instead of smudging it around.

Buy it: Bare Minerals BareSkin Sheer Sun Serum Bronzer ($28)

Pixi Beauty Bronzer + Kabuki Brush in Subtly Suntouched

Pixi Beauty Bronzer + Kabuki Brush in Subtly Suntouched

Not only does this product come with its very own brush, it practically doubles as a two-in-one powder. Pale gals can use it as a bronzer, but when they layer on their favorite faux tanning formulas, the microfine shimmer acts beautifully as a highlighter, too.

Buy it: Pixi Beauty Bronzer + Kabuki Brush in Subtly Suntouched ($18)

Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer in 10M Natural Matte Honey

Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer in 10M Natural Matte Honey

If you've come to the end of this slideshow still wary that any of these bronzers will suit your lily-white complexion (though you shouldn't — I swear I tested them!), check out this one. It is mind-boggling sheer, leaving the faintest whisper of sun on skin.

Buy it: Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion Bronzer in 10M Natural Matte Honey ($36)

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