While bronzed skin looks great whatever the season, you might find yourself craving a golden glow even more so during the summer months. Want sun-kissed skin without the UV damage, or simply want to deepen your tan quickly? It’s time to talk tanning drops.
Offering an even, customisable glow without the patchiness and streaks associated with fake tan, these fuss-free drops are here to give your bronzing routine the ultimate upgrade. Bursting with skin-loving ingredients, there are tanning drops catered towards every skin tone and type, ranging from acne-prone to sensitive. Whether you’re looking for the best face tanning drops or the best tanning drops for your body, there’s a tanning drop out there for you.
Scroll on to discover the best tanning drops out there to boost your bronze.
How do self-tanning drops work?
Tanning drops are powered by dihydroxyacetone – less confusingly known as DHA – an active ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to create a temporary tan. Tanning drops feel and appear like a serum and can be easily slipped into your skincare routine for a sun-free glow.
For the best results, simply mix your drops of choice with your favourite moisturiser or body lotion and apply evenly to exfoliated skin. You can customise your shade to however subtle or dramatic you like – the more drops you add, the darker your tan will be. Your tanning drops should take no more than 6-8 hours to develop, revealing a natural, even-looking tan.
Tanning drops vs Fake tan
While both tanning drops and fake tan give your skin a bronzed glow, they do have their differences. Traditional fake tans are pre-mixed and ready to apply but require careful exfoliation and skin preparation to avoid unwanted streaks or patches. Available in a wide variety of formats ranging from mousses to sprays, fake tan can give skin an immediate bronzed effect that will continue to develop over several hours.
Tanning drops, on the other hand, offer a customisable, gradual tan that can be added to your existing skincare routine. They’re suitable for both your body and face and offer tailored solutions to different skin types and concerns. Tanning drops are ideal for those looking to achieve a natural, buildable glow, without the patchiness and streaks that can come from traditional fake tan.
How long will my tan last?
You can typically expect your tan to last for around 3-5 days, but there are some steps you can take to make it last for longer. To keep your bronze looking its best, exfoliate your skin before applying new tanning drops. Prepare dry areas with a non oil-based moisturiser, and mix the tanning drops with your moisturiser for a glowing, even tan. If you notice your tan starting to fade, simply top it up by adding a few drops to your moisturiser to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant.
The best face tanning drops
1. Best for dull skin
Skin in need of a boost? It’s time to shop the Mine Tan Illuminating Glow Drops. Bursting with a nourishing blend of oils including coconut, macadamia nut, jojoba, argan, rosehip, grapeseed, and avocado, these drops instantly replenish and revitalise the skin. Glowing skin pending.
2. Best for acne-prone skin
If you’re after tanned skin without the risk of an outbreak, the Tanologist Self Tan Drops could be the one for you. Toxin-free and promising not to block your pores, this clear formula is drenched with pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper to brighten, soften, and hydrate your complexion. All the tan, none of the irritation.
3. Best for dry skin
The Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops are here to break any myths that all self-tans are drying. Offering the ultimate hydration hit, these skin-quenching drops are brimming with nourishing raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera for a healthy, glowing finish.
The best body tanning drops
1. Best for mature skin
It’s time to say goodbye to dull, tired skin. The Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops are supercharged with a range of skin-boosting ingredients such as caffeine, baobab, and oat extract, for tighter, brighter skin. These drops also work to smooth and firm, leaving a youthful and long-lasting glow.
2. Best for an instant, dewy glow
An instant, sun-soaked glow has never been so easy with the Iconic London Instant Sunshine Bronzing Drops. With convenience at the forefront of their design, these drops have a twist, click, and blend application, allowing you to effortlessly add radiance to your complexion. With an ultra-luminous finish, these drops can be used for an all-over glow, or on the high points of your cheeks as a highlighter.
3. Best for sensitive skin
For those of you with sensitive skin, trying out a new product can feel daunting. Luckily, the Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops are designed with sensitive skin in mind as their skin-loving tanning drops are dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic, fragrance and dye-free. They also won’t clog your pores, so you can spend less time worrying about your skin, and more time basking in your bronze.
