Nowadays there are lots of believable self tanner options on the beauty market — made even more satisfying by the fact that the tanned glow can be achieved in the dead of winter and without any risk of skin damage. After years of testing lotions, mousses, and invisible tanning waters, we’d argue that some of the best formulas — with zero downsides in application — are self-tan drops. You don’t need a mitt or new skin-care routine to use them: Just mix these bronzing drops into your daily moisturiser, smooth the concoction onto your face or body, and check back in a few hours for a noticeable glow. Scroll through for our favourite foolproof self tanning drops, ahead.
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St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Formulated with niacinamide and vitamin E to soothe and protect skin, these glow drops from St. Tropez are suitable for the face and body. Top up the level of bronze as you wish to deepen your glow and the summery tan will develop over four to eight hours.
St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops, $, available at Look Fantastic
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Bronzing Drops
If you’re looking for a less permanent pretty hint of colour, these bronzing drops from Drunk Elephant will do the trick. You can mix this tinted serum into your morning moisturiser or foundation for a natural bronzed glow that easily washes away when you cleanse your face in the evening.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Bronzing Drops with Peptides, $, available at Boots
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
One of the most-hyped self tanners on the market, Isle of Paradise’s Self Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops come in three shades — light, medium, or dark — so you can customize your glow from barely bronzed to “I just got back from vacation” (even if you can’t remember the last time you stepped on a jet bridge).
Isle Of Paradise Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops Light 30ml, $, available at Boots
Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze™ Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
This buildable self tanner from Beauty Pie will not only subtly grow a golden glow, but also nourish your skin at the same time. Packed with hyaluronic acid, prebiotic banana flower extract, resurfacing red seaweed, amino acids and oligopeptides, these tanning drops will work to hydrate your skin and prevent streakiness when you mix it in with your serum or moisturiser.
Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze™ Gradual Self-Tanning Drops, $, available at Beauty Pie
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
The more drops you use, the deeper your tan will be — so go slow and remember to scrub your hands after you mix the liquid into your moisturiser or serum.
Tan-Luxe Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, $, available at LookFantastic
Tanologist Drops
Fans love Tanologist drops for the price and packaging — a 30 mL bottle is just £15.99 and will last you well through the year. Another win: The formula has a refreshing eucalyptus scent, which helps cut the telltale self-tanner smell.
Tanologist Self-Tan Drops Dark, $, available at Superdrug
James Read H2O Gradual Tan Drops
James Read’s water-based serum is formulated with a blend of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to give dry skin a boost of moisture, and prevent the tanner from clumping, streaking, or seeping into dry patches.
James Read H2O Gradual Tan Drops, $, available at Sephora
Lumene Midsummer Glow Self-Tan Drops
Designed to be mixed in with your morning or evening moisturiser, these drops are packed with tanning ingredient DHA and brightening vitamin C to impart a believable glow.
Lumene Midsummer Glow Self-Tan Drops, $, available at Lumene
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