Fact: You no longer need to hit the tanning bed to achieve a sun-kissed complexion. Whether you're one of the lucky ones who lives somewhere always warm and sunny or you're ready for the transitional weather to wrap up like the rest of us, you can get a head start on your summer tan from the comfort of your own home. It's true: Today's skincare brands make it easier than ever to achieve that just-got-home-from-vacation look, all without the need to don a swimsuit or buy a plane ticket.
How so? Self tanners, of course. Between sprays, drops, mousses, and wipes, there are countless sunless tanning options out there that will give you a bronze boost before beach season. However, tread lightly because there's always the risk of unwanted streaks and scents to consider as well as the possibility of looking more orange than tan (yuck).
Unfortunately, these concerns are only amplified when talking about using a self tanner on your face. That's why many of the best bronzing products for use on the face come in the form of drops. Designed so that you can add them to your moisturizer of choice, self-tanning drops offer an easy way to slowly dole out color over time (rather than applying an undiluted tanning product directly to your skin, only to regret it in the morning). And here's the best news yet: We put together a list of the 10 best tanning drops on the internet below to make your shopping experience as regret-free as possible. Get ready to experience that coveted sun-kissed look with ease using our top picks for the best tanning drops.
How We Found The Best Tanning And Bronzing Makeup Drops
As always, the products below were chosen by our unbiased ranking algorithm. This proprietary tool discovers each pick by analyzing data from social media, reviews, and recommendations from in-the-know beauty editors. Once we have a list of the best options in a given category from our algorithm, we take the time to do our own research as well, adding any relevant information and considerations to our content to help you make the best shopping decisions possible. But enough about us—are you ready to achieve sun-goddess status? Scroll on to shop the best self-tanning drops on the market.
April 23, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Overall Score
4.55
10
St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops
4.55
3588 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tanning And Bronzing Drops For Body And Face
WHAT TO KNOW
The Tan Tonic Glow Drops are working overtime, because in addition to offering a bronze boost to your body and face, they're also formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and redness.
MORE DETAILS
St. Tropez's tanning drops are the seventh best-selling product in the category of facial tanners on Amazon.
Cruelty Free
Pai The Impossible Glow
Overall Score
4.55
09
Pai The Impossible Glow
4.35
221 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Hydrating Tanning And Bronzing Drops
FORMULA FACT
The Impossible Glow Drops are infused with a naturally derived pigment called MICA, which is the secret to this product's buildable coverage. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and sea kelp for an extra boost of deep hydration.
MORE DETAILS
Pai's skincare collection is free of harmful ingredients such as parabens, artificial fragrances, and phthalates, which is why these are some of the best tanning drops for sensitive skin.
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Cruelty Free
Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops
Overall Score
4.6
08
Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops
4.49
889 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Multitasking Tanning And Bronzing Drops
FORMULA FACT
Sure, the Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops are designed to enhance your skin's natural radiance, but they also work as a hydrating serum (thanks to the addition of peptides in the formula). Plus, you can choose from Sheer Bronzed or Sheer Golden options to perfectly complement your natural skin tone.
MORE DETAILS
Unlike many of the other products on this list, these drops do not gradually tan your skin. Instead, they provide a shimmery, dewy finish.
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Cruelty Free
Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum
Overall Score
4.6
07
Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum
4.44
2338 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Anti-Aging Tanning And Bronzing Drops
FORMULA FACT
Coola's Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum might be the only product you need this season. This super-effective serum combines self tanner with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid so you can tackle dark spots, hydration, and a subtle glow in just one step.
MORE DETAILS
Because of the skin-protecting formula, these bronzing drops are best for use on the face. Also, they work gradually, so start with a little bit and build your way up to sun-goddess status over time.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops
Overall Score
4.65
06
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops
4.3
9460 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Face Self Tanner
WHAT TO KNOW
These drops are a perfect companion for your moisturizer thanks to the hyaluronic acid-rich formula—free of fragrance and dermatologically tested, btw—that hydrates and brightens the complexion. Plus, they may be amongst the best tanning drops for fair skin (check out the review below for evidence).
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"This product makes me look like I came straight from Hawaii in the middle of summer, even though I live in the snow and never see the sun. All these years of looking like a pale fish in the winter when I could have been using this all along! [Another reason why] I love it so much: It really is so moisturizing. The winter here dries my skin out so much, and I've tried many products for moisturizing my skin, but it really looks and feels best after I add these drops to my moisturizer. Also, I have rosacea, and this product does not irritate my skin at all!"
Tanologist Face + Body Self Tan Drops
Overall Score
4.65
05
Tanologist Face + Body Self Tan Drops
4.32
6448 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Transparent Tanning And Bronzing Drops
WHAT TO KNOW
Tanologist's bronzing drops are formulated with a skin-saving trio of ingredients: pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper. These drops will brighten, soften, and hydrate your skin while drying quickly and without leaving any residue. They're transparent, so you won't need a color guide, and you won't have to worry about any tan transfer to your clothes or sheets.
MORE DETAILS
This versatile formula is suitable for all, from beginners to experienced tanners, who crave a natural-looking faux tan. It's non-comedogenic and has been tested and approved by dermatologists, making it safe for sensitive skin types.
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Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
Overall Score
4.7
04
Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
4.55
2916 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tanning And Bronzing Drops For Sensitive Skin
WHAT TO KNOW
With nearly 1,000 5-star reviews, Coco & Eve's Bronzing Face Drops have certainly left an impression. And speaking of impressions, it only takes two-to-three drops of this product mixed with your moisturizer daily to achieve a radiant, tanned complexion.
MORE DETAILS
Looking for the best tanning drops for sensitive skin? This product is a good option due to its dermatologist-approved and non-comedogenic formula.
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Cruelty Free
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Overall Score
4.75
03
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
4.3
5832 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Luxury Tanning And Bronzing Drops
FORMULA FACT
In most cases, achieving a tan comes with some risky side effects for your skin. That's not the case with Tan-Luxe's The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, though, because this product's formula contains a tri-collagen booster that helps promote a youthful complexion.
MORE DETAILS
Here's a handy guide for using these drops: Try two drops for radiance, four for sun-kissed, eight for a golden glow, and 12 for a bronze finish.
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Cruelty Free
Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
Overall Score
4.95
02
Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
4.28
12430 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Tanning And Bronzing Drops
WHAT TO KNOW
First off, Isle Of Paradise's Self-Tanning Drops have 5,000+ 5-star reviews. So, what's all the hype about? This product uses color-corrective technologies to create a natural, sunkissed glow without streaks, smells, or unwanted orange tones.
MORE DETAILS
Depending on the depth of tan you hope to achieve (and your natural skin tone), you can choose between light, dark, and medium versions of these drops.
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Cruelty Free
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Best Tanning And Bronzing Drops Overall
FORMULA FACT
Topping our list of the best bronzing drops, Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops are akin to a bottled vacation. Formulated with platinum peptides, chronocyclin, and cocoa extract, this serum can deliver a bronzy glow while defending against pollution and environmental stressors.
MORE DETAILS
While those with skincare concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, and dullness will see the best results from this product, everyone can benefit from its youth-giving properties.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
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