The best bronzing drops are the secret weapon between self-tanner and bronzer—and if you emerged from winter with dull, drab skin, they’re exactly what you need. An alternative to foundation, they’re layered under or with your makeup and buffed out to add a veil of glow. While applying self-tanning drops for the face is another way of bringing you some bronze, they often take four to six hours to fully develop. Bronzing drops on the other hand, give you instant radiance, can help create an overall base tone, and enhance skin itself. To find the ones worth adding to your routine, Glamour editors tested the most popular and well-reviewed formulas on the market—and these seven stood out the most. Our top pick is the Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops, because they look great on various skin tones, blend in smoothly, leave skin looking radiant and dewy, and contain skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump the complexion. We also found drugstore options, formulas for mature skin, and ones for acne-prone skin.
Our top bronzing drops
- Best Overall: Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops, $32
- Best for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops, $58
- Best for Long-Lasting Glow: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, $39
- Best for Mature Skin: Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker, $37
- Best for Fair Skin: e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops, $13
- Best for Dark Skin: Saie Dew Bronze, $26
Frequently asked questions
- Are bronzing drops or bronzers better?
- Are bronzing drops recommended for mature skin?
- How often should you use bronzing drops?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops
Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops
Amazon
| What we loved: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Non-comedegenic formula that isn’t too shiny | Tone skews a little orange |
| Adds radiance and dew |
These silky bronzer drops were by far the best we tried. They added instant glow, didn’t make makeup pill or smudge, and kept our skin hydrated all day long. Some key ingredients we loved? Hyaluronic acid to plump skin and blur lines, and glycerin to keep skin soft and bouncy. Tiger grass soothes redness and inflammation, which makes it a standout product compared to other drops we tried which were a bit drying. The pigmentation of this formula is quite strong and leaves behind a glow that isn’t overly sparkly or sheen.
Glamour associate beauty editor Grace McCarty says:
“They blend easily and evenly without streaks or muddiness, and work well under makeup as a base glow. I’d definitely recommend them if you’re new to bronzing drops or have fair skin like mine, since they’re less concentrated than other popular options. That said, a little goes a long way, and they’re easy to build. The finish has just enough shimmer for a warm, flattering glow that’s still office-friendly. I’ll definitely keep these in my summer makeup rotation!” —Grace McCarty, Glamour associate beauty editor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“The formula is harika silky and creamy, and blends into skin upon contact. I applied a drop under makeup and blended in a few more drops on top, focusing mainly on my jawline and temples. Almost instantly, you can see a glow added to my skin. All day, my skin looked dewy and bronzy.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tiger grass, glycerin
- Shades: 1
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops
Sephora
| What we loved: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Matte finish | Can get patchy if you don’t blend well |
| Non-comedogenic |
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, a greasy or overly shiny bronzing drops can feel uncomfortable. These matte bronzing drops solve that problem—they add a sun-kissed glow without any shine. The formula features prebiotics to help moisturize and balance skin, plus amino-infused actives that help boost your skin’s natural tone. Both combined are a dream for acne-prone skin because they work to calm breakouts and prevent new pimples from cropping up. The matte finish gives you a sun-kissed look without looking greasy.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“Bronzing drops are my savior after a long winter. I like to wear it under my makeup with a lightweight foundation so that the glow shines from underneath. I have hormonal acne and break out around my chin and jaw, but these drops feel light and conceal uneven skin tone. While it blends smoothly, you do have to make müddet that it’s evenly spread to avoid any patches.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, amino acids
- Shades: 4
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Long-Lasting Glow: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Ulta
Amazon
| What we loved: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Silky texture | Pricey for the size |
| Blurs imperfections |
Celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a huge fan of these bronzing drops. “They give immediate warmth and radiance to the skin but wash off at the end of the day,” she says. I love it for everyday wear or for someone who wants that bronzed look without the maintenance of a self-tanner.” The formula also includes peptides to soften lines, cocoa extract to provide antioxidant protection, and chronocyclin, a skincare ingredient that helps boost vitamin D in the skin for more youthful-looking, bouncy skin. Mix it into moisturizer or foundation, or apply it directly onto skin for a bronzy glow that lasts all day.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“These bronzing drops are worth the hype. They’re üstün silky in texture, blend right into skin, and leave behind a kaç glow, whether you’re wearing them alone or under makeup. I like that these also contain peptides to soften fine lines, and they also did a great job of evening out my complexion for a glowy, more even-toned finish.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, cocoa extract, chronocyclin
- Shades: 1
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Mature Skin: Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
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Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
Amazon
| What we loved: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Hydrating formula | Must be blended into skin thoroughly so it doesn’t streak |
For mature skin, adding warmth back into the face is one of the most flattering moves you can make. “[Bronzing drops] create a natural-looking glow without sitting heavily on the skin or settling into fine lines,” says Ventre. To get the look, we actually recommend this gel formula (which technically isn’t in drop form, but rather a gel-cream). It can be applied to skin under makeup for extra glow. The oil-free formula leaves behind a lightweight bronzy tone that instantly brightens and tans skin. The formula also contains sodium hyaluronate, a dermatologist-loved ingredient that keeps skin hydrated and bouncy, plumping fine lines and making skin look more youthful and radiant.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
“This product definitely gave me a sunlit glow, especially when applied across my temples and under my blush. It was a great pick-me-up moment when I felt like my complexion looked pale. When applying it straight on top of foundation, it’s best to blend very quickly, because it dries very fast. Mixing the drops with a moisturizer before applying prevents that scenario.” —Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate
- Shades: 1
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Fair Skin: e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops
e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops
Amazon
| What we loved: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Affordable | It’s hard to blend |
| Hydrating with a dewy finish |
These wallet-friendly glow drops were the best option we tried at the drugstore. And they’re packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients, too. Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil buff out uneven texture and plump fine lines. The formula has a silky, shimmery texture that blends best when mixed into your foundation or tinted moisturizer, and it’s fragrance-free, making it sensitive skin–friendly. It gives you a buildable glow which is great for fair skin types. We recommend using 4–5 drops for a bronzy hue.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“The e.l.f. bronzing drops give you a radiant glow, and I also think they did a good job of blurring imperfections and softening the lines on my forehead. Pro tip: mix them into foundation rather than applying them straight to the skin because they’re a little hard to blend on their own. That, plus a little brightening concealer, and you look like you’ve just been to the beach. I do like how bronzy they make skin look, too, they’re not orange!” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil
- Shades: 4
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Dark Skin Tone: Saie Dew Bronze
Saie Dew Bronze
Amazon
| What we love: | What we disliked: |
|---|---|
| Long-wearing formula | Not drop form |
| Works well on various skin tones | Product can be a little messy |
For dark skin tones, this liquid bronzer is a standout. While it doesn’t come in drop form, its liquid contour finish makes skin look sculpted and tan. “This bronzer gives you a seamless application for a subtle glow, and the formula feels more like a refreshing and effortless lightweight moisturizer,” says makeup artist Brielle Pollara. It also has a blend of glycerin to plump skin, licorice root extract to add glow, and silica to blur. All together, the formula does a great job tanning pale skin and adding vibrance overall.
Fast facts
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, licorice root extract, silica
- Shades: 4
- Size: .4 fl. oz.
Glamour contributor Monique Wilson says:
“This bronzer offers very buildable coverage, from a soft and natural shading to a more sculpted look. I’ve used this product along my jawline, cheekbones, nose bridge, and forehead area. I find the best placement is along my cheekbones because it seamlessly defines my features. Also, the packaging is small and compact, which makes it perfect for a vacation or on-the-go use” —Monique Wilson, Glamour contributor
Frequently asked questions
Are bronzing drops or bronzers better?
Bronzing drops and bronzer are used for different purposes. “Bronzing drops are more likely to have skin-cautious formulas and are applied like a moisturizer, residing all over the face and skin,” says Pollara. “Bronzing drops are the easiest way to achieve that vacation tan look in any season. They come in a variety of options for shade, texture, and application for any and all makeup looks,” says Pollara. Some even come in a dual moisturizer/bronzer formula if you’re looking for a simple non-foundation base alternative.
Bronzers, on the other hand, are usually applied more dryly, as they come in solid compacts with a cream formula and are typically applied to the triangle of the face, cheekbones, and jawline for a more sculpted appearance. Neither one is better than the other; rather, it’s based on preference for what type of look you’re aiming for.
Are bronzing drops recommended for mature skin?
Yes. “Mature skin should use bronzing drops because drops often cater toward skin health and are smoother to apply than other formulas,” says Pollara. Powder bronzers can be especially difficult, since they might settle into fine lines, while liquid types or bronzing drops will give you a silkier, natural glow and a hydrated finish that helps blur skin creases and wrinkles.
How often should you use bronzing drops?
You can use bronzing drops every day, but the artists recommend starting with fewer drops and building up gradually. “Over-application is the most common mistake and can lead to uneven results,” says Ventre, so it’s best to start slow.
How we tested
We tested bronzing drops by evaluating their ingredients, texture, formats, and finishes. The best ones had hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to gently plump and soften skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E to help gently brighten and protect skin from free radicals.
Meet the experts
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, celebrity makeup artist
- Brielle Pollara, NJ-based makeup artist
