Whether you’re trundling through the depths of winter or opening the window to a beautifully sunny day in June, the power of golden, sun-kissed skin truly knows no bounds.
Bronzing drops are a non-committal means of achieving a wonderful glow without the need to experiment with longer-lasting self-tanner, which often runs the risk of developing darker than expected. They provide an instant, healthy lift to a tired, hitherto sun-deprived complexion and boost confidence tenfold without the need to expose skin to UV rays for an extended period of time.
We chatted to the founder of Isle of Paradise, Jules Von Hep, for some insight into the golden world of bronzing drops.
What are bronzing drops and how do they work?
“Bronzing drops and bronzing serums are a cosmetic quick fix to achieving a healthy-looking post-vacation glow, designed to be worn alone or mixed with a serum, moisturiser or foundation to give a sun-kissed look to the skin, usually designed for all skin tones – the more drops you add, the deeper the end result will be.”
Should bronzing drops be mixed with moisturiser?
“It’s totally up to you and dependent on the type of bronzing drops you’re using. Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum is designed to be worn four ways, on its own as a bronzing base, mixed with moisturiser or foundation for a more subtle bronze, as a highlight on cheeks, nose, chin and outer brow or as an instant tan for decolletage.
“Do your research before you purchase, not all bronzing drops are the same! Ensure you read the ingredients and look out for those with hydrating benefits, rather than just cosmetic colouring. Ingredients such as squalane, niacinamide and jojoba oil will help the final result blend more evenly whilst hydrating and brightening the skin at the same time.”
What's the best way to apply bronzing drops?
“Bronzing drops perform better when warmed up prior to application. If you’re mixing them with a moisturiser, place your usual amount of moisturiser on the back of your hand, add in the desired amount of bronzing drops or serum and mix using your fingers. Scoop from the back of your hand and rub between your fingertips to warm up the formulation.
“After applying bronzing drops with your fingers, take a clean bronzer brush and sweep in circular motions around the face, jawline, ears and hairline to buff and blend. Leave for a few minutes while they settle into the skin before applying any further make-up.”
Should bronzing drops be removed like makeup at the end of the day?
“Absolutely. Bronzing drops or instant tan serums aren’t like self-tanner – they act instantly and sit on top of the skin rather than reacting with your amino acids. As with make-up, it is recommended that face is double cleansed prior to bedtime.”
Do bronzing drops work instantly?
“Yes, you will see a result instantly. If you require a deeper shade, simply add more bronzing drops, less moisturiser and repeat. If you feel the end shade is too dark for you, add more moisturiser to your face or keep sweeping a clean bronzer brush over your face to buff off any excess.”
Without further ado, we’ve curated a selection of the best bronzing drops on the market. Keep scrolling to radiate a golden glow no matter the weather.
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Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops 30ml
Powered by a wonderfully hydrating formula, Drunk Elephant’s cult-favourite Sunshine Drops offer an unbeatably flattering glow for every complexion.
They’re formulated with a chronopeptide, which offers the same antioxidant benefits of vitamin D, as well as vitamin F, virgin marula and black currant seed oils which work together to protect the skin barrier while delivering an instant, sheer and perfectly bronzed boost.
Buy now £34.00, Cult Beauty
Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
For an effortlessly sun-kissed glow that offers a barely-there, no-makeup look, Clinique has got you covered. The multi-tasking oil-free gel bronzer is suitable for all skin types and has a shimmery, sheer finish.
Created to melt into the skin with ease, it can be mixed with your favourite moisturiser or applied directly for a slightly darker complexion.
Buy now £32.00, Clinique
Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum 30ml
Beautifully buildable, Isle of Paradise’s Sunny Serum works hard to deliver an all-over glow, so that you don’t have to. The versatile serum is enriched with a terrific trio of hydrating, tone-evening ingredients including squalane, niacinamide and jojoba oil.
Whether used as a radiant primer, a shimmery, bronzed highlighter or mixed with your favourite moisturiser to deliver an instant lift, this sunny hero belongs in your capsule makeup collection.
Buy now £15.95, lookfantastic
First Aid Beauty Bronze And Glow Drops With Niacinamide 30ml
Enjoy golden hour all day long with First Aid Beauty’s niacinamide-infused bronzing drops. With an impressive 5 per cent niacinamide concentration, you can be sure that your skin will remain hydrated and oh-so glowy for a full 24 hours no matter what the weather conditions outside may be.
Safe for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic and perfect for layering with makeup, these brilliant bronzing drops offer a skin-first approach and an almighty, brightening boost.
Buy now £26.00, lookfantastic
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops 40ml
Yet another niacinamide-infused bronzing serum, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow is a universally flattering, hydrating and skin tone evening dream. Formulated to minimise the appearance of pores over time, it’s filled to the brim with kind-to-skin products including antioxidant-rich centella, hyaluronic acid and soothing watermelon extract. Complete with a gorgeous, watermelon scent, it’s truly sunshine in a bottle.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops
Best for: sensitive skin-friendly bronzer
With three different shade options, Pai’s Bronzing Drops provides that lit-from-within look with an intense bronzing glow. What sets this product apart from your standard bronzer is that the formula is even suitable for those with sensitive skin. The ingredients boost hydration with hyaluronic acid, sea kelp and vitamin C-rich lemon fruit water to amplify the radiance.
Buy now £18.99, Cult Beauty
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops Dark 30ml
Want to go all out with your tanning? Or using tanning products to even out your skin tone? Coco & Eve has just two colours for its Honey Bronzing Face Drops - Medium and Dark - which are designed to give you a Bali bronze.
It’s a hydrating formula that is water-based with a natural form of DHA complete with a booster so you get a realistic, richer tan quicker than you can say “Which way to the beach?”.
Buy now £22.00, Coco & Eve
Ultra Violette Super Glow Drops SPF50
One of our favourite SPF brands is adding to its collection of sun-shielding formulas with SKINSCREEN. This makeup-suncare hybrid from Ultra Violette has SPF50 as well as a glowy tint so that your cosmetics will not interfere with protecting your complexion from UVA and UVB rays.
It comes in two variations; Bronzing and Illuminating and blends seamlessly into the skin. The brand suggests placing a few drops on the high points of your face for a sun-kissed glow or all over for a confidence-boosting tan.
Buy now £33.00, Cult Beauty
Sisley Self Tanning Hydrating Facial Skincare
This fan-favourite product is considered a cult buy among fashion editors. Combining skincare and tanning, it works to nourish your skin with moisture-boosting plant-based and antioxidant-rich ingredients, while offering a subtle tint. You really can’t go wrong with this product. Just apply every couple of days to maintain the glow. It can be used on all skin tones from light to dark.
Buy now £118.00, Space NK
Omorovicza Face Glow
Hungarian skincare label Omorovicza’s Face Glow will give you an effortless tan without exposing your skin to the damaging effects of the sun. Use regularly to deepen the colour but with just a few layers, you will notice a subtle natural golden hue that gradually develops. The gentle formula contains apple pectin and plum almond oil that nourishes your skin while bronzing. It has a pleasant citrus scent.
Buy now £36.00, Sephora
