The best tanning drops for a believable sun-kissed glow
Fake it ‘til you make it with a natural-looking tan
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
The temperature might currently be in the single digits outside, but who’s to say we can’t pretend we’ve been retreating to tropical climes, coming back beautifully sunkissed and believably bronzed? But, before you reach for your usual hardcore summer self-tanner, think again. A natural-looking glow requires a subtler touch – and tanning drops offer the perfect solution to topping up your fading summer tan and bringing a radiant glow back to your skin, whatever the weather.
Simple to use – just add a couple of drops to your normal moisturiser, mix well and massage into the skin – this effortless step will give you that year-round golden goddess look that you’ve been craving. The more drops you add, the deeper the colour, so you can adapt your glow from a subtle gleam to a deep Ibiza-style bronze with the seasons. All of the beauty benefits with none of the travel stress? We’re sold.
We’ve picked some of our favourite tanning drops from the likes of Tan-Luxe, Charlotte Tilbury and St. Tropez to bring you the ultimate edit to cheat your tan and brighten the room. Ready, set, glow.
Evolve Sunless Glow Self Tanning Drops
Tanning drops have long been synonymous with a faint biscuity aroma and a slightly sticky feeling – but Evolve’s new sunless drops have changed the game. Perfect for all skin tones, this organic formula is designed to blend into your moisturiser or serum to deliver a customisable but radiant glow. Infused with 100 per cent natural DHA and erythrulose (aka, tanning agents), as well as hyaluronic acid, maca root extract and centella asiatica, this is what we call hard-working skincare.
Pai Skincare The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan Drops
When Pai Skincare’s founder, Sarah Brown, found her skin to become itchy and hyper-sensitive, she set out to create a range of products that would be inherently kind to skin – and Pai’s hydrating self-tan drops are no exception. This barely-there formula will fit effortlessly into your skincare routine and promises a dose of hydration which will last up to eight hours, as well as that golden glow.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Need a new niacinamide for summer? Look no further than Glow Recipe’s watermelon-scented dew drops, which smell like sunshine in a bottle. Designed to smooth pores and even out skin tone, this niacinamide has been paired with antioxidant-rich centella and a unique tanning complex to impart a subtle sun-kissed tan. We love a multi-tasker.
Tan-Luxe The Face self-tan drops
Get the ‘I’ve just got back from the Maldives look with Tan-Luxe’s miracle-working tanning drops. Simply mix into your usual body lotion or oil and watch for glowing results. The formula is enriched with raspberry seed oil and vitamin E for added hydration and moisture, while Tan-Luxe’s Cellutone Complex tones and firms the skin for an overall bronze, boosted appearance.
St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow drops
St. Tropez’s glow drops will work wonders on your skin, providing a natural-looking tan in just four to eight hours, as well as plumping, protecting, smoothing and reducing redness. The multi-tasking formula contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, echinacea and acerola cherry, which is rich in vitamins C and E, for a formula that is suitable for all skin tones and non-comedogenic (so no clogged pores). Apply directly to the skin or dilute into moisturiser for streak-free, radiant skin.
Isle of Paradise 2.0 self-tanning drops
Supercharged with green, peach and purple colour-correcting actives, Isle of Paradise’s new and improved tanning drops boast a glow-boosting formula designed to brighten complexion. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide to smooth and brighten the skin for a healthy, energised look. Apply as little or often as desired by mixing up to 12 drops into your moisturiser, and flaunt a flawless tan that will last up to five days.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow tanning drops
Looking for sunshine in a bottle? Charlotte Tilbury’s tanning drops will provide just what you’re looking for, creating a plumped, sun-kissed look, whatever the season. A non-sticky, streak-free, lightweight formula featuring tan-enhancing molecules alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, your skin will be left deeply nourished and beautifully bronzed. For a buildable tan, apply before, during or after moisturising and watch your glow develop in six to eight hours and last up to four days.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Bronzing Super Glow drops
A skincare-makeup hybrid, Ultra Violette’s 2-in-1 Queen Screen will protect and bronze the skin simultaneously. The lightweight formula is best added to suncream or worn under makeup to shield skin effectively from UV rays (it’s SPF50) while also providing a natural-looking bronzed glow. A tan without the damage, use for a safe sunkissed look.
Dr Sebagh self-tanning drops
Gradually build an even faux tan with Dr Sebagh’s tanning drops. Streak-free, scent-free and with no need for dangerous sun exposure, the formula will provide a natural-looking glowing complexion minus any damage. It also protects against HEV (High Energy Visible) light from the sun’s rays and digital devices to keep skin youthful, smooth and radiant. Mix into your cream, serums or moisturisers and witness your golden glow develop.
Read more: The best collagen supplements for healthy skin and hair
