Unlike other tanning formulas – like creams and mousses – tanning drops resemble your daily serum in application and texture. They can be sandwiched between your daily or nightly serum and your go-to moisturiser – with no mitt required. Using self-tanning drops is one of the safest and most foolproof ways to get a sun-kissed glow year-round. Unlike basking in the sun for hours, self-tanner won't cause damage to the skin and allows you to achieve your desired tan without exposing yourself to harsh UVA/UVB rays.

They'll usually be dispensed in a dropper format, which is what allows you to customise your colour – the more drops you squeeze out, the more intense the tan. The Skinny Tan Notox Tanning Drops has been a huge hit with shoppers for being able to provide you with that subtle glow, all while boosting skin firmness and hydration. Think of them as your go-to serum, just with some bronzing power. St. Tropez Tanning and Skincare Expert, Michaella Bolder, explains: Our panel of 260 beauty testers tried 17 brands of face tanning drops for two weeks, to see which left skin looking sun-kissed. They made a note of how easy each one was to apply, their scent, as well as if they saw any patches or streaks. We also used a Digi-Eye machine to assess how evenly the tan faded over seven days, giving each a score out of five.

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You’re bound to have seen them taking over your TikTok feed, thanks to the customisable non-cheese-puff-looking tan they produce. For best results, use our Revolution Glow Tanning Brush to Apply the Face Drops. Mix with moisturiser and apply evenly to the body after cleansing. Wash hands after application, no need to wash off body until your next cleansing routine. At maximum, mix 10-15 drops with your everyday moisturiser. Use daily for 7 days to build your tan up and then as and when required to maintain your glow.

They are super simple to use, you can apply two to three drops directly to your face, and let it sink in, similar to a moisturiser, or you can blend with a serum as a tan enhancer. Tanning drops allow you to totally customise your glow – adding as much or as little colour as you'd like. You can also mix them into your favourite moisturiser to create your own custom gradual tan. Do you need to wash off face tanning drops? Tanning drops are a formula which contain a self tan formula to give your skin a faux sun tan, and depending on the product can vary from light to dark shades. Any exfoliation must always take place at least a few hours before you apply a new layer of self-tan. And ensure you avoid any oil-based shower gels or moisturisers ahead of tanning, as the oil will act as a barrier.’Apply directly to exfoliated, clean, dry skin. Pump foam directly onto your Revolution Tanning Mitt. Apply in a sweeping motion over legs, arms & body. Use your remaining tan on the mitt for the face, elbows and knees. Allow tan to develop for 4 hours then rinse with warm water. If you're a fake tan rookie or have been burned in the past (let's not even go there), tanning drops will be a game-changer. I like to recommend mixing drops with moisturiser on the top of a flat surface or between your fingers then blend with a large foundation brush for a matt finish," says Bolder. The more hydrating formula also makes tanning drops a great option for those with drier skin, too. Apply with a light oil-free moisturiser to buffer the depth of tanning colour, [for] a natural glow on the surface, and help with hydration on delivery of DHA" (AKA dihydroxyacetone, the ingredient famous for giving you a faux tan in a matter of hours). Bolder advises: "Wait a few moments before applying your moisturiser and avoid using any exfoliating products directly before applying tan and don't use in conjunction with vitamin A or retinol’. Do you need to wash off face tanning drops?

Exfoliation must always take place at least a few hours before you apply a new layer of self-tan. And ensure you avoid any oil-based shower gels or moisturisers ahead of tanning as the oil will act as a barrier. On average, you'll usually see your tan form after a couple of hours (roughly five to seven). All you need to do after that is double cleanse your skin as you would before you go to bed. Simple. How we test face tanning drops Let it dry, and develop, and you will notice your skin will be glowing. Best tanning drops for the face Garnier tanning drops for the face Fake tan brands are also steadily branching out with a wider shade range. Bolder believes there are some real benefits on darker skin tones when adding a few tanning drops into the mix: You can also combine the drops with your daily moisturiser for a lighter finish,’ Michaella Bolder, St. Tropez’s tanning and skincare expert, explains. ‘Avoid using any exfoliating products directly before applying tan and don't use it in conjunction with vitamin A or retinol.Not only are face tanning drops easy to apply, help to achieve that bronzed radiance, and are more delicate for the sensitive skin on your face, they can also double up as a moisturiser as some contain aloe vera and vitamin E. All you have to do is apply a few drops to your face, whether you apply directly to your skin, blend with your moisturiser, or on your hands before blending in, as you would any other face serum. And yes, there's an array of self-tanning mousses, mists and creams out there. But whether you're a sceptical newbie or a well-practised tanning pro, we promise tanning drops are the more straightforward fake tan formula out there. Yes, tanning drops can still benefit those with a darker skin tone to help even out pigment and any uneven tone. Self-tan can also pull out a beautiful golden hue on darker skins." How do you apply tanning drops?