The 17 Best Tanning Drops for Naturally Glowy Skin, as Ranked by a Beauty Editor

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. Freelance beauty editor and Who What Wear UK contributor Laura Pearson says that "these are my go-to for special occasions as I know they'll never let me down. No matter what my skin is like that week, I always know they'll give me an even, healthy-looking glow".

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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. Laura Pearson says that "everyone should know about these as they are effortless to use. You can flawlessly build on them every day, until you achieve the level of bronze that you want."

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.

Perfect for dry skin, this formula is boosted with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin, while the 18% DHA works to give skin a glow in just two hours. Laura Pearson says that "After just one use of these drops, you can expect a noticeable bronzed finish and more hydrated skin. The 5 types of hyaluronic acid and coconut water plump the skin with hydration. Perfect for hot summer days".

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. Freelance beauty editor and Who What Wear UK contributor Laura Pearson also loves these - "All my friends, across a wide spectrum of skin tones, love these as they really even out the complexion as well as bronze it".

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Harris.

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

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.

A true skincare-makeup hybrid, these tanning drops develop over 8 hours, and give streak-free colour for 4 days. You get a natural, even, glowing finish every time because of its skincare-based formulation. Completely buildable to give you everything from a natural sun-kissed glow, to a full-on deep tan.

"These are a dream to use and make my skin look amazing with or without makeup. My summer holiday go-to, as I don't need to apply anything else to 'perfect' my complexion. SPF, then these, and I'm good to go." says Laura Pearson.

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.

I feel like not many people know about these, but they should! They work fast, so if you don't have much time for your faux tan to develop, these are for you. They are moisturising, and give an even bronzed glow to the skin.

These tanning drops are so versatile as they are suitable for everyone - adapting to all skin tones and conditions, to improve the look of your skin and give you a bronzed glow. Expect a fresh and healthy-looking complexion.

Laura Pearson says "these really improve the look of my skin by evening out imperfections and pigmentation. It's almost like they give a diffused, soft-focus finish".

These bronzing drops give you a tanned and dewy glow instantly, and it can be washed away at the end of the day. They contain pore-refining and brightening niacinamide as the star ingredient, so you are getting skincare benefits too.

"The great thing about these is that they give a temporary bronzed glow. You can wash it right off afterwards, and boost throughout the day without any fear of it going wrong" says Laura Pearson.