Tester feedback: To enhance the glow of her naturally vampiric complexion, Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says she adds a few drops of this bronzy fluid to her go-to skin tint (Lisa Eldridge’s Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint). “Its deep-bronze tint is slightly sheerer than other options on the market, so there’s more room for experimentation without reaching Oompa Loompa-level warmth,” she says. “If you want a more intensive glow, mix these drops with your cream or liquid blush, too.”
Shades: 1 | Key ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, mica | Who it’s for: anyone with dry, flaky skin
Best Budget: E.L.F. Bronzing Drops
Why it’s worth it: It’s true: The E.L.F. Bronzing Drops are one of the best-performing glow drops for under $20. Available in three glowy shades, each bottle is infused with vitamin E to preserve and enhance your skin’s natural radiance, along with a conditioning blend of sunflower, marula, and raspberry seed for a softer, smoother texture over time.
Tester feedback: Trakoshis says she “feels like a million bucks” when she wears any of these shades. “These are not only some of the more affordable ones in the market, but one of the most inclusive options, as most bronzing drops only come in one ‘universal’ shade.”
Shades: 3 | Key ingredients: vitamin E, sunflower oil, marula oil, raspberry seed oil | Who it’s for: anyone who wants to boost their natural glow on a budget
Frequently Asked Questions
What do bronzing drops do?
In their most basic form, bronzing drops are pigmented (usually gold- or copper-toned) drops that temporarily boost the warmth and glow of your natural complexion. “Bronzing drops are a lightweight, liquid bronzer that you can add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation,” says Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye. Many formulas are also formulated to wear alone and under your makeup, while some bronzing drops have so much glow that you’ll want to apply them as a highlighter to the high points of your face or even on your body. Regardless of how you want to use it, you’ll love how these drops instantly warm up your complexion and give you a radiance like no other.
How do bronzing drops differ from tanning drops?
The main difference is that bronzing drops are temporary and rinse down the drain once it’s time to wash your face while tanning drops usually have a semi-permanent pigment. The latter relies on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that safely darkens the skin. However, like many bronzing drops on the market, tanning drops especially made for the face usually contain nourishing ingredients like skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and glycerin for a dewier, more radiant finish.
How do I choose the right shade of bronzing drops for my skin tone?
New York City-based makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran adds that factors like blendability, pigmentation, and undertone are important to consider. “Choosing the right shade of bronzing drops will take some trial, error, and experimentation, but generally, you want to aim for a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone and matches your undertone (cool, neutral, or warm) for a harmonious look,” she says.