Trust Me—These Are the Best Tan Drops For Naturally Glowy Skin
Whatever time of year it is, we all crave that "just got back from holiday” glow, don’t we? Whether it’s not having to wear as much make-up or simply just feeling like our best selves, the benefits of having a freshly bronzed glow can’t be underestimated. At this point, we’ve made it through winter and would normally be starting to get some rays of vitamin D again—but what if the spring sunshine has yet to emerge from winter retirement or, oh I don't know, you've spent the best part of the last 12 months inside? We must, then, get resourceful—and that's where tanning drops come in.
Tanning drops have personally been my saviour for a long while now. I was a self-confessed tan-o-phobe (I’m quite fair-skinned, an SPF worshipper and have many a fake-bake horror story to tell), but since discovering the joy of these bottles of sunshine, I haven’t looked back. My purse—thanks to me having to re-buy my make-up far less often—and my skin, have definitely thanked me too!
If you’re a newbie to face-tanning, the beauty of these products is that you have a lot more control than slathering on a foam all over your body and hoping for the best. Most are sheer and have varying shades so you can start light with one or two drops and add or change shade as you see fit. But just a couple of drops in your daily moisturiser or as a serum under your usual routine can really make a huge difference in how fresh you’re feeling. Trust me—tanning drops are all about the glow.
Keep scrolling for our personal favourites, from some of the most luxury offerings out there to the more affordable but just as effective options.
Shop Tanning Drops
This cult serum is beloved for its streak-free formula and natural finish. Plus, it keeps skin hydrated all day thanks to a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid.
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Beauty Pie's gradual tan drops are amongst the most natural-looking ones that I have tried. What's more, they are packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, banana flower extract and resurfacing red seaweed to help swerve any streaky situations.
Mix a few of these drops in with your usual moisturiser for an instant glow.
Specially formulated for deeper skin tones, mix as few or as many drops in with your moisturiser to boost luminosity.
Proving that tan doesn't have to rely on harsh chemicals, these gradual formulation from Balance Me is 98.8% natural.
These versatile drops can be worn alone or mixed with your usual moisturisers and serums for a customisable colour to suit you.
The same premise as above but in a more pigmented formula for deeper complexions.
These tanning drops last on your skin for 7-10 days so there's no need to re-apply.
Tanning drops aren't just for your face. Mix this one with your favourite body lotion to give limbs a sun-kissed sheen.
A skin-plumping, tan-infused serum that leaves skin luminous.
Give this a good shake to activate then spritz over your face and body for all-over radiance.
Part-bronzing tint, part-youthful serum, this is effectively healthy-looking skin in a bottle.
It takes less than an hour for these self-tan drops to develop a golden glow on your skin.
Up Next, A Celebrity Tanner Wants Everyone to Stop Making These 10 Tanning Mistakes
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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