Summer might be over, but the autumn and winter months bring with it the promise of cosier evenings and cool mornings where we can embrace warm, autumn perfumes and lots of soft knitwear. That said, you don't have to give up on that sun-kissed tan. Aside from bronzing drops, there are also longer-lasting tanning drops that can help.
The best tanning drops for your face
- Best for skincare benefits: Self Glow By James Read Sunbright Tinted Tan Drops, £18
- Best for beginners: Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops, £28
- Best for deep skin tones: Bondi Sands Technocolor Caramel Self Tanning Face Serum, £17.99
- Best for gradual tan: Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze™ Gradual Tan Drops, £21 for members
- Best for a golden glow: St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops, £30
While we've all had our questionable moments with fake tan, face tanning drops couldn't be easier to use, with streaks and patchiness reassuringly rare.
If you're not sure which formula to choose for a bronzey glow, don't worry –we've got you covered.
Are face tanning drops good for the skin?
Tanning drops are a hybrid between a serum and fake tan, and contain useful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide – to give you glow and leave your skin feeling healthier, which isn't something you'll usually get with tanning mousses or creams. Plus, they're lighter in texture so it doesn't add an extra layer of heavy product and plays well under make-up.
'These drops 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 the deeper tan result found in many body products,' says skincare expert Michaella Bolder.
Who would benefit from tanning drops?
All skin colours can benefit from a hint of tan. 'Tanning drops helps those with a darker complexions to balance uneven tone,' she explains. 'Self-tan can also pull out a beautiful golden hue on darker skins.'
If you're on the drier side and worry about fake tan flaking or peeling as drops also have a bit more slip. 'While a mousse is great for all skins, if you have drier skin then drops would be better for your routine for an added boost of hydration,' Bolder adds.
Not to mention, you get all the glow without the UV damage. We're sold.
How do you apply face tanning drops?
Tanning drops are as easy as it gets when it comes to fake tan application.
Ditch the mitts and instead either mix a few drops in with your everyday moisturiser for a lighter finish or apply as you would your normal serum. Just make sure you get those tell-tale areas such as the ears, hairline and neck.
If you're applying it neat, wait a few moments before applying your moisturiser and avoid using any exfoliating products directly before applying to avoid sensitivity.
If you're using in the morning, follow this order:
- Cleanser
- Serum
- Tan drop + day moisturiser
- SPF
For formulas that work better in the evening, apply as the last step in your skincare routine.
How long does it take for face tanning drops to work?
It depends on the formula of the product, but you should start to see a difference within a few hours and results should last for between five to seven days.
The key to getting your tan to last is hydration, hydration, hydration. Applying your go-to AHA or BHA toner will make your tan fade faster, so ditch the exfoliants for a few days (use them a day or two before to remove dead skin cells), and opt for a hydrating option instead.
How do face tanning drops differ from body fake tan?
Much like moisturiser for our faces and bodies differs, the skin on our faces is exposed all the time and is more sensitive, so it needs to be looked after differently. If you use a body fake tan on your face, you could risk irritation and clogged pores - not ideal.
How we test face tanning drops
The appeal of self-tanning drops lies mainly in their ease of use, so we made sure that each product featured is foolproof to incorporate in our daily routine. Most can be quickly cocktailed into our existing face creams, while others are easily massaged in after our evening routine so we wake up with a much healthier pallor.
Colour is key, so each self-tanner has to impart a natural, believable tan. The ELLE team features varying skin tones and
undertones, so there is something in this list for everybody. The formula is key, too, and you'll find that each one features at least one skincare benefit - be it hydration or clarity.
And finally, we gave these self-tanning drops ample time to observe just how quickly it develops and fades throughout the week. Needless to say, only the ones that created a streak-free finish and an even fade made the cut.
The Best Tanning Drops For Face, Ahead:
From the master of self-tan, James Read, comes this skincare-powered tanning range that focuses on taking care of the complexion as it bronzes. These tan drops deliver a believable, sunkissed radiance while cushioning the complexion with aloe, hyaluronic acid and soothing mushrooms.
Key Specifications
Size: | 12ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
This luxe SPF and skincare label is based in Monaco, so it knows a thing or two about capturing that lit-from-within, expensive-looking, Riviera glow. These drops deliver exactly that, in an hour. Mix a drop into your moisturiser and massage in, dialling it up to two, three or four drops if you prefer a deeper colour. It's impossible to go wrong, as it creates an even, subtle hue.
Key Specifications
Size: | 15ml |
---|---|
Fragrance-free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
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We can always rely on Bondi Sands for healthy-looking, bronzed skin no matter the season but its Technocolor range is the next step in self-tan innovation. It uses colour-correcting principle to create a seamless glow that suits your undertones, in order to enhance your natural hue.
Caramel is especially excellent on deep skin tones, but there is also Blue, Green, and Magenta to accentuate cool, olive and warmer complexions. It contains a blemish-busting complex too, to keep the skin looking clear.
Key specifications
Size: | 50ml |
---|---|
Fragrance-free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
This bestows a radiant glow that doesn't veer orange and leaves the skin feeling noticeably more nourished. It is easily buildable, and fading is even, so you won't be left with any patchiness. The clear formula means it's safe for your ivory sheets.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
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This skin-caring formula mixes some top ingredients – vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide – to really boost that glow. It soaks in instantly, with no tackiness left behind, meaning no need to worry about applying make-up after.
The best part? There's non of that nostalgic biscuit-y scent that usually comes with fake tan.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
These Skinny Tan drops have a delicious coconut scent that will give you that summer holiday feeling while the resulting tan has a hint of shimmer in it.
The colour develops evenly into a lovely golden hue that leaves you looking as though you've just returned from a three-week, restful retreat.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | No |
Vegan: | Yes |
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Putting tan on your face can be a little daunting, not just because of fears you could end up more orange than sun-kissed, but also because of sensitive skin concerns. Enter, these easy-to-use drops. It can be easily mixed with a range of beauty products, including moisturisers, serums, oils, or even foundation to give a natural looking glow.
This imparts a sheer, subtle colour; ideal for anyone who just wants a gentle lift to their complexion.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free | No |
Vegan: | Yes |
Everyone wants a face tanner that gives the skin a gradual, natural, glowing tan, but doing that while also being hydrating? That's the golden ticket, and Coco & Eve has managed it.
This formula leaves skin feeling soft, supple and sun-kissed for days. Application is streak-free, and there are no patchiness here.
As for fading, these drops faded very evenly on the skin over a week.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | Yes |
Vegan: | Yes |
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As the skin ages, it can become drier and develop more fine lines, making achieving an even tan slightly trickier. This formula aims to help tackle that, providing an even finish thanks to its hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and argan oil.
This hardworking tan not only imparts a healthy glow, it also helps to plump up the complexion and keep flaking skin at bay.
Key specifications
Size: | 50ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | No |
Vegan: | Yes |
Come for the chic branding, stay for the natural-looking tan. The scent is pleasant, and it's easy to achieve buildable colour. The lasting hue is impressive, too. Opt for a shade lighter than your complexion for a seamless glow.
Key specifications
Size: | 30ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | No |
Vegan: | No |
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Described as a 'tall glass of water for skin', this vegan option aims to hydrate as well as illuminate. Despite delivering ample moisture, it didn't leave any greasiness behind, making it a great buy for combination skin.
The consistency of the formula itself was a winner as it absorbs quickly and doesn't cause staining on pillowcases.
Key specifications
Size: | 35ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | No |
Vegan: | Yes |
Essentially sunshine in a bottle, this serum promises to bring all the tan, without the sun damage. It's jam-packed with vitamin D and hyaluronic acid, and imparts an even finish.
The colour developed gradually and evenly, with not an orange tint in sight. Thirsty complexions will appreciate the nourishing formula too.
Key specifications
Size: | 50ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | No |
Vegan: | Yes |
Cruelty-free: | Yes |
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Beauty editors can't get enough of this, and for good reason. This little bottle goes a long way in creating a healthy, sun-kissed effect on winter skin.
It works seamlessly with your skincare routine, and imparts a gentle colour that fades evenly over time.
Key specifications
Size: | 15ml |
---|---|
Fragrance free: | Yes |
Vegan: | No |