As our skin matures, it becomes more about radiance, evening out skin tone, and finding formulas that won't settle into fine lines or accentuate dehydration.
Tanning drops have become the gold standard for this. By mixing a concentrated formula into your existing skincare, you maintain total control. But how do you avoid the dreaded "orange' face or patchy jawline?
We sat down with James Read, Tanning Expert and Founder of Self Glow by James Read, to get the definitive rules for a flawless, age-defying tan.
Tanning drops - or bronzing drops as some people describe them - are wonderful for giving YOU the control over how tanned you want to look in the face, and you can either achieve a slight glow or a full on tanned complexion, without the harmful UV rays. The personalisation is a major plus, and they can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare regime.
- Best tanning drops for beginners: Self Glow by James Read Sunbright Tanning Drops, £39 / $52
- Best luxury tanning drops: Dior Beauty Solar The Self-Tanning Drops for Face and Neck, £56 / $75
- Best tanning drops for travel: Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops, £23.80 / $75
- Best affordable tanning drops: Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops, £10
- Best tanning drops for sensitive skin: Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops, £19 / $29
The Golden Rules of Face Tanning
How many drops is enough?
The most common mistake is overdoing it on night one. James’s advice is simple: "Start off with 2-3 drops to build it up. Never too much straight away. Your skin renews, so you can use them all the time and never get a 'buildup' effect. Avoid using too much at once; gentle layering is key."
When should you apply them?
"A lot of people use tanning drops at night, mixing them into their night cream so it becomes part of their skincare routine," James explains. "It’s an easy way to build a natural glow while the skin is already in repair mode overnight."
If you prefer a daytime boost, James suggests a tinted formula: "Build them up gradually to enhance your glow over time. Tinted drops are also great for adding a few natural-looking freckles—just use a fine-tipped brush for a soft, believable finish."
If you prefer a daytime boost, James suggests a tinted formula: "Build them up gradually to enhance your glow over time. Tinted drops are also great for adding a few natural-looking freckles - just use a fine-tipped brush for a soft, believable finish."
How I chose the best tanning drops
- Skincare First, Bronze Second: I prioritised formulas that act like high-end serums. If it didn't have Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, or Antioxidants to plump and protect, it didn't make the cut.
- The "Anti-Orange" Guarantee: The goal is a bronzed glow, not a "stuck in a spray booth" disaster. I hunted for colour-correcting technology (green and violet undertones) that mimics real melanin and won't settle into fine lines or pores.
- Social Media Virality: I'm always on TikTok and Instagram and I get easily influenced - the majority of these brands are TikTok famous.
The Compatibility Question: What can you mix them with?
If you're worried about your active ingredients clashing with your tan, you're right to be cautious.
- Retinol: Avoid it. "Avoid combining them with retinol, as this can prevent the tan from developing properly," James warns.
- SPF: Surprisingly, it’s a green light. "Mixing with SPF is safe - just apply as part of your morning routine. For example, I sometimes use Medik8 Vitamin C SPF 30 alongside my tanning drops with great results."
Which tanning drops are best?
1/8
Self Glow by James Read Sunblush Tanning Drops
© Self Glow by James ReadEditor’s Review:
"I love using these in the morning. The colour is visible within a few hours and gives that healthy, 'just-had-a-weekend-away' glow without needing your passport."
Designed by the man himself, these drops are the ultimate multitaskers. They provide a beautiful, rosy-bronze glow that mimics a natural glow. They are skincare-heavy, ensuring your face stays hydrated while the colour develops.
2/8
Dior Beauty Solar The Self-Tanning Drops for Face and Neck
© Dior BeautyEditor’s Review:
"The most expensive looking tan I've tried. It’s incredibly subtle - perfect for fair skin tones that usually fear the orange-factor. It left my skin feeling silky, not sticky. Unlike other tanning drops, you apply the equivalent of one pipette evenly over the face and neck before your day cream, once a day, until the desired level of tan is achieved, then twice a week to maintain your tan."
If you want a luxe experience, Dior delivers. These drops are incredibly lightweight and focus on a gradual, sun-kissed finish rather than an overnight transformation. They leave the skin feeling supple, making them perfect for those concerned with dryness.
3/8
Lancaster Self Tan Sun-Kissed Face Drops
© LancasterEditor’s Review:
"This smells like a luxury holiday in a bottle. It's very hydrating and develops quickly - I saw a beautiful glow in under two hours."
Lancaster is the heritage brand of suncare, and their drops feel sophisticated. They use a 'Tan Adapt' technology that mimics your natural melanin. It’s a very believable tan that looks like you’ve just stepped off a yacht in Monaco.
4/8
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops
© GarnierEditor's Review:
"Don't let the price fool you; this performs as well as the luxury brands. It mixes perfectly with my daily moisturiser and never streaks."
The ultimate budget-friendly hero. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and coconut water, proving you don't need to spend a fortune for a quality glow.
5/8
Caudalie Vinobronze Self-Tan Sun Drops
© CaudalieEditor’s Review:
"Perfect for the 'clean beauty' enthusiast. It feels like a nourishing oil-serum and leaves the skin looking incredibly dewy and fresh."
Caudalie brings their antioxidant expertise to the tanning world. Infused with grape seed polyphenols, these drops protect the skin from oxidative stress while delivering a very natural, golden tint.
6/8
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
© Isle of ParadiseEditor's Review:
"The azelaic acid is a great addition - it completely calmed the redness on my cheeks while giving me a bright, even bronze. It’s fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved, so no breakouts here."
Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and azelaic acid, this dermatologist approved, fragrance-free formula visibly hydrates, brightens and evens skin tone while building natural-looking bronze.
7/8
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tanning Drops
© Tan-LuxeEditor's Review:
"I often keep coming back to this one - I’ve used this for years because it never, ever looks fake. It integrates into my routine so seamlessly I forget I’m even 'tanning'."
A cult classic for a reason. It uses raspberry seed oil and vitamin E to protect the skin barrier while delivering a totally customisable tan.
8/8
Rose & Caramel Nudity Hyaluronic Acid Tanning Drops
© Rose & CaramelEditor’s Review:
"With a can’t-go-wrong application, they’re your foolproof way to a faux bronze glow. Thanks to the hyaluronic acid, it plumps and tans simultaneously. I also noticed zero transfer on my pillow case, which is the ultimate win."
Love self tan, hate applying it? The Nudity Hyaluronic Acid Tanning Drops from Rose & Caramel have been made especially for you.
The quickest, easiest way to gorgeous glowing skin, the drops can be added seamlessly into your skincare routine to give a natural-looking finish every time - no streaks, no patches and no effort needed.
What are tanning drops?
Tanning drops are in liquid form, and contain a self tan formula to give your skin a faux sun tan, and depending on the product can vary from light to dark shades. They usually contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colourless chemical that interacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a temporary tan. They are super simple to use, you can apply two to three drops directly to your face, and let it sink in, similar to a moisturiser, or you can blend with a serum as a tan enhancer.
