By Megan Prowd

We all know that a natural glow need not, and best not, come from the sun. Adding bronzer to your morning routine helps avoid the need for a damaging real-sun tan, but how clean is the bronzer you’re using in its place? With an array of quality mineral, pressed powder and cream options on the market, there’s no need for chemical nasties in this step of your routine. We’ve searched beauty counters far and wide for the best natural, eco-friendly options to get you bronzed up, naturally. 

RMS beauty Buriti bronzer 

A light, organic cream bronzer, this gives the ultimate no-makeup look. It can be applied lightly, for a natural, post-holiday glow, but can also be layered for buildable colour, used as a highlighter, or added to foundation for all-over warmth. With a creamy coconut oil base, the star ingredient here is wild Buriti oil, an antioxidant-rich source of beta carotene (a natural source of vitamin A). With warm undertones and not a hint of orange in sight, it goes on smoothly and blends naturally. The trade-off for the dewy glow is less staying powder, so reapplication may be necessary throughout the day. 

Best for: natural sun-kissed look  

Kosas The Sun Show moisturising baked bronzer 

A talc-free, buttery powder bronzer, Kosas’s The Sun Show glides onto skin with a creamier-than-expected finish, without the chalkiness of some powder bronzers. With a warm, natural bronze sheen, it’s free of sparkle or orange undertones. Kosas is also cruelty-free and leaping bunny certified, meaning they meet the US standard for no animal testing. With a base of natural ingredients like Shea Butter and Meadowfoam oil, this is an all-round natural-look bronzer which gives a luminous, healthy glow.  

Best for: dewy finish with staying power

Eco Minerals Eco Exotic Bronzer 

Locally made and owned, Eco Minerals Eco Exotic Bronzer is a loose, pure mineral powder bronzer that goes on flawlessly for a natural, warm bronze with golden undertones. The brand is cruelty free and vegan, palm oil free, and offers eco refills of their mineral powders in 100 per cent biodegradable sachets, meaning you will only ever need one plastic carrier jar. The pure mineral formula is based on minimal ingredients and includes calming kaolin clay and natural SPF protection from titanium dioxide. 

Best for: low-waste beauty 

NudebyNature Pressed Bronzer

A great and readily available option, Nude by Nature Pressed Matte Mineral Bronzer is surprisingly good. With a light consistency and high-pigment matte finish, it is designed to adapt to different skin tones, and leaves skin looking naturally bronzed and bright. We love the native Australian, antioxidant-rich ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Cehami Extract, an anti-inflammatory botanical ingredient with potent skin healing properties. A blend of oils like avocado, jojoba and shea butter complete the natural, fragrance-free formula. 

Best for: contouring 

Ere Perez Pure Rice Powder, Tulum

This multitasking powder compact features two blendable bronze shades. Designed to suit many complexions, the natural formula contains vitamin E and chamomile, with non-GMO rice extract, to absorb oil and leave a velvety, matte finish. Not just a bronzer, this product also performs double duty as an eye and cheek colour. Best of all, the packaging is refillable, with the magnetic colour insert easily popping out to be replaced once empty. Ere Perez is also Australian owned, certified vegan, cruelty-free and non-GMO. 

Best for: oily and combination skins

Lily Lolo Pressed Bronzer Miami Beach 

A lightweight, long-wearing natural pressed bronzer, this versatile product goes on light for the most subtle of natural glows; but can also be layered for more coverage and a deeper bronze. The moisturising and anti-ageing properties of ingredients like argan and jojoba oils make this an excellent option for dry or mature skin in need of some warmth and glow, while the pomegranate extract offers antibacterial benefits. The natural formula is also vegan, fragrance and talc-free, making it ideal for sensitivity issues, and it will stay put throughout the day without creasing or caking.

Best for: fair skin, lasting wear