elf Putty Bronzer Is The Best Cream Bronzer At The Drugstore
Pros
- Natural looking pigment
- Easy to apply
- Buildable
- Versatile (can bronze and contour)
- Solid shade range (8 shades)
Cons
- Less pigmented than expected
Overview
elf Putty Bronzer could be the best cream bronzer from the drugstore. It’s easy to use, looks natural, and can easily create a soft bronze or contour.
98 sign ups needed for 10% off
Learn more
Some links to purchase are affiliate.
elf Putty Bronzer is a versatile, soft bronzer.
e.l.f. Cosmetics products are affordable, strong performers and beauty lover mainstays. Not surprisingly, people got excited about e.l.f.’s launch of what could be the best cream bronzer that’s value priced. TikTok blew up on its arrival, with #Puttybronzer videos grabbing 1.4 million views. Anticipation surrounding this bronzer might have been due to the success of Poreless Putty Primer, and Putty Blush is also deserving of praise.
Promises vs. Performance: e.l.f. Putty Bronzer gives a natural glow that’s buildable.
e.l.f.’s has a few claims for the goop within their tiny jars (.35 oz) of Putty Bronzer. This cream bronzer promises a highly pigmented and buildable formula, while providing a natural, sun kissed glow. The cream to powder bronzer has a semimatte finish and lightweight feel. elf cream bronzer is also supposed to smooth and even the complexion. Bonus: It’s infused with argan oil and vitamin E to nourish and moisturize skin.
How does Putty Bronzer apply and wear? It’s easy to apply, buildable, and long wearing when set. My main gripe with the application is the size of the pot. Most of the brushes I like to use for cream bronzer (Real Techniques, e.l.f., Makeup by Mario) do fit fine, but if you prefer to apply cream bronzer with a bigger brush, you may have trouble dipping into the pot.
But, the creamy formula has buildable pigment that blends out effortless over top of any base makeup. The shade range borders contour and bronzer, and I find that I can achieve a subtle sculpt and a sunkissed bronze from elf Putty Bronzer.
I then began to dab and swipe the product onto my cheekbones. I was instantly pleased by the easy application. This is a very blendable, soft bronzer. Because of this, it quickly reminded me of Patrick Ta’s award winning contour and bronzer duo from the Major Sculpt line (except it’s not quite as pigmented). And speaking of contour, Putty Bronzer is easily layered for a soft sculpting effect. Just press it gently into the hollows of your cheeks, along your hairline, down the sides of your nose, or anywhere you’d like more definition. This can be done with a brush or even your fingertips.
Quick Rating Rundown
How elf Putty Bronzer Compares: The best cream bronzer.
Reviewers were right to be excited about Putty Bronzer. e.l.f. has delivered to the value market an effortless cream bronzer with professional grade performance. I continue to reach for Putty Bronzer on the regular and have yet to encounter a face base product that it doesn’t pair well with. It swipes on easily, feels smooth and light, and is versatile. Use it for a subtle hint of golden glow or build it up for deeper contour. This is the best cream bronzer I’ve tried from the drugstore, and it’s only $6.
e.l.f. is a dependable brand, especially for beauty product lovers on a budget or anyone who loves a steal. I’ve tested several of their cheek cosmetics, including Primer-Infused Bronzer, a long lasting pressed powder formula. If you’re wondering which type of bronzer is best for you, I have found that Putty Bronzer great for effortless, natural makeup looks, and the Primer-Infused Bronzer brings the staying power and more saturated color. It will stay put all day, but it’s often only available in one shade. For me, Putty Bronzer is my favorite by e.l.f. and the best cream bronzer overall.
Advertised Product Highlights
e.l.f. Putty Bronzer
# of SHADES: 8
FORMULATION: Cream
FINISH: Semi-matte
LONGEVITY: Long wearing
SKIN TYPE: All skin types
PROTECTION: No SPF
OTHER: Cruelty free; Vegan
CLEAN BEAUTY CLAIMS: Free of parabens, phthalates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, or hydroquinone