Self-tanning gets a bad rap, but it’s advanced in leaps and bounds since we were turning ourselves orange in preparation for our formals. 

There are now plenty of ways to get a subtle and sun-safe glow year round—shower gels, gradual tan moisturisers, a good spray tan—but one method, in particular, has made its way into a spot at the front of our bathroom cabinets. 

Introducing tanning drops, our new favourite way to get the sun-kissed look of a lady of leisure, whatever the season.

Think of tan drops like a serum: Something to incorporate into your regular routine. The active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is what’s used to add colour to your skin without sun. 

The best thing about self-tanning drops is that you can mix them with the other products in your regimen, including moisturisers, primers, serums and face oils, to get the perfect level of DHA for your ideal level of glow boost. 

Because it’s a concentrate, the ratio of DHA in pure tanning drops is extremely high, but you can add just a few drops—two to four is usually enough—to your dollop of other products to get a subtle, barely-there glow. If you want a deeper tan, up to twelve drops should give you to get the golden colour you’re after. 

Tanning drops can be used on both your face and body, but if you’re planning to use them on your face, make sure you choose a sensitive, non-comedogenic formula. 

While tanning drops are much more customisable and easy to use (read: harder to mess up) than traditional tanning solutions, there are still a few tricks to ensure you get the perfect glow. Make sure to prep your skin properly with a gentle exfoliation the night before. Start with just a few drops—you can increase the number of drops over a few days when you see how it takes to your skin. Make sure you massage it in evenly and all the way to the edges, then wash your hands afterwards.

Here are a few tanning drops you might want to add to your cart now.

The Best Tan Drops on the Market

Tan-Luxe, The Body Self Tanner

The Body self-tan drops come in light/medium and medium/dark, so it’s even more customisable. These are made with natural ingredients that are good for your skin, including raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera. It’s formulated for your body, but in a pinch you can use it sparingly on your face. 

Tan-Luxe, Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

The Super Glow formula is the face version of Tan-Luxe's body drops. It offers a natural glow and serum-level hydration thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. Cocoa seed extract also helps to protect skin from the environment. 

Isle Of Paradise, Self-Tanning Drops

For a face-specific product, go for Isle of Paradise’s drops, which come in three shades. They’re perfect for sensitive skin, they’re formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients at the skin’s natural pH level. Each shade contains a specific complex to achieve different results, and coconut, chia seed and avocado oils to nourish skin.

Soleil Toujours, Organic Daily Sunless Tanning Serum

Designed for sensitive skin, Soleil Toujours sunless tanning serum is formulated with soothing aloe, raspberry seed oil, turmeric and Azadirachta flower extracts for soft, hydrated, supple skin. 

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Author Bio:

Hannah Warren

Hannah was born in New Zealand and is based wherever she can set down a laptop. She's been playing with words since she could first pick up a pen, and in her spare time she's a pole dancer, pasta glutton and dog mum.

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