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Stylist Loves
Bronzing drops have gone viral this summer. Here are 10 glow-givers to add to your routine
By Darcy Brown
2 years ago
4 min read
Made for both the make-up maestros and the minimalists, bronzing drops are a must-have in your summer routine. They offer your skin a glowing warmth that achieves the same beach-bronzed look as a week in the tropics (with no sun damage in sight).
The shortcut to a back-from-holiday glow? Bronzing drops, of course. Adding a dose of liquid sunshine to your routine will flood your face with colour and add incredible luminosity to the skin. And the best part is that no sun damage was endured to get you there.
Bronzing drop formulas are incredibly versatile, and you can add them to your routine in more ways than one. For no-make-up days, mix the drops with your favourite moisturiser; this also preps a been-to-the-beach canvas for the rest of your make-up. You can even apply the drops over make-up or on your décolletage to contour and define.
Unsurprisingly, these hero beauty elixirs have taken over Tiktok this summer, with #BronzingDrops being tagged over 220 million times and racking up over 315 million views. The industry has seen brands across make-up, skincare and tanning create their own formulas to ensure there is a glow for everyone.
If you’re ready to give in to the hype, here is our roundup of 10 of the best formulas.
Ciate London Brazilian Glow Bronzing Serum
This water-to-serum formula went viral for a reason: the instant bronzing effect it achieves totally transforms the complexion. It blends seamlessly with a second-skin finish over the face, neck and chest. A glow-giving cocktail of vitamin C to brighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate means it really goes the extra mile.
Shop Ciate London Brazilian Glow Bronzing Serum from Ciate London, £25
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Drops
Another option celebrated by those over on #BeautyTok is this. In true Drunk Elephant style, these drops care for your skin with a barrier-boosting blend of omegas and fatty acids. All of which are delivered with an irresistible bronzy finish and make a worthy addition to your skincare routine.
Shop Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Drops at Boots, £33
By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body Bronzer
When the weather calls for a shorter sleeve or higher hemline, this option is one to reach for to achieve an all-over glow. It is designed for both the face and body and builds from a subtle sheen on the face to a robust tan on your limbs. Tiny golden micro particles emit a sunshine-esque light from the skin.
Shop By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body Bronzer at Lookfantastic, £59
Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Bronzing Drops
Tan-Luxe is a master of the art of fake tanning, and its take on bronzing drops does not disappoint. The formula blends hyaluronic acid and squalene to keep skin moisturised for a seamlessly natural finish. Plus, an SPF30 keeps sun rays away by offering everyday sunscreen a helping hand in protecting your skin.
Shop Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Bronzing Drops at Cult Beauty, £36
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator
Wear the ‘Peau de Soleil’ (aka Golden Hour Bronze) shade alone to warm your skin or after your base routine to define your best features. Formulated with a dewy skin aesthetic in mind, this illuminating option reflects the light just right to achieve a healthy complexion that mimics a two-week out-of-office break.
Shop Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator at Cult Beauty, £53
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop'Lit All-Over Glow Enhancer
Fenty Beauty knows about shade-inclusive fashion, and a four-option range means a sun-kissed look for everyone. Whether you opt for a deeper tone or a lighter flush, the formula’s infusion of hydrating prickly pear and brightening pomegranate peel will leave you with an inside-out glow.
Shop Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop’Lit All-Over Glow Enhancer at Sephora, £27
Lottie London Hot Glaze Bronzing Serum Drops
These bronzing drops transport you straight to the beach with its coconut scent. They add natural colour to your complexion with a watery formula that dries with a transparent finish. Plus, a holiday glow is achieved with a skin-loving mix of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. In other words, a holiday in a bottle.
Shop Lottie London Hot Glaze Bronzing Serum Drops at Lottie London, £8.95
PS… Instant Bronzing Drops
These affordable tan boosters prove that achieving a holiday glow need not break the bank. Adding two or three drops of the formula into your skincare or foundation will treat dull-looking skin to a golden-hued flush. Blackcurrant oil and vitamin E also deliver the dew to illuminate the complexion further.
Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops
Skincare aficionados, this one is for you. These glow-bestowing bronzing drops create a beautifully ethereal look delivered by a skincare-first formula. Vitamin C from lemons creates a brighter complexion and protects the skin, while sea kelp pairs with hyaluronic acid to deliver next-level hydration. Tiny light-scattering pigments will create an inside-out radiance.
Shop Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops from Lookfantastic, £18.99
Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint
If fuller coverage is your thing, try these buildable bronzing drops. From ultra-sheer to medium coverage, depending on how you apply it, you can add a ‘hint of’ around 20 shades to your skin to dial your hue to its desired colour. The finish lets your skin shine through while smoothing and blurring imperfections.
Images: Stylist Loves; courtesy of brands
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