English Reference

Word

bronzer

Phoneticsbronz·er

Countable noun

Definition

n. a brown makeup powder or cream you put on your skin to look a little darker, as if you spent time in the sun. You usually put it on your face to add warm colour.

n. a cosmetic powder or cream applied to the skin to create the appearance of a suntan or add warmth to the complexion. Typically blended across the cheeks, forehead, and nose to mimic natural sun exposure.

Examples

“She puts a little bronzer on her cheeks.”

“Before the photoshoot, the makeup artist sweeps bronzer across her cheekbones for a sun-kissed look.”

“After years of avoiding heavy foundation, she prefers a light dusting of bronzer to warm her complexion without masking her natural skin tone.”

Examples

simple

“She puts a little bronzer on her cheeks.”

contextual

“Before the photoshoot, the makeup artist sweeps bronzer across her cheekbones for a sun-kissed look.”

complex

“After years of avoiding heavy foundation, she prefers a light dusting of bronzer to warm her complexion without masking her natural skin tone.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bronzer” in context.

Verb

01. apply bronzer

“Apply bronzer to your forehead, nose, and cheeks.”

verb + noun

02. blend bronzer

“Blend bronzer well so there are no harsh lines.”

verb + noun

03. bronzer blends

“This bronzer blends easily without looking patchy.”

noun + verb

04. bronzer lasts

“This bronzer lasts all day without fading.”

noun + verb

05. bronzer suits

“This shade of bronzer suits fair skin perfectly.”

noun + verb

Adjective

06. cream bronzer

“This cream bronzer melts into skin and looks very natural.”

adj + noun

07. matte bronzer

“She prefers a matte bronzer for a natural, shine-free finish.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. dusting of bronzer

“A light dusting of bronzer added colour to his face.”

noun + prep + noun

09. apply a touch of bronzer

“She likes to apply a touch of bronzer before going out.”

10. blend bronzer into skin

“Use a brush to blend bronzer into skin evenly.”

11. bronzer adds a warm glow

“This bronzer adds a warm glow without looking orange.”

12. dust bronzer on cheeks

“She lightly dusts bronzer on cheeks for colour.”

Real-World Examples

“This creamy, easy-to-blend bronzer is packed into a tiny twistable stick.”
The New York Times 11 Sept 2025
“I was too shy to voice my concerns to the producers because I was so thankful to be there, so I would sneak off to the restroom to fix my makeup myself, trying to add more bronzer.”
BBC 20 Apr 2021
“For years, I layered foundation, concealer, and bronzer in an effort to cover the array of brown spots scattered across my face.”
BBC 8 Nov 2017

Word family

NOUN

bronzer(B2)

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference