The visual difference between the two-drop mixture (left) and four-drop mixture (right) is obvious. It’s easy to use Standout Review: “If used as directed, it gives you the perfect summer glow that looks natural. It does not look orange and is not streaky at all, it just looks perfect. I truly do not feel as if I have had tanning drops work this well before.” —a Revolve customer Think of them as your go-to serum, just with some bronzing power. St. Tropez Tanning and Skincare Expert, Michaella Bolder, explains: While exfoliating with your trusted AHA or BHA toner is great for getting rid of any dead skin cells for a flawless application, it's important to wait a few hours – or overnight – before applying your tanning drops over the top. Face tanners are designed specifically for the face as they contain skincare level ingredients targeted to help treat our daily concerns and strengthen the skin's barrier, as well as add a natural golden finish, rather than a deeper tan result found in body products."

Use a [non-oil based] moisturiser on all dry areas just before applying your tan. To keep your tan looking even and radiant, ensure you keep your skin hydrated; opt for a rich butter or moisturiser to help to add nourishment.” It should take between two to six drops to get an even tan, and they can be applied morning or night. Are tanning drops better than gradual tan? Any exfoliation must always take place at least a few hours before you apply a new layer of self-tan. And ensure you avoid any oil-based shower gels or moisturisers ahead of tanning, as the oil will act as a barrier.’

Application

Unlike fake tans, liquid bronzers work similar to a complexion makeup product, meaning they don't stain your skin. All they do is add saturated bronzing pigments such as iron oxide and mica (that can also include shimmer for that highlighter-looking finish) that are buildable, easy to blend and safe for your skin. You can also combine the drops with your daily moisturiser for a lighter finish,’ Michaella Bolder, St. Tropez’s tanning and skincare expert, explains. ‘Avoid using any exfoliating products directly before applying tan and don't use it in conjunction with vitamin A or retinol.

Importantly, Dagdag notes that bronzing drops do not contain self-tanner and are thus not tanning drops. They're simply another makeup product; think of them as your highlighter's chill older sister. How do you add bronzing drops to your routine? D-Bronzi from Drunk Elephant is perhaps the most well-known bronzer on this list. The drops are very concentrated and deliver a true shimmering bronze to your skin (you may look like a statue straight out of the Aegean Sea if you get heavy-handed). Dagdag notes that the formula is serum-like, which gives it some added appeal; there's a peptide complex and a synthetic antioxidant for well-aging benefits. To find the tanning drops that provided the perfect bronze, we put them through the wringer and thoroughly tested them out. Scroll down to see the ones that passed the hype test and are worthy of your money. Are tanning drops good for your skin? We asked Michaella Bolder, St. Tropez tanning and skincare expert, for her tips on how to make your tan last for longer. “ Exfoliation is an essential first step — exfoliate at least a few hours before you apply a new layer of self-tan,” she advises. “It's also important to avoid using any oil-based shower gels or moisturisers ahead of tanning, as the oil will act as a barrier to the tan and prevent it from developing. Avoid using any exfoliating products before applying tan. It is not advisable to use any tanning solution in conjunction with vitamin A or retinol," says Bolder.With summer in full swing, it's especially important to protect your skin from the sun — no exceptions. I like to recommend mixing drops with moisturiser on the top of a flat surface or between your fingers then blend with a large foundation brush for a matt finish," says Bolder. The more hydrating formula also makes tanning drops a great option for those with drier skin, too. Tanning drops and gradual tan are both great options if you want a bespoke your glow and prefer to develop a natural-looking tan over time. But which formulation is better is really down to personal choice. If you're a fake tan rookie or have been burned in the past (let's not even go there), tanning drops will be a game-changer. Squeeze 2-6 drops into the palm of your hand, then sweep around your face using two fingers as you would your serum. Wait a few moments before applying your moisturiser. You can also combine the tonic drops with your daily moisturiser for a lighter finish."

Face tanners are designed specifically for this area as they contain skincare ingredients targeted to help treat our daily concerns, strengthen the skin's barrier and add a natural golden finish, rather than the deeper tan result you often get with body products,” Bolder says. How do you apply self-tan drops? Tanning drops are a formula which contain a self tan formula to give your skin a faux sun tan, and depending on the product can vary from light to dark shades. With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.Mix the Tan Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tanning Drops into a moisturizer, serum, or oil for a tan.