I don't know if it's just me, but by the end of winter, I look borderline deceased. Pale, lacklustre and just altogether MEH. Enter, tanning drops. I can always rely on the glow of a good fake tan to give me instant oomph and a halo of health — it makes my hair look brighter, teeth whiter, and always prompts compliments and questions like, “Have you been sleeping better recently?” Such is the power of a good glow.
Get sun-kissed without the harmful rays.
Like everyone, I'm a fan of my trusted faves — shout out Isle of Paradise's Self Tanning Mousse in Medium — but I've recently discovered the beauty of tanning drops for their ease of use and adaptability. They're particularly handy if you're not quite ready to commit to a fake tan yet, and serve a subtle and coveted “golden hour” glow (minus the sun damage, thankfully).
Here's everything you need to know about the versatile beauty must-have:
What are tanning drops?
Just as the name suggests, they usually come in bottle form with a droplet screw top that allows you to ‘drop’ small amounts of tan to mix with your existing skincare products or use on their own. You can easily wear them on a makeup-free day to add a bit of warmth and glow to your skin, mix them directly into your go-to moisturiser for a more natural look, or use them as a primer before applying foundation for that lit-from-within bronzed finish. Self-tanning drops are a versatile way to customise your glow and seamlessly incorporate self-tan into your existing skincare routine," shares Caitlyn Keely, Head of Brand at Bondi Sands at Kao.
A lot of formulas these days are also super skin-friendly, boasting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, glycerin, peptides and hyaluronic acid, so your skin will get a health boost, too. And unlike face tanners, liquid bronzers work like a complexion product, so they won't stain your skin. Rather, they're infused with saturated bronzing pigments such as iron oxide and mica that make the formula buildable, easy to blend and safe for your face. Win, win.
How do I use tanning drops?
“Simply mix a few drops with your preferred moisturiser and apply evenly to the face or body”, says Keely. “The more drops you use, the deeper the result.”
Tanning drops are particularly well-suited to the face, as they layer effortlessly with skincare and leave skin looking fresh and radiant. As with any customisable product, it can take a little trial and error to determine your ideal number of drops, and thorough mixing is essential to ensure an even finish.
Tanning drops are a great option if you'd like more versatility from your tan. “One of the key benefits of tanning drops is the control they offer; the formula is buildable, allowing you to tailor the depth of colour and maintain a natural-looking, gradual tan throughout the year,” Keely adds.
So, if you're looking for a healthy spring glow this season, maybe add tanning drops to your basket next time you're in Boots. Your skin will thank you for it.
We put the orange stuff to the test.
