A sun-kissed glow is a never a bad idea, but let’s face it, prolonged sun exposure isn’t doing our skin any favours. Enter: bronzing drops, AKA the ultimate solution for an instant “golden hour” look, minus the sun damage and the aftermath of a fake tan routine.
They’re incredibly versatile too. You can easily wear them on a makeup-free day for a healthy-looking glow, mix them into your moisturiser for a more natural finish or apply them right before foundation for that lit-from-within bronzed look. The best part? Most formulas are also filled to the brim with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, glycerin, peptides and hyaluronic acid, so your skin will be well looked after as a bonus too.
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.
Best bronzing drops at a glance – our top picks:
- Best drops overall: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops, £35, Boots
- Best for glowy skin: Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops, £18.99, LookFantastic
- Best with SPF protection: Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Bronzing Drops, £24.40, Amazon
- Best pigmented: Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops, WAS £22 NOW £15.60, Amazon
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops
Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow
Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Instant Bronzing Face Drops With SPF 30
Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops
You can also experiment and mix them into your foundation or even use them on their own, that is, you’re after a more pigmented result. There’s also no reason to be intimidated by pigment, simply start with 1-2 drops and work your way up to find out the amount that works best for your complexion. And if you’re not a fan of using them all over, you can always use them solely on the areas of your face that you would normally put your bronzer on. Just keep in mind that due to their liquid-y and milky texture, you’re probably better off blending the product with your fingers.
To be perfectly honest, I haven’t been using bronzing drops for a long time, but I won’t lie to you, ever since I did get my hands on a certain viral product (spoiler alert: I’m talking about the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops), I never looked back. Personally, I’ve always stirred clear of self-tanners for face, mainly because I’m not the biggest fan of putting something on my face that I can’t wash off afterwards. Luckily, bronzing drops seemed like the perfect compromise. I looove having them on an everyday basis, especially when I’m after a no-makeup makeup look and don’t want to have a ton of product on my face. It does the job of evening out my skin tone and almost brings my face to life with that added glow and pigment. All I do is simply prep a moisturiser/bronzing drop cocktail and slather it all over.
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Still, it definitely took me a good while to find formulations that are genuinely worth hype. Luckily for you, I’ve tested enough of bronzing tints. And having consulted with the GLAMOUR beauty team as well as a variety of experts, I’ve narrowed down the best options on the market right now. From cult-favourites, viral releases and new launches, we’ve included them all to help you pick the one. All you have to do is scroll and chose your favourite based on your budget, preferences and skin type. So go ahead, your bronzy glow era awaits…
Feeling inspired to add to your makeup bag? Check out our guides on the best mascaras, best eyeshadow palettes and the best makeup primers. And if you want to revolutionise your skincare routine, do take the time to also take a look at our edits for the best moisturizers and the best sun creams and sunscreens.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Keep reading to check out our full edit of all the best bronzing drops…
Courtesy of brandBest bronzing drops overallDrunk Elephant D-Bronzi DropsWhy we love it: We don’t need to tell you just how popular these bronzing drops are. Having taken TikTok by storm, the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi need no introduction and deservedly so. Infused with the omega-rich virgin marula and blackcurrant seed oils as well as vitamin F (fatty acids), this product not only aims to give you the most gorgeous glow but also support a healthy skin barrier and protect it from the negative effects of environmental stressors.GLAMOUR-approved: “The serum-y consistency is perfect for mixing with a moisturiser or applying the product on its own. It gives my skin a perfect balance of pigment and shimmer, without being patchy or lifting off my makeup base. About the only con is the high price point.”Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Boots promo codes.£35 AT BOOTS£34 AT SPACE NK
Best bronzing drops with SPFUltra Violette Queen Screen SPF50 Super Glow Drops BronzingWhy we love it: Specially designed to work well with Ultra Violette’s wide selection of sun creams and lotions, these SPF50 bronzing drops melt into your skin with ease. Suitable for all skin types, including those of us with dry and sensitive skin. Plus, it can be worn underneath or over your makeup, as well as on its own.£33 AT SPACE NK
Best skincare-infused bronzing dropsGlow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue DropsWhy we love it: Powered by key ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, this multi-tasking skincare product is the perfect way to add a natural glow to your beauty routine. You can add it to your favourite foundation or use it as a highlighter or an eyeshadow too. A new favourite among makeup artists that’s definitely worth the splurge.£33 AT CULT BEAUTY£32 AT SEPHORA
Best bronzing drops for on-the-go applicationICONIC London Instant Sunshine Bronzing DropsWhy we love it: Housed in a convenient ‘pen’, this liquid bronzer is ideal for adding luminosity to virtually any look. The precision applicator makes it easy to dab it on your cheekbones, collarbone and anywhere else you want to add that coveted ‘mood lighting’ effect.£22 AT LOOKFANTASTIC£22 AT HARVEY NICHOLS
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Best multi-tasking bronzing dropsIsle of Paradise Sunny SerumWhy we love it: Looking for self-tanning drops that deliver instant, glowy results? Say no more. This lightweight Sunny Serum from Isle of Paradise is made with niacinamide, squalane and jojoba oil to give you the healthiest glow of your life. So versatile and hydrating.£15.95 AT THE ISLE OF PARADISE£15.95£13.95 AT AMAZON
Best pigmented bronzing dropsIndeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing DropsWhy we love it: Made with a phthalate-free, silicone-free, SLS-free. fragrance-free, mineral oil-free and cruelty-free formula, these bronzing drops from Indeed Labs combat dullness and give you an instant bronzy glow. It also contains natural antioxidants from sources such as kelp extract and cacao seed extract, which help this tinted serum protect your skin from harmful daily stressors.Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.£22£15.60 AT AMAZON£24.99 AT BOOTS
Courtesy of brandBest bronzing serumTan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Bronzing DropsWhy we love it: Another cult-favourite, the Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Bronzing Drops simply had to make it to our list. Featuring a liquid-y, serum-like consistency, these bronzing drops are perfect if you’re into glow-y “glazed donut” skin with a touch of sun-kissed shimmer. The best part? The formula also includes the added SPF30 protection, hyaluronic acid, squalane and an essential oil (argan, to be exact) to achieve plumped, dewy and fresh-faced finish. Tens across the board.GLAMOUR-approved: “There’s nothing I love more than an illuminating product with a bronze hue, and that’s exactly what the Tan-Luxe Super Gloss delivered. The formula feels amazing on the skin, leaving it well hydrated and plumped. And the SPF30 protection is always a plus in my book.”£24.40 AT AMAZON
Courtesy of brandBest bronzing drops for glowy skinPai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing DropsWhy we love it: If you’re on the market for bronzing drops that act as a makeup/skincare hybrid – no need to look any further, because these Pai bronzing drops could be your perfect match. Infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and sea kelp, this product is made to look after your skin’s needs, all the while delivering the most beautiful bronzed glow. The flattering shade is bound to compliment most skin tones too.GLAMOUR-approved: “When it comes to skincare, Pai never disappoints, and so was the case for the brand’s popular Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops. The lightweight formula is perfect to mix in a moisturiser and the pigment worked surprisingly well on its own too. Definitely one to pack for a holiday.”Make sure to bookmark these LookFantastic promo codes when shopping for best bronzing drops.£29 AT AMAZON£18.99 AT LOOKFANTASTIC
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Best nourishing bronzing dropse.l.f. Skin Bronzing DropsWhy we love it: Thanks to a formula that contains both vitamin E and sunflower seed oil, this nourishing product can help moisturise your skin while also acting as a glow enhancer for your complexion. Great for oily skin, dry skin and everything in between.£12 AT E.L.F. COSMETICS
Courtesy of brandBest non-greasy bronzing dropsClinique Sun-Kissed Face GeleeWhy we love it: If there’s one thing that Clinique does right, it’s the brand’s skincare line, including the Sun-Kissed Face Gelee. Unlike most other bronzing drops on the market, this product features an oil-free formula, which results in a non-greasy feel. Best mixed with foundation, these bronzing drops promise to deliver a warm and healthy-looking glow without brassy undertones. Definitely one worth adding to your wishlist.Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these LookFantastic promo codes.£32 AT LOOKFANTASTIC£29 AT BOOTS
Courtesy of brandBest highlighter/bronzing drop hybridFenty Beauty Eaze Drop’LitWhy we love it: Leave it to Rihanna to bring us the ultimate bronzing drops for that lit-from-within glow. Similar to other Fenty Beauty products, the Eaze Drop’Lit comes in a variety of shades to fit every skin tone, some of which can easily double as a highlighter. It’s perfect for those looking for a versatile product that leans more towards makeup than it does skincare. Feeling experimental? Try mixing it with your liquid blush to create a stunning rosy/bronzy shade to compliment your cheeks.Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Boots promo codes.£29 AT BOOTS£29 AT SEPHORA
Courtesy of brandBest lightweight bronzing dropsPerricone MD No Makeup BronzerWhy we love it: Weightless, blendable aaand buildable? Yes please. These bronzing drops are perfect for anyone who’s obsessed with the trending no-makeup makeup look (*cough-cough*, guilty as charged). They apply with ease and warm up your complexion while improving the appearance of dull skin and discolouration. Oh, and did we mention that this product also offers SPF 15 protection?£33 AT LOOKFANTASTIC£33 AT PERRICONE MD
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Best vegan bronzing dropsNYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Liquid IlluminatorWhy we love it: Available in four different peachy and sun-kissed shades, this liquid illuminator is ideal for creating a soft and subtle light-catching finish. It has a versatile and lightweight formula, which enables you to use it either as a foundation base or instead apply it over the top of your makeup just as you would a more classic bronzer.Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.£7.95 AT AMAZON£8 AT BOOTS
Best bronzing lotionL’Oréal Paris Lumi GlotionWhy we love it: Infused with glycerin and shea butter for all-day hydration, this body lotion comes in five versatile shades that delivers a healthy glow wherever you need. In other words, get ready for people to ask what beach holiday you’ve just come back from.£18.70£17 AT AMAZON£11.99 AT BOOTS
Best sheer bronzing dropsICONIC London Sheer BronzeWhy we love it: ICONIC London’s first-ever bronzer is definitely worth picking up. It has a highly blendable formula, which makes it easy to use and difficult to overdo. You can be as liberal as you want with the amount too, depending on whether you’re after a subtle finish or a look that’ll make you look like a bronzed goddess. Entirely up to you.Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.£21£19.99 AT AMAZON£21 AT BOOTS
Best hydrating bronzing dropsCoco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face DropsWhy we love it: These deeply hydrating bronzing drops not only give you a radiant, natural-looking tan, but they also ensure that your skin stays in tip-top shape. In addition to the usual ingredients such as aqua/eau (y’know, water), this product also contains hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate and tocopherol (vitamin E derivative) as well as a (delicious!) blend of coconut water and dragon fruit, all of which work in tandem to help hydrate your skin with every use.£22 AT LOOKFANTASTIC£22 AT CULT BEAUTY
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Best affordable bronzing dropsL’Oréal Glow Mon Amour Highlighter DropsWhy we love it: Who said that good bronzing drops have to cost an arm and a half? This affordable drugstore option comes from a reputable brand, L’Oreal, who deliver yet again with a product that delivers a radiant shimmer that’ll make you seem as if you’re glowing from within.Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.£8 AT AMAZON£9.99 AT BOOTS