As every dermatologist and skincare expert will tell you, limiting your skin’s exposure to the sun’s rays is one of the best things you can do for your skin health. Not only to avoid painful sunburn and long-term damage, but also to reduce hyperpigmentation and inflammation, and to keep fine lines, age spots and other signs of skin ageing at bay.
Fortunately, if you are still craving a warm, bronzed glow, there are plenty of fake tan products out there to choose from. From gradual tans to instant tans, and mousses, mists, lotions and drops, fool-proof tans have come a long way from the patchy, orange, smelly formulas of the past.
(Image credit: @JORDANRISA)
Self-tanning drops, in particular, are my personal favourite way to give my skin a subtle, believable bronze—and what’s more they’re super easy to use. Mess-free, customisable and virtually impossible to overdo, the best tan drops feel more like an extra step in your skincare routine—often packed with skincare benefits, and much less likely to cause issues for sensitive and breakout-prone skin. When I’m in a rush and don’t have time for a lengthy tanning routine, I’ve found that adding just a few drops of self-tan to my face cream or body moisturiser is one of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve a sun-kissed finish, from head to toe.
Ready to glow? I’ve rounded up the very best self-tanning drops for both face and body, right in time for summer.
The Best Tanning Drops, Tried & Tested
- Best tanning drops overall: Tan Luxe the Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
- Best gradual tanning drops: Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
- Best affordable tanning drops: Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops
- Best tanning drops for dry skin: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
- Best tanning drops for acne-prone skin: Tanologist Face and Body Drops
- Best tanning drop for body: Isle of Paradise Body Drops
1. Tan Luxe the Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Tan-Luxe
The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Best for: Buildable glow
The reviews say it all. These self-tanning drops are somewhat of a cult product within the beauty world because they deliver a subtle, healthy glow with zero faff. Simply dispense a few drops into your night cream, and you’ll wake up to a beautifully radiant glow.
For
- Natural-looking, buildable glow
- Packed with hydrating ingredients
Against
- A little pricier, but so worth it
2. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
Beauty Pie
Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
Price shown is members' price.
Best for: A natural look
If you want natural-looking results that you can gradually build up each day, you absolutely have to have these Beauty Pie tanning drops on your radar. Not only do they impart an even glow, but they're also infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as prebiotics, amino acids and peptides to nourish the skin. They're great if you find most tanning drops upset your skin, and the serum texture sinks straight in to a non-sticky finish.
For
- Infused with hyaluronic acid
- Beautifully buildable
- Unintimidating
Against
- May not be suitable for dark skin tones
3. Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops
Bondi Sands
Self Tan Drops
Best for: Transformative bronzer
From Aussie tanning experts, Bondi Sands, these drops are suitable for use on both face and body—making light work of your weekly tanning routine. "I've tried many tanning drops over the years ,however none have been quite as effective as these ones from Bondi Sands. Offering an intense but buildable glow, I like to mix a few drops in with my moisturiser in the evening, and after around two or three days, my complexion looks brighter, more radiant and with a natural bronzed finish," says freelance fashion and beauty editor, Jazzria Harris.
For
- Dark tone offers an intense glow
- Great option for darker skin tones
- Relatively affordable
Against
- May be too dark for pale skin tones
4. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
Coco & Eve
Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
Best for: Dry skin
Perfect for dry skin, this formula is boosted with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin while 14% DHA works to give skin a glow in just two hours. After just one use of these drop, you can expect a noticeable bronzed finish.
For
- Infused with hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- 14% DHA gets to work quickly
Against
- May be too strong for an overnight glow
5. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Isle of Paradise
Self-Tanning Drops
Best for: A tailored glow
Available in light, medium and dark formulas, each with colour-correcting undertones to help create a truly natural-looking tan, these drops are one of the easiest ways to control and customise your glow.
For
- Available in three shades for a tailored bronze
- Affordable
Against
- Be careful not to overdo it with these, less is more
6. Oskia Adaptive Tan Drops
Oskia
Adaptive Tan Drops
Best for: Luxury tanning
Using an all-natural tanning formula, these drops can be added to moisturisers, serums, oils and even foundation to help you maintain a bronzed glow around the clock.
For
- Natural formula
- Contains antioxidant benefits
Against
- Pricey
7. Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Tanologist
Face and Body Drops
Best for: Acne-prone skin
Specifically formulated for breakout-prone skin, these water-based drops are non-comedogenic (so won’t clog pores) and are packed with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol and vitamin E.
For
- Non-comedogenic formula
- A more affordable option
Against
- No guide colour for body application may not suit beginners
8. St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
St. Tropez
Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Best for: All-over tanning
If you’re a fan of a streamlined routine and need a tanner that works from head to toe, look no further. These drops deliver a subtle, streak-free glow in just one application.
For
- Can be used on both the face and body
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Against
- The small bottle means it empties quickly if you're using for body application
9. Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops
Garnier
Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops
Best for: Intense bronze glow
For a more potent glow, these drops can actually be applied directly to skin, but if you prefer a lighter, buildable finish, I’d recommend mixing them with your moisturiser.
For
- Intense colour pay off
- Affordable
Against
- May be too strong for paler skin tones
10. Tropic Sun Drops
Tropic
Sun Drops
Best for: A natural-looking buildable tan
If you're looking for an entry point into tanning drops, Tropic's gradual formula is a great option. Alongside offering a natural, buildable bronze tone, they also contain aloe vera and coconut water to hydrate. When mixed with moisturiser, you'll be left with an even glow that looks subtle yet radiant.
"When I find my skin looks a little sallow and in need of a boost, I reach for these tanning drops. The texture feels practically weightless when mixed with moisturiser, while the gradual formula offers a hint of colour without feeling too intense," says Jazzria.
For
- Buildable coverage
- Passionfruit scent
Against
- Scent may not suit all tastes
11. Self Glow by James Read Sunbright Tinted Tanning Drops
Self Glow by James Read
Sunbright Tinted Tanning Drops
Best for: A hydrated, dewy tan
For tanning drops packed with skin-loving ingredients, definitely check out James Read's Sunbright. You'll find hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and ensure an even coverage, cocoa extract to soften and aloe vera to soothe any irritation. Add to that the fact they leave skin with a healthy bronze glow, you've got a winning formula
For
- Contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- A subte, buildable tan
Against
- A pricier option
12. Caudalie Vinobronze Self-Tan Sun Drops
Caudalie
Vinobronze Self-Tan Sun Drops
Best for: A light, sun-kissed glow
100% natural and infused with Caudalie's signature grape water, Vinobronze is the latest addition to the brand's much-loved skincare range. Rather than an intense bronze, it gives skin a beautifully natural-looking, sun-kissed glow that is perfect for pale skin tones.
For
- Natural finish
- Infused with vitamin-rich grape water
Against
- May not be intense enough for dark skin tones
13. Tan Luxe the Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Tan-Luxe
The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Best for: Body tanning
The body version of the aforementioned face drops, I use these twice a week, mixed in with my body cream, to help maintain a natural-looking glow all year long.
For
- Great for an all-over glow
Against
- Don't pack as much of a punch as a traditional fake tan
14. Isle of Paradise Body Drops
Isle of Paradise
Body Drops
Best for: Customisable body tanning
Looking for a product that delivers a long-lasting tan in just a few hours? This lightweight formula mixes easily with all manner of body creams and lotions, developing over four to six hours, and lasts for up to five days in just one application. Plus, they come in various strengths for different skin tones.
For
- Affordable
- Available in three shades
Against
- Make sure your moisturiser is full rubbed in to avoid streaks
Explore More:
