You know that feeling when you find a product that actually lives up to the TikTok hype? It's rare. Usually, you buy the thing, try it once, and it ends up at the bottom of your makeup drawer because it’s either too orange, too patchy, or just weirdly greasy. But the No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer is hitting differently.
Honestly, I was skeptical. No7 is a brand my mom has used for decades. It's reliable, sure, but "pro artist"? That sounds like marketing fluff. Then I saw Bethenny Frankel—who has zero chill when it comes to calling out bad products—comparing it to the Chanel Les Beiges bronzer. That’s a massive claim. We're talking about a $19 drugstore find going head-to-head with a $50 luxury staple.
I had to see if it actually melts into the skin or if it just sits there like a muddy streak.
The No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer Reality Check
Let’s talk about the texture first. Most cheap cream bronzers are either too waxy, making them hard to blend, or too oily, so they slide off your face by noon. This one is different. It’s a velvety, solid-to-cream formula. When you dip your finger or a brush in, it feels almost bouncy.
Basically, it's designed to be foolproof.
The No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer comes in a surprisingly large 36g (1.26 oz) jar. For context, that is a lot of product. You’re getting way more than the standard 12g or 15g found in competitors like the e.l.f. Putty Bronzer. It’s heavy. It feels expensive in your hand.
Does it actually work on all skin types?
If you have oily skin, you usually run away from creams. I get it. Nobody wants to look like a glazed donut in a bad way. However, the ingredients list shows a mix of dimethicone and microcrystalline wax. This creates a "soft glow" rather than a greasy shine. It sets down. It doesn't stay tacky, which is a huge win for anyone worried about their hair sticking to their face every time the wind blows.
For my dry-skin folks, it’s even better. It has Ceramide NP tucked away in the formula. If you aren't a skin nerd, just know that ceramides help hold your skin barrier together and keep moisture in. It doesn't cling to dry patches. It sort of just... blurs them.
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The Shade Range: The Good and the Meh
Here is where we need to be real. The shade range is okay, but it’s not revolutionary. Currently, you’re looking at:
- Light Glow: Very fair, slightly yellow-toned. Good for the "I haven't seen the sun since 2022" look.
- Medium Glow: The workhorse shade. It’s warm but not orange.
- Deep Glow: This is a rich, chocolatey tone.
The No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer in Deep Glow is a solid effort for a drugstore brand, but if you are very deep, you might find it works more as a subtle glow than a heavy contour. It’s buildable, though. You can keep layering it without it getting "cakey." That's a word makeup artists use a lot, and it basically means looking like you have a layer of mud on your face. You won't get that here.
How to Apply It (The Non-Pro Way)
You don't need a $50 brush.
- The Finger Method: Honestly, just use your ring finger. The warmth of your skin melts the waxes in the bronzer. Dab it onto your cheekbones and temple. Blend. Done.
- The Buffing Brush: If you want a more "sculpted" look, use a dense, synthetic brush. Don't swirl it. Tap it. Patting the product into your foundation ensures you don't move the makeup underneath.
- The Underpainting Trick: This is what the pros do. Apply the bronzer before your foundation. It sounds crazy, but when you put a light layer of foundation over it, the bronze looks like it's coming from inside your skin. It's the "I just spent a week in Ibiza" look without the flight delay.
Why This Specific Launch Matters
The Pro Artist collection launched in late 2024 (around October 23rd in the UK and November in the US) as a way for No7 to bridge the gap between "safe drugstore" and "high-end performance." They brought in experts like Nicola Chapman (from Pixiwoo fame) to help consult. It shows.
This isn't just another product to fill a shelf.
It's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. This is a big deal because many cream bronzers use heavy perfumes to hide the smell of the waxes. If you have sensitive skin or get breakouts from "glowy" products, this is a safer bet. SkinSAFE actually gave it a high rating for being free from common irritants like gluten, soy, and nickel.
Comparing the Competition
| Feature | No7 Pro Artist | e.l.f. Putty Bronzer | Chanel Les Beiges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$19 | ~$7 | ~$50 |
| Size | 36g | 10g | 30g |
| Texture | Velvety Cream | Drier Putty | Lightweight Gel-Cream |
| Finish | Soft Radiant | Matte-Satin | Natural Luminous |
The No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer is the winner on value alone. You’re getting more product than the Chanel version for less than half the price. It’s also much easier to blend than the e.l.f. version, which can feel a bit stiff if it's cold.
Common Misconceptions
People think "cream" means "shimmer." Not here. There are no chunky glitters in this pot. It’s a "soft glow," meaning it reflects light to make your skin look healthy, not like a disco ball.
Another mistake? Using it as a contour.
Bronzer is for warmth. Contour is for shadows. If you try to use the Medium Glow shade to "carve" out a new jawline, it might look a bit too warm. Use it where the sun naturally hits—the top of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and the high points of your cheeks.
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Actionable Tips for Your Best Glow
If you’ve just picked up a pot, here is exactly how to make it look like a professional did your makeup.
First, prep your skin. Creams love a hydrated base. If your skin is flaking, any cream—even this one—will struggle. Use a lightweight moisturizer like the No7 Future Renew Day Cream first.
Second, start small. This stuff is pigmented. You can always add more, but taking it off involves a lot of swearing and starting over. Tap your brush into the lid after picking up product to distribute it evenly across the bristles.
Third, set it if you need to. If you're going to be outside in the humidity or at a wedding, lightly dust a translucent powder over the top. It won't kill the glow, but it will keep the bronzer from migrating to your chin by 4 PM.
The No7 Pro Artist Cream Bronzer is probably the best thing the brand has released in years. It’s accessible, it’s high-quality, and it actually works for people who aren't professional makeup artists. Whether you’re trying to look more awake for a Zoom call or you want a full-glam moment, this pot is worth the $19.
Grab a dense synthetic brush and start with the Medium Glow—it's the safest bet for most people. If you find it's too warm, you can always sheer it out with a damp beauty sponge. Just remember to keep the lid tight; cream products hate being left open.