Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer Review and Dupes

EssieButton.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here.

All makeup experts and contour-loving girls know that using a bronzer is the way to go to achieve the perfect Bella Hadid contour.

A bronzer gives more definition to your face by defining your cheekbones and your best features. With thousands of positive reviews, the Hoola Bronzer is among the top choices for a shimmer-free bronzer.

The only downside is the steep price of the tiny box of bronzer. People who want a daily bronzer but can’t justify this high-end bronzer’s cost.

In this article, we review Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer and a few low-cost dupes. So, let’s get started!

Hoola Bronzer Review

BenefCosmetics Hoola Bronzer

Benefits Cosmetics’ Hoola Bronzer is a soft bronze matte powder that works for all skin tones and can give a sun-kissed look if applied correctly. However, (please don’t come for me!) I don’t understand the hype for the Hoola bronzer besides maybe the packaging and that’s a stretch.

The packaging does add some points because it comes with a contour brush already inside which most bronzers don’t offer. The bronzer also comes in 3 sizes, a mini, full, and jumbo square. The smaller sizes are nice to bring when going out because I mean you can fit the mini sized box into any evening bag or clutch! You could also probably fit the jumbo size in as well!

I dislike the square shape! If you are applying bronzer like most people, you are probably using a fluffy bronzer brush or something similar. You use a larger brush because they don’t get densely packed and can guarantee your product will go on evenly.

A true bronzer brush most likely will fully fit (depends on your brush) into the jumbo size and yet the product still might not go on the brush evenly.

Call me old fashioned but I prefer a circle shape bronzer so I can ensure my brush has the product packed on it evenly. Because of the shape and size, Hoola is only an option for contouring small areas.

Anyway, I’m over my packaging rant, let me rant about the actual product.

This bronzer is good long-wearing. But, like I said above, the bronzer can give you a natural tan if applied correctly and if it’s not, chances are you will look like you have a 5 o’clock shadow. Bronzer isn’t supposed to give you harsh lines on your face, its supposed to look seamless.

Hoola bronzer fail

The brush included really packs on the product so if you forget to get excess off, good luck! The bronzer can initially look harsh on the skin, so please don’t forget to blend it.

Let’s move on to the dupes!

Hoola Bronzer Dupes- The List

If you made it to this part, you are obviously interested in a sun-kissed look and the Hoola Dupes. The Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer comes in at #1 because of its ability to truly give you an effortless sun-kissed glow without harsh lines or any 5 o’clock shadows. You will be able to make your contour look natural as ever! It is so worth it! Keep reading to see the complete list! It and love the effortless sun-kissed look that a bronzer gives us. But that does not mean that you have to spend too much of your hard-earned dollars to buy a small box of Hoola Bronzer.

We have put together a list of best Hoola Bronzer dupes that These products offer twice as much product for a fraction of the price of Hoola Bronzer. Keep reading to pick the right one for yourself!

1. Tarte Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer

Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer

The Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer is the perfect dupe for Hoola Bronzer. The bronzer looks much more natural on the skin. This bronzer is super buildable and looks flawless on the skin.

Hoola vs Tarte Bronzer

You can see the difference between the two bronzers. Tarte is so silky, it looks like a real summer glow going on the skin flawlessly. The matte finish adds warmth, sculpts & gives your complexion an all-over glow.

The proven clay-infused formula is ultra-blendable, never patchy, even after hours of wear.

Although it isn’t much cheaper than Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer, it still is cheaper and is a few ounces larger so you do get more product!

It comes in a mini size comparable to Hoola’s, so you will still be able to bring your bronzer to go out! This dupe is everything, if not more!

Pros:

  • Waterproof bronzing powder
  • Blend-able and buildable
  • A few ounces bigger than Hoola, so more product!
  • Small shimmers for a natural glow
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons:

  • May take a few swipes to really get the perfect color or contour.

2. ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder

ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder

ILIA NightLite Bronzing Powder is another alternative for the Hoola Bronzer.

This clean bronzer powder has a subtle sheen for a second-skin finish. The buttery, blendable formula adds natural-looking warmth that you can build the intensity for a stronger contour. It gives a naturally bronzed finish without any orange undertones. It is a multi-purpose product that you can use for contouring, bronzing, and even as brown eyeshadow.

The packaging is your basic powder package, circle, with a mirror, etc. Nothing is wrong with that though! Similar to the price of Hoola, this product is worth it and you will notice a difference!

Pros:

  • Matte Bronzer
  • No orange undertones
  • Talc Free
  • Provides contouring and bronzing

Cons:

  • The shade is a bit darker than expectation

3. Merit Beauty Bronze Balm

Merit Bronze Balm

Merit Beauty Bronze Balm, let’s talk about it! Yes, we know this is a cream stick bronzer. Here me out, this product is an amazing dupe for the Hoola Bronzer especially if you use Hoola to contour.

The Beauty Bronze Balm is a sheer, buildable cream formula that’s impossible to mess up! It allows your to create a natural warmth and soft definition without any orange undertones or streaks! The formula can guarantee that you will not look cakey.

If you are willing to try something different and level up your makeup game, this is the perfect dupe for you!

@merit

Three ways to apply Bronze Balm with Makeup Artist @jennamenard. Available now at meritbeauty.com, @sephora, & @sephoracanada #merit #bronzebalm #mua

♬ original sound – meritbeauty

Pros:

  • Blend-able and buildable formula
  • Natural, shimmer-free finish
  • Not cakey
  • Reasonable price
  • long-wearing

Cons:

  • Formula is different from Hoola

4. Physicians’ Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Physicians’ Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer Powder is a great and affordable dupe for Hoola Bronzer! The ultra-rich bronzer formula instantly melts into skin, sealing-in moisture to deliver instant and lasting hydration.

The incredibly creamy and soft texture combines the best features of a powder and cream bronzer, to deliver a lit-from-within tropical glow unlike any other.

However, you have to make sure you don’t overdo it because this bronzer is very pigmented. You will be able to achieve a chiseled contour using this Hoola dupe!

Pros:

  • Controls oil
  • Natural and shine-free finish
  • Smooth texture
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons:

  • Not very durable packaging
  • Some might find it very dark for their skin tone

Final Thoughts

Hoola Bronzer is a very popular bronzer. You are supposed to be able to use it as both a bronzer and a contouring product. If you are paying a high price for Hoola, you should have a first class product. The list of Hoola dupes are similar and if not better! The prices are similar but at least you will get what you paid for! The products mentioned above are the best Hoola Bronzer dupes that will help you achieve the perfect Bella Hadid Contour.

Among these, The Tarte Cosmetics’ Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer is the top pick. It offers more product and it is actually worth the price. The results of the application are very like those mentioned in the Hoola Bronzer review. After going through this review, you can now choose your best suitable dupe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hoola Bronzer come in different shades?

Hoola Bronzer is available in 4 different shades that have a soft and blend-able formula. They give an impeccable matte finish like the original Hoola Bronzer. The collection has a range of light to deep tones, which means that you can choose the tone that works best for you.

Is Hoola Bronzer good for medium skin?

Hoola Bronzer is a flattering bronzing shade for women with fair medium and even dark skin tones. It is known as a neutral bronzer that gives you a natural-looking definition without orange or patchy undertones.

How do you apply Hoola bronzer?

The application is simple. Swish the brush that comes with the box over the bronzer and tap off any excess back into the box. Now start by applying it across your forehead and into your hairline. Brush your cheekbones and jawline. Finally, contour your nose to give it more definition. What Is Bronzer Used For?