The 11 Best Self-Tanning Drops We Tested for an At-Home Glow

Mar. 15, 2025

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Best OverallSt. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow DropsPHOTO: Sephora$42 at Amazon$42 at Nordstrom$42 at UltaStar QualitiesWorks on faceandbodyResults last for daysHydrating and tone-evening formulaRed FlagsHigh price-to-fluid ounce ratioSt. Tropez is well known for its tanning mousse, but the Tan Tonic Glow Drops stole the hearts of our experts and editors alike. What separates these drops from the rest are their skin-loving ingredients that even the skin tone, smooth fine lines, and provide a youthful glow. You can add a drop or two straight to your skin to intensify the tan or add them to your moisturizer for a natural glow.We loved that these drops completely developed after eight hours and didn’t need to be washed off. They kept us looking tan for days, even after showering and washing our faces multiple times. While we wish the bottle was a little bigger for the price, this is a product we would repeatedly buy (especially during the pale winter months).Experts Say“When I want to add the appearance of [a] natural looking sun tan to my legs or arms I add a few drops of the St. Tropez tanning drops to my favorite body oil or lotion,” celebrity makeup artistKindra Mann, who toutsRenée ZellwegerandGlen Powellas clients, tells PEOPLE.Size:1.01 ounces |Key Ingredients:Niacinamide, vitamin E, echinacea, dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid |Drops Needed:1–6

Best OverallSt. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow DropsPHOTO: Sephora$42 at Amazon$42 at Nordstrom$42 at Ulta

Best OverallSt. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops

Best Overall

St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops

PHOTO: Sephora

St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops

$42 at Amazon$42 at Nordstrom$42 at Ulta

Star QualitiesWorks on faceandbodyResults last for daysHydrating and tone-evening formulaRed FlagsHigh price-to-fluid ounce ratio

Star QualitiesWorks on faceandbodyResults last for daysHydrating and tone-evening formula

Works on faceandbody

Results last for days

Hydrating and tone-evening formula

Red FlagsHigh price-to-fluid ounce ratio

High price-to-fluid ounce ratio

St. Tropez is well known for its tanning mousse, but the Tan Tonic Glow Drops stole the hearts of our experts and editors alike. What separates these drops from the rest are their skin-loving ingredients that even the skin tone, smooth fine lines, and provide a youthful glow. You can add a drop or two straight to your skin to intensify the tan or add them to your moisturizer for a natural glow.

We loved that these drops completely developed after eight hours and didn’t need to be washed off. They kept us looking tan for days, even after showering and washing our faces multiple times. While we wish the bottle was a little bigger for the price, this is a product we would repeatedly buy (especially during the pale winter months).

Experts Say“When I want to add the appearance of [a] natural looking sun tan to my legs or arms I add a few drops of the St. Tropez tanning drops to my favorite body oil or lotion,” celebrity makeup artistKindra Mann, who toutsRenée ZellwegerandGlen Powellas clients, tells PEOPLE.

Experts Say

“When I want to add the appearance of [a] natural looking sun tan to my legs or arms I add a few drops of the St. Tropez tanning drops to my favorite body oil or lotion,” celebrity makeup artistKindra Mann, who toutsRenée ZellwegerandGlen Powellas clients, tells PEOPLE.

Size:1.01 ounces |Key Ingredients:Niacinamide, vitamin E, echinacea, dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid |Drops Needed:1–6

Best Overall (Cheaper)Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning DropsPHOTO: AmazonView on Bondisands.euStar QualitiesFragrance-freeActive ingredients made our skin plumpGentle formula plays works for most skin typesRed FlagsCan’t apply makeup on topThis colorless and fragrance-free formula doubles as skincare and plays nicely with several skin types. It also blended seamlessly with our moisturizers during testing. You can use between four and 12 drops to evenly tan your skin, though we found that six drops gave us the perfect glow.Our complexions were given an extra dose of hydration thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E — which made our skin feel more smooth and supple after the pigment had developed.However, we recommend doing your typical skincare routine before adding these tanning drops into the mix, as you can’t add any other products on top of the serum until six hours have passed.Size:1.35 ounces |Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E |Drops Needed:4–12Pro Tip!“If you choose to mix with a moisturizer, try to avoid moisturizers that are true oils as they can interfere with self-tan development."—Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist

Best Overall (Cheaper)Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning DropsPHOTO: AmazonView on Bondisands.eu

Best Overall (Cheaper)Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops

View on Bondisands.eu

Star QualitiesFragrance-freeActive ingredients made our skin plumpGentle formula plays works for most skin typesRed FlagsCan’t apply makeup on top

Star QualitiesFragrance-freeActive ingredients made our skin plumpGentle formula plays works for most skin types

Fragrance-free

Active ingredients made our skin plump

Gentle formula plays works for most skin types

Red FlagsCan’t apply makeup on top

Can’t apply makeup on top

This colorless and fragrance-free formula doubles as skincare and plays nicely with several skin types. It also blended seamlessly with our moisturizers during testing. You can use between four and 12 drops to evenly tan your skin, though we found that six drops gave us the perfect glow.

Our complexions were given an extra dose of hydration thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E — which made our skin feel more smooth and supple after the pigment had developed.

However, we recommend doing your typical skincare routine before adding these tanning drops into the mix, as you can’t add any other products on top of the serum until six hours have passed.

Size:1.35 ounces |Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E |Drops Needed:4–12

Pro Tip!“If you choose to mix with a moisturizer, try to avoid moisturizers that are true oils as they can interfere with self-tan development."—Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist

Pro Tip!

“If you choose to mix with a moisturizer, try to avoid moisturizers that are true oils as they can interfere with self-tan development."—Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist

Best BudgetL’Oreal Paris Self Tan DropsPHOTO: Amazon$19$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$20 at WalmartStar QualitiesAffordable price with high-end resultsColor adjusts to your pH levelsEasy to find at most large retail storesRed FlagsCouldn’t find anyReal tans can be harmful and fake ones are usually pricey, so budget-friendly products like these drops are the perfect solution. This formula is customizable depending on how many drops you apply and leaves your skin feeling more hydrated than before due to its hyaluronic acid actives. Five to seven drops are enough for a slightly bronzed look, while eight to 10 are sufficient for a deeper glow — just be sure to apply them before bed so you can wake up to a beautiful bronze.Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredient:Hyaluronic acid |Drops Needed:5–10

Best BudgetL’Oreal Paris Self Tan DropsPHOTO: Amazon$19$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$20 at Walmart

Best BudgetL’Oreal Paris Self Tan Drops

Best Budget

L’Oreal Paris Self Tan Drops

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops with Hyaluronic Acid

$19$16 at Amazon$16 at Target$20 at Walmart

Star QualitiesAffordable price with high-end resultsColor adjusts to your pH levelsEasy to find at most large retail storesRed FlagsCouldn’t find any

Star QualitiesAffordable price with high-end resultsColor adjusts to your pH levelsEasy to find at most large retail stores

Affordable price with high-end results

Color adjusts to your pH levels

Easy to find at most large retail stores

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any

Couldn’t find any

Real tans can be harmful and fake ones are usually pricey, so budget-friendly products like these drops are the perfect solution. This formula is customizable depending on how many drops you apply and leaves your skin feeling more hydrated than before due to its hyaluronic acid actives. Five to seven drops are enough for a slightly bronzed look, while eight to 10 are sufficient for a deeper glow — just be sure to apply them before bed so you can wake up to a beautiful bronze.

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredient:Hyaluronic acid |Drops Needed:5–10

Best Face and Body

SOL by Jergens Deeper By The Drop Face and Body Serum

$38 at Amazon$21 at Target$15 at Walmart

Star QualitiesEasy to find at large beauty retailersHas a low price pointGentle, customizable formula is great for beginnersRed FlagsRequires many drops for a deep shade, may run out of it faster than others

Star QualitiesEasy to find at large beauty retailersHas a low price pointGentle, customizable formula is great for beginners

Easy to find at large beauty retailers

Has a low price point

Gentle, customizable formula is great for beginners

Red FlagsRequires many drops for a deep shade, may run out of it faster than others

Requires many drops for a deep shade, may run out of it faster than others

Nobody knows faux bronze better than a makeup artist to the stars:Ariel Tejada, celebrity makeup artist toKim KardashianandKylie Jenner, recommends these Jergens drops for an at-home bronze. We noticed a subtle, transfer-resistant tan develop within a few hours after mixing a few drops with our moisturizers and didn’t experience breakouts or irritation, either.

Pro Tip!Be picky with your placement. “I love to tan-tour withDeeper By The Drop,” says Tejada. “I mix a few drops of the tanning serum in my moisturizer, and I apply on the places that I want to contour (i.e., nose, cheeks, jaw, etc.).” The end result: a subtly sculpted face without a stitch of makeup.

Be picky with your placement. “I love to tan-tour withDeeper By The Drop,” says Tejada. “I mix a few drops of the tanning serum in my moisturizer, and I apply on the places that I want to contour (i.e., nose, cheeks, jaw, etc.).” The end result: a subtly sculpted face without a stitch of makeup.

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Coconut water, winter cherry extract, acai palm fruit extract |Drops Needed:3–15

PHOTO: People / Chelsea DintermanPHOTO: People / Chelsea DintermanPHOTO: People / Chelsea Dinterman

A person’s hand is shown holding Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

A person’s face is shown after applying Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

A person’s face before applying Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

A person’s hand is shown holding Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

A person’s face is shown after applying Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

A person’s face before applying Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop

Best DrugstoreTanologist Face + Body DropsPHOTO: Amazon$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$22 at Ulta

Best DrugstoreTanologist Face + Body Drops

Best Drugstore

Tanologist Face + Body Drops

$20 at Amazon$20 at Target$22 at Ulta

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceCan be used on the face and bodySoothes skin and encourages collagen productionRed FlagsDevelopment takes several hours

Star QualitiesBudget-friendly priceCan be used on the face and bodySoothes skin and encourages collagen production

Budget-friendly price

Can be used on the face and body

Soothes skin and encourages collagen production

Red FlagsDevelopment takes several hours

Development takes several hours

When you break down the formula of Tanologist’s Face and Body Drops you’ll find a rich abundance of antioxidants, which are beneficial for the repair and regeneration of skin cells. Not to mention, it imparts a realistic, non-muddy color. These drops have some major staying power as well — lingering for a couple of days after just one application.

“In the warmer months when my body is a bit darker from sunless tanner, I like to mix a few drops of this self-tanning liquid with my moisturizer. It gives off the most natural, non-orangey bit of warmth that makes it look like I was just on a Caribbean island.”—Lindsey Metrus, director of social and video

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Aloe vera, pink grapefruit, goji berry, juniper |Drops Needed:1–12

Best InstantDrunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine DropsPHOTO: Ulta$39$34 at Amazon$39 at Sephora$39 at UltaStar QualitiesGives an instant dose of warmth that can be washed off laterHydrating and plumping formulaPlays well with any products you add it toRed FlagsTemporary; will wash offThese are the best temporarybronzing drops that we testedbecause of their versatility, hydrating formula, and ease of removal. Our tester added a few drops of this cocoa-heavy concoction to practically all of her serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup bases to craft a shade that was unique to her skin tone — a feat possible because of its pH-reactive formula that customized her color. It’s also armed with an ingredient list that keeps skincare at the forefront, nourishing the skin barrier while offering protection from environmental pollutants.Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Cocoa extract, platinum peptides, chronocyclin |Drops Needed:1People / Alyssa Brascia

Best InstantDrunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine DropsPHOTO: Ulta$39$34 at Amazon$39 at Sephora$39 at Ulta

Best InstantDrunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

Best Instant

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

PHOTO: Ulta

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

$39$34 at Amazon$39 at Sephora$39 at Ulta

Star QualitiesGives an instant dose of warmth that can be washed off laterHydrating and plumping formulaPlays well with any products you add it toRed FlagsTemporary; will wash off

Star QualitiesGives an instant dose of warmth that can be washed off laterHydrating and plumping formulaPlays well with any products you add it to

Gives an instant dose of warmth that can be washed off later

Hydrating and plumping formula

Plays well with any products you add it to

Red FlagsTemporary; will wash off

Temporary; will wash off

These are the best temporarybronzing drops that we testedbecause of their versatility, hydrating formula, and ease of removal. Our tester added a few drops of this cocoa-heavy concoction to practically all of her serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup bases to craft a shade that was unique to her skin tone — a feat possible because of its pH-reactive formula that customized her color. It’s also armed with an ingredient list that keeps skincare at the forefront, nourishing the skin barrier while offering protection from environmental pollutants.

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Cocoa extract, platinum peptides, chronocyclin |Drops Needed:1

People / Alyssa Brascia

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops on a dresser

Best InvestmentLux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face DropsPHOTO: Amazon$42 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Luxunfiltered.com

Best InvestmentLux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Best Investment

Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Lux Unfiltered NÂ°12 Bronzing Face Drops

$42 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Luxunfiltered.com

Star QualitiesA little goes a long wayLightweight, irritant- and fragrance-free formulaHydrating and plumpingRed FlagsSmall bottle given the price

Star QualitiesA little goes a long wayLightweight, irritant- and fragrance-free formulaHydrating and plumping

A little goes a long way

Lightweight, irritant- and fragrance-free formula

Hydrating and plumping

Red FlagsSmall bottle given the price

Small bottle given the price

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Pomegranate extract, coconut water, passionfruit oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid |Drops Needed:2–6

People / Sarah Felbin

A box of Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse and a box of Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops sit on a counter

Best Color-CorrectingIsle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow DropsPHOTO: Amazon$29 at Amazon$15 at Sephora$29 at Kohls.com

Best Color-CorrectingIsle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow Drops

Best Color-Correcting

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow Drops

$29 at Amazon$15 at Sephora$29 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesDevelops into a natural, non-orange tanDoesn’t transfer or stain bed sheetsHydrating and doesn’t stick to dry spotsRed FlagsNothing to add here!

Star QualitiesDevelops into a natural, non-orange tanDoesn’t transfer or stain bed sheetsHydrating and doesn’t stick to dry spots

Develops into a natural, non-orange tan

Doesn’t transfer or stain bed sheets

Hydrating and doesn’t stick to dry spots

Red FlagsNothing to add here!

Nothing to add here!

The glorious (and non-muddy) glow that we achieved with these drops keeps us coming back for more. Instead of leaving us with streaky skin, this formula was able to even out our redness and didn’t cling to dry spots — an essential during pale winter tanning sessions. An extra perk: You can nab these dropsin several shades, and there’s a formula that’s specifically madefor your body.

“I’m fair and self-tanners can look harsh on me, but the fair version works well for my skin. I use about two to four drops per body part and the color lasts a long time, even after swimming in the pool or ocean.”—Dwyer Frame, senior vice president

Size:1.01 ounces |Key Ingredients:Glycerin, avocado oil, chia seeds |Drops Needed:2–12

Someone holding Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops

Best for All Skin TypesTan-Luxe The FacePHOTO: Tan-Luxe$50 at Amazon$50 at Nordstrom$25 at SephoraStar QualitiesNon-comedogenic formulaFull of skin-loving active ingredientsZero blotches or streaks in final resultRed FlagsFairly expensiveLooking for a non-comedogenic product that sinks seamlessly into the skin and delivers a year-round tan? The Tan-Luxe drops are packed with regenerative properties that even and soothe the skin, yet remain a generally pore-clogger-free product — ideal for tan-seekers with acne. But no matter your skin type, this formula works seamlessly with normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin to craft a custom shade that won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.Size:1.01 ounces |Key Ingredients:Raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E |Drops Needed:2–12

Best for All Skin TypesTan-Luxe The FacePHOTO: Tan-Luxe$50 at Amazon$50 at Nordstrom$25 at Sephora

Best for All Skin TypesTan-Luxe The Face

Best for All Skin Types

Tan-Luxe The Face

PHOTO: Tan-Luxe

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

$50 at Amazon$50 at Nordstrom$25 at Sephora

Star QualitiesNon-comedogenic formulaFull of skin-loving active ingredientsZero blotches or streaks in final resultRed FlagsFairly expensive

Star QualitiesNon-comedogenic formulaFull of skin-loving active ingredientsZero blotches or streaks in final result

Non-comedogenic formula

Full of skin-loving active ingredients

Zero blotches or streaks in final result

Red FlagsFairly expensive

Fairly expensive

Looking for a non-comedogenic product that sinks seamlessly into the skin and delivers a year-round tan? The Tan-Luxe drops are packed with regenerative properties that even and soothe the skin, yet remain a generally pore-clogger-free product — ideal for tan-seekers with acne. But no matter your skin type, this formula works seamlessly with normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin to craft a custom shade that won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.

Size:1.01 ounces |Key Ingredients:Raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E |Drops Needed:2–12

Best for Dry SkinClarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for FacePHOTO: Clarins$37 at Amazon$37 at UltaView on Clarinsusa.comStar QualitiesDoesn’t transfer or stain sheetsSoothing formula hydrates dry and irritated skinTwo undertone-specific shades for universal bronzingRed FlagsA little priceyLet’s face it: Our skin is often not (if ever) perfect. We have days with breakouts, sunburns, dryness, and more — and Charlotte Tilbury’s tanning drops target many of these concerns. These drops work hard to calm and hydrate irritated skin while imparting a natural-looking glow with its undertone-specific formulas (fair/mediumfor cool red undertones andtan/deepfor olive or deep skin).One dropper-full produces a healthy-looking tan that lasts for four days without sticking to dry spots, transferring to fabric, or becoming streaky, making it well worth the higher price tag. Plus, you can apply it straight to your skin, no moisturizer necessary, without worrying that it will look too intense.Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, erythrulose (keto sugar) |Drops Needed:2–12

Best for Dry SkinClarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for FacePHOTO: Clarins$37 at Amazon$37 at UltaView on Clarinsusa.com

Best for Dry SkinClarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face

Best for Dry Skin

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face

PHOTO: Clarins

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face

$37 at Amazon$37 at UltaView on Clarinsusa.com

Star QualitiesDoesn’t transfer or stain sheetsSoothing formula hydrates dry and irritated skinTwo undertone-specific shades for universal bronzingRed FlagsA little pricey

Star QualitiesDoesn’t transfer or stain sheetsSoothing formula hydrates dry and irritated skinTwo undertone-specific shades for universal bronzing

Doesn’t transfer or stain sheets

Soothing formula hydrates dry and irritated skin

Two undertone-specific shades for universal bronzing

Red FlagsA little pricey

A little pricey

Let’s face it: Our skin is often not (if ever) perfect. We have days with breakouts, sunburns, dryness, and more — and Charlotte Tilbury’s tanning drops target many of these concerns. These drops work hard to calm and hydrate irritated skin while imparting a natural-looking glow with its undertone-specific formulas (fair/mediumfor cool red undertones andtan/deepfor olive or deep skin).

One dropper-full produces a healthy-looking tan that lasts for four days without sticking to dry spots, transferring to fabric, or becoming streaky, making it well worth the higher price tag. Plus, you can apply it straight to your skin, no moisturizer necessary, without worrying that it will look too intense.

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, erythrulose (keto sugar) |Drops Needed:2–12

Best SerumTypology Self-Tanning SerumPHOTO: TypologyView on Typology.com

Best SerumTypology Self-Tanning Serum

Best Serum

Typology Self-Tanning Serum

PHOTO: Typology

Typology Self-Tanning Serum

View on Typology.com

Star QualitiesSkincare-forward formulaFragrance-free, gentle product for sensitive skinOften out of stockRed FlagsOften out of stock

Star QualitiesSkincare-forward formulaFragrance-free, gentle product for sensitive skinOften out of stock

Skincare-forward formula

Fragrance-free, gentle product for sensitive skin

Often out of stock

Red FlagsOften out of stock

This formula puts skincare on center stage with tanning as the supporting act (though we achieved days-long bronzes with this serum). Its naturally-derived ingredients encouragemelanogenesis, the skin’s natural tanning process, and left us with a tan that lasted the whole week. (We used this serum twice in one week and felt as if we lookedtootan.)

Size:1 ounce |Key Ingredients:DHA 10%, carob pulp extract, erythrulose, buriti oil |Drops Needed:2–6

People / Paden Reich

Typology Self-Tanning Serum displayed on a white table

Other Self-Tanning Drops We Tried

What to Know About Self-Tanning Drops

Spending a day in the sun without proper protection is all fun and games until skin damage comes into play, which is why getting your bronze out of a bottle is a safer bet (and allows you to be tan all year long). Picking the drops that are right for you can be a tough feat, but we have a few criteria to keep in mind that will help solidify your search.

Undertone

Being able to identify the undertone of your skin is a tough job, but an important step in narrowing down the shade of drops that is right for you. Many tanners have color correctors in their products as well, which an even redness and hyperpigmentation.

“When you use a self-tan with a color corrector, purple will cancel out orange tones, green will cancel out red tones, but it will also cancel out orange and yellow hues as well,” says Evans “As soon as the tan fully develops and your first shower has taken place, you are left with a color that has been derived from your own pigmentation and body chemistry, with the idea that any color correctors will block any fake, orange-looking hues,” she adds.

Ingredients

Often, atural (and temporary) dyes like cocoa extract and soothing agents like aloe vera are used to create a plant-derived tanning tanner. As a product that’s made to sink into the skin, you’ll want to make sure that you know what your body is absorbing.

Compatibility

But be warned — tanning drops will not prevent sunburn, so if you choose to wear them before going out for the day, make sure youadd them to your face SPFfor a bit of faux sun.

To avoid breakouts or irritation, be sure to look into the type of skin that each formula works best with to find your perfect fit that looks and feels good.

Frequently Asked Questions

“I like to add tanning drops to myface oilat night. It works great and I wake up looking like I just got back from the beach,” says Feldman. However, Evans advises you to take caution when it comes to certain types of moisturizers that you use in tandem with your drops.

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can take another page out of Evans’ book and apply it directly to your skin for a robust tan. “I apply any eye serums/creams, then I add a few tanning drops directly onto a cleanmakeup brushand smooth over my face, ensuring every area is covered. I even fade out at my earlobes and always apply under and over the eye area,” she says.

Self-tanning drops work like any other self-tanner, but the special part about this type of product is the customizable aspect of it. “How you get an area lighter or darker is all to do with how many drops you use to cover, [as] the self-tan is in a concentrated form,” Evans explains.Depending on what the instructions on your drops’ bottle indicate, you should dispense as little or as much (as the packaging recommends) into your moisturizer or serum. Then, you simply blend it into your skin like your normal moisturizer or buff it out with a brush like Evans.

Depending on what the instructions on your drops’ bottle indicate, you should dispense as little or as much (as the packaging recommends) into your moisturizer or serum. Then, you simply blend it into your skin like your normal moisturizer or buff it out with a brush like Evans.

Depending on the product, your tan should last betweenone and three dayswithout needing reapplication. However, some are more long-wearing, like theTanologist Face and Body Drops, as opposed to the Drunk Elephant Drops which are removed after a singular wash. Most drops are made to last for a day or two at least, though washing your face, removing your makeup, and sweating will all play a part in how long and how well your tan remains on the skin.And as always, be sure to do a patch test before trying the product all over your body. “The only way to really tell how good a self-tan will be is to do a patch test; a good self-tan will look good on the skin from initial application,” Evans says. “I would always avoid a self-tan if it feels sticky. It should be formulated with premium ingredients that absorb effortlessly into the skin without causing any transfer.”

And as always, be sure to do a patch test before trying the product all over your body. “The only way to really tell how good a self-tan will be is to do a patch test; a good self-tan will look good on the skin from initial application,” Evans says. “I would always avoid a self-tan if it feels sticky. It should be formulated with premium ingredients that absorb effortlessly into the skin without causing any transfer.”

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source: people.com

The 11 Best Self-Tanning Drops We Tested for an At-Home Glow

In This Article

Best Overall

St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops

Experts Say

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops

Pro Tip!

Best Budget

L’Oreal Paris Self Tan Drops

Best Face and Body

Best Drugstore

Tanologist Face + Body Drops

Best Instant

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

Best Investment

Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

Best Color-Correcting

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Glow Drops

Best for All Skin Types

Tan-Luxe The Face

Best for Dry Skin

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face

Best Serum

Typology Self-Tanning Serum

Other Self-Tanning Drops We Tried

What to Know About Self-Tanning Drops

Undertone

Ingredients

Compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Expert Panel

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