We’ve got faux tan, cream bronzers and bronzing powders, but now there’s a new kid on the block. Introducing: bronzing drops. Delivering a lightweight, lit-from-within glow, these skin care- make up hybrids have been the talk of the town all summer... and beyond.
But what exactly *are* bronzing drops? How do you *use* them? What’s the best way to get the most out of them? Well, here at Cult Beauty, we've done the hard work for you. So, get comfy as we take you on a whistle stop tour of some of the best bronzing drops that’ll give you the most radiant results....
WHAT ARE BRONZING DROPS
Ideal for delivering a radiant finish, the best bronzing drops are a make up must-have for a fuss-free, sun-kissed finish. Blending into your skin seamlessly, the famed formulas deliver a warmth to the complexion, without the need for: A) sun B) face tanners and C) typical bronzers. When applied, bronzing drops look subtle and sheer, making them ideal for the forever trending ‘clean’ aesthetic. Formulated with a blend of skin care ingredients (we’re talking hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane), they work to smooth, brighten and hydrate complexions while delivering a dewy wash of colour.
HOW TO USE BRONZING DROPS
Versatile and forgiving (as they buff easily onto the skin – so it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake), the best bronzing drops can be used in a plethora of ways. If you’re after an all over glow, consider using bronzing drops as the last step in your skin care routine, before you do your make up. You can either apply straight to your complexion, mix it in with your moisturiser or add drops to your foundation. Using the drops this way delivers a luminous base with a *touch* of radiance. Or, if you want more of an impact, use bronzing drops as you would use your bronzer— on the points of the face the sun would naturally hit (i.e. your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) after you’ve done your base. Oh, and did we mention you can also use a powder bronzer on top of the formulas, if you want to lock it in place and add more definition.
So, now we know the what and the how, let’s get acquainted with some of the best bronzing drops on Cult Beauty’s virtual shelves...
THE BEST BRONZING DROPS
Packed with skin loving niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and soothing watermelon extract, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops not only delivers a wash of subtle colour to your complexion but work to brighten and even out your skin tone over time too. Use directly on skin (and eyelids) as a subtle highlight or mix with your skin care saviours, to a boost of golden-hour glimmer...any time of day.
SHOP ALL GLOW RECIPE >>> A viral sensation that brings a gleaming glow to your complexion is Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops. Formulated with an antioxidant that mimics the benefits of vitamin D *and* a blend of virgin marula and black currant seed oils, this famed favourite not only delivers a sheer dose of bronze, but it protects the skin against environmental aggressors too.
SHOP ALL DRUNK ELEPHANT >>> A serious multi-tasking must-have, Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen SPF50 Bronzing Super Glow Drops not only delivers a sun-kissed glow (sans the sun), but it also shields your skin with its broad spectrum SPF50 protection. Melting into your complexion, these bronzing drops allow you to choose your own glow-giving intensity by mixing however many drops you want to your preferred SPF or use them over and under your make up.
SHOP ALL ULTRA VIOLETE >>> Twist, click and blend your bronze with ICONIC London’s Instant Sunshine Bronzing Drops. Housed in an innovative dispenser, these drops deliver a warmth to your skin tone for a ‘just-got-back-from-the-beach’ finish. Blending refined pearls with skin-adapting pigments, its innovative colour payoff is unique to your tone and your needs. Dab onto skin after make up for a shot of serious sunshine or mix into your moisturiser for a subtle, golden no-make up make up finish.
SHOP ALL ICONIC LONDON >>> Dial up the dew with the irresistible golden hues of Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops. Powered by hyaluronic acid and laced with light-scattering pigments, vitamin C and sea kelp, these dewy-delivering drops not only plump, hydrate and protect the skin, but ensure your complexion looks healthy, happy and hydrated too.
SHOP ALL PAI SKINCARE >>> Still have more questions about the best bronzing drops ? Fear not, we’ve answered the most commonly asked questions below...
THE BEST BRONZING DROP FAQS
Do you put bronzing drops on before make up?
You can use bronzing drops however you like! For something more subtle you can use them as the last step in your skin care routine, or after you’ve finished your make up as a highlighter on the high points of your face. The choice is yours.
Do bronzing drops wash off?
Yes! The best bronzing drops are formulated without DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is the ingredient infused in tanning drops that reacts with the keratin in your skin to release pigments. This means that come sun-down, you can wash off your bronzed skin and be fresh faced for the rest of your evening.
Do you have to mix bronzing drops with moisturizer?
No. You do not need to mix bronzing drops with anything else if you don’t want to. Some people prefer a more subtle glow and opt to mix them with their moisturiser or foundation, but bronzing drops are formulated to be versatile and work just as well alone as they do with other products.
And there you have it, a full glow-down on all the best bronze drops. The only thing left to do is pick a favourite and decide if you’re applying pre or post make up...
SHOP ALL BRONZING DROPS >>> 
