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6 Of The Best Self-Tanning Drops To Try
If you want to amp up your sun-kissed glow, consider these bottles of sunshine.
Fake it ‘til you make it! Want a natural glow that looks like you’ve been sunning yourself on holiday? The simplicity of self-tanning drops makes them a game changer for those who have made streaky mistakes in the past.
Self-tanning drops are a highly concentrated form of liquid self-tanner that you add, drop by drop, to your usual face cream, serum or body moisturiser. They contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which cause the keratin in the skin to turn brown. The more drops you add, the deeper your tan so you can customise your colour. Unlike many gradual tanning lotions, however, these drops don’t need to be washed off and won’t mark your bed linen.
Here are six of the best self-tanning drops to get that fresh-off-the beach golden glow.
St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops, 30ml, £24
These supercharged 5-in-1 St Tropez self-tanning glow drops not only make you look quite golden, they also plump, protect, smooth fine lines and reduce redness in your skin. Buy it.
Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops, 20ml, £35
With fake tan, you get what you pay for. Buy cheap, get streaks. More expensive than others, Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops contain HEV (High Energy Visible) melanin which protects skin against the ageing light emitted by smartphones and laptops. Buy it.
Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Sun-Kissed Drops, 30ml, £15
An easy option for novices, the handy dropper helps you control your dose of these fast-absorbing tan drops. Use alone or add a few drops to your regular moisturiser or night cream for a light glow. Apply every four-to-six days to gradually build up the tan. Buy it.
Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, 15ml, £23
Clarins’ much-loved self-tanning drops are formulated with ingredients of 99 per cent natural origin. Dollop a few drops to your serum or moisturiser in the palm of your hand and combine. Buy it.
Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops, 30ml, £10
Perhaps the most affordable yet still good quality drops on the market, Ambre Solaire’s concoction of coconut water and hyaluronic acid (for hydration) works magic on sensitive skins. You can apply these drops neat or add a few drops to your serum or moisturiser. Buy it.
Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, 30ml, £33
Totally discreet and fragrance free, the clear formula of Balance Me Tanning Drops doesn’t have that fake tan smell or sticky residue. Buy it.
By Annabel Jack
July 2023
Self-tanning drops are a highly concentrated form of liquid self-tanner that you add, drop by drop, to your usual face cream, serum or body moisturiser. They contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which cause the keratin in the skin to turn brown. The more drops you add, the deeper your tan so you can customise your colour. Unlike many gradual tanning lotions, however, these drops don’t need to be washed off and won’t mark your bed linen.
Here are six of the best self-tanning drops to get that fresh-off-the beach golden glow.
Best For a Sun-Kissed Glow
St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops, 30ml, £24
These supercharged 5-in-1 St Tropez self-tanning glow drops not only make you look quite golden, they also plump, protect, smooth fine lines and reduce redness in your skin. Buy it.
Best For Cult Favourite Status
Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops, 20ml, £35
With fake tan, you get what you pay for. Buy cheap, get streaks. More expensive than others, Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops contain HEV (High Energy Visible) melanin which protects skin against the ageing light emitted by smartphones and laptops. Buy it.
Best For First Timers
Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Sun-Kissed Drops, 30ml, £15
An easy option for novices, the handy dropper helps you control your dose of these fast-absorbing tan drops. Use alone or add a few drops to your regular moisturiser or night cream for a light glow. Apply every four-to-six days to gradually build up the tan. Buy it.
Best For Streak-Free Tanning
Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, 15ml, £23
Clarins’ much-loved self-tanning drops are formulated with ingredients of 99 per cent natural origin. Dollop a few drops to your serum or moisturiser in the palm of your hand and combine. Buy it.
Best Budget Buy
Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops, 30ml, £10
Perhaps the most affordable yet still good quality drops on the market, Ambre Solaire’s concoction of coconut water and hyaluronic acid (for hydration) works magic on sensitive skins. You can apply these drops neat or add a few drops to your serum or moisturiser. Buy it.
Best For Odourless Formula
Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, 30ml, £33
Totally discreet and fragrance free, the clear formula of Balance Me Tanning Drops doesn’t have that fake tan smell or sticky residue. Buy it.
By Annabel Jack
July 2023
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Annabel Jack
Contributing Editor
Annabel is a regular contributor to The Guide, with a taste for the finest in food, fashion and interiors.
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