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Makeup
Get glowing.
By Shanna Shipin
The trouble with summer is your skin has to play catch-up with your brain. Mentally, you’re vacationing in Sicily; in reality, you’re looking up the best bronzing drops to fake any semblance of the sun hitting your skin these past six months. Well, you’re in luck, because bronzing drops are basically bottled-up golden hour for your face, and we rounded up the dreamiest options ahead.
Our top picks
- Best Overall:Tan Luxe Super Gloss Instant Bronzing Face Drops, SPF 30, $49
- Most Lightweight:Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, $38
- Best for Skin Care:Caliray Just Add Rays Universal Translucent Glow Booster Drops, $34
- Best for Face and Body:Unsun Cosmetics Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15, $34
Tan Luxe Super Gloss Instant Bronzing Face Drops With SPF 30
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Caliray Just Add Rays Universal Translucent Glow Booster Drops
Unsun Cosmetics Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15
What exactly do bronzing drops do?
“Bronzing drops give the illusion of a sun-kissed tan,” says Sephora beauty directorHelen Dagdag. She saysthey tend to have a concentrated, buildable bronze pigment that you can mix with your skin care or foundation for an instant glow. “The best part about bronzing drops is that they have beneficial skin care ingredients and are totally customizable,” she says.
Importantly, Dagdag notes that bronzing drops do not contain self-tanner and are thus not tanning drops. They're simply another makeup product; think of them as your highlighter's chill older sister.
How do you add bronzing drops to your routine?
It may not seem like it at first blush, er, bronzer, but these drops are surprisingly versatile. Because they come in a lightweight, milky texture (as opposed to a pressed powder or stick), you can use them all over like a tinted moisturizer or just on the high points of your face as you would with a highlighter.
“Oftentimes adding bronzer will even out skin tone with just a sheer layer, so they are great for a no-makeup makeup look,” says Dagdag. She adds that bronzing drops are the easiest way to transition out of a winter foundation, as they're typically meant to be combined with other products: “Mix it with skin care for glowy even-toned skin, or with foundation to adjust the shade from winter to spring and/or summer.”
However you decide to use them, ahead are 10 of the best bronzing drops to have fun experimenting with this year.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/10
Tan Luxe Super Gloss Instant Bronzing Face Drops With SPF 30
Bronzing drops are a natural extension of a brand that specializes in self-tanner, so it's no surprise that these TikTok-loved drops from Tan-Luxe top our list. The shade (which is far from tanning-bed orange) gives the most natural-looking finish and is versatile enough to work across all skin tones. Dagdag notes that the formula is oil-based but still wears comfortably. If that weren't enough, these drops also offer the most sun protection in this list (at SPF 30), which is important if you're going to be wearing it on top of your makeup as your skin's first line of defense.
- Pros: Natural-looking finish, SPF 30
- Cons: Some reviewers say the formula is greasy.
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: One color
- What reviews say: “These are sooo easy to use. Instant bronze, SPF, and looks great under makeup.” —Ncg1225, reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Sephora promo codes and Shopbop promo codes.
2/10
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
D-Bronzi from Drunk Elephant is perhaps the most well-known bronzer on this list. The drops are very concentrated and deliver a true shimmering bronze to your skin (you may look like a statue straight out of the Aegean Sea if you get heavy-handed). Dagdag notes that the formula is serum-like, which gives it some added appeal; there's a peptide complex and a synthetic antioxidant for well-aging benefits.
- Pros: Trusted formula with skin-care-like benefits; concentrated pigment
- Cons: Expensive
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: One color
- What reviews say: “This mixed with moisturizer gives a perfect base! I have [had] this product since October last year and I love it. It lasts so long and it gives a dewy and bronzy look. As a person who doesn't like to wear foundation, this is perfect and it is lightweight. I don't consider it a lot as a serum or skincare, I consider this more makeup. There are cheaper alternatives, but I love this one and I will never change it. This is a must-have in my routine.” —Miberico, reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Sephora promo codes and Ulta promo codes.
3/10
Unsun Cosmetics Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15
Blending is key with bronzing drops, so why not extend that wash of warmth across your shoulders and décolletage? Unsun's drops are a buildable bronze glimmer and are meant to use on the face and body. They also come with the added benefit of SPF 15. PS: The Los Angeles–based brand (which was founded by Frank Ocean's mom, by the way) has a mineral sunscreen that pairs perfectly with the bronzer.
- Pros: Versatile; SPF 15
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: Bronze and gold shimmer
- What reviews say: “Love that this is a combo of lotion and highlighter. My skin feels and looks great + getting all the benefits of sun protection. Definitely buying again! Thanks UnSun!” —Emily B., reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Nordstrom promo codes.
4/10
Caliray Just Add Rays Universal Translucent Glow Booster Drops
If the name didn't tip you off, Caliray is all about giving you a West Coast–worthy glow—and no product speaks to this quite like the brand's best-selling glow-boosting drops. Dagdag notes that they're oil-based and give a “gorgeous slick sheen to the skin.” They have a more traditional copper tint that's buildable, lightweight, and nontacky.
- Pros: Versatile; can be applied directly onto skin or mixed with skin care products.
- Cons: Some reviewers didn't love the fragrance; others said the shimmer wasn't as strong as some other options on the market.
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: One color
- What reviews say: “I am obsessed with this product! It adds the perfect glow for every and any occasion. I love to add a few drops to my moisturizers or sunscreen, it blends so easily and makes me look dewy. It has a hint of shimmer that when the light hits just right is like a natural highlighter. 10/10! Highly recommend!” —Vshabz, reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Sephora promo codes.
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5/10
Pai Skincare The Impossible Glow
These drops are the perfect example of makeup meets skin care. On top of a beautiful warm bronze, The Impossible Glow will bring hyaluronic acid, sea kelp, and vitamin C to your skin, making it a great option for those with dry, very dry, or mature skin types.
- Pros: Versatile; formula has skin care benefits.
- Cons: Some reviewers say the shimmer was either too dark or too light for their skin types.
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: Bronze, rose gold, champagne
- What reviews say: “I got a sample of this and fell in love. I don't wear a lot of makeup but this gives my skin a little added glow, warmth, and tone evening. I get compliments every time I wear it! I always mix with my moisturizer to apply or just do one drop between moisturizer and sunscreen, it is thin but looks good once it's on.” —Zoe, reviewer at Credo Market
6/10
Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker
Most bronzers are oil-based formulas, which can be off-putting for some. You won't have to worry about a hint of greasy feeling or a face full of reactive pimples with this Gelee bronzer from Clinique. And if you're looking for a more brown overtone (rather than orangey), this may be the one for you.
- Pros: Gives a subtle, natural glow that isn't super shimmery.
- Cons: Reviewers have reported that the tint stains.
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: One color
- What reviews say: “I live with four seasons so am never the same shade. I add this to my foundation/bb cream to match my tan rather than buying 50 shades of beige.” —Tsakiy, reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Sephora promo codes and Ulta promo codes.
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7/10
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop'lit All-Over Glow Enhancer
If you were to trust anyone to give you a lit-from-within look, it would be Rihanna, a real-life goddess herself. True to form, this Fenty product is keen on skin tones and is offered in four shades, from a traditional pearl highlighter to a warm bronze that's intended for deep skin tones. Since it walks the line between bronzer and highlighter, it's beginner-friendly and not as pigmented as the other bronzers on this list.
- Pros: Better options for color matching
- Cons: Reviewers have reported that the product made them break out.
- Size: 1.22 oz.
- Colors: Opalescent, champagne, warm golden, warm bronze
- What reviews say: “Love this. Very light coverage but that’s how I like it. Leaves such a pretty glow and I love to add a little more on top of my blush. Such a summer product.” —Rogers4323, reviewer at Sephora
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Sephora and Ulta promo codes.
8/10
Live Tinted Hueglow
If it's shimmer that you're after, Live Tinted's Hueglow is a buildable bronze serum that will leave you positively glistening—even if you layer it under your makeup. It also has the (surprisingly rare) quality of being noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
- Pros: Buildable, great for layering underneath makeup; noncomedogenic formula
- Cons: Reviewers have reported that the formula can be oily and tacky.
- Size: 1.7 oz.
- Colors: Rose gold and bronze
- What reviews say: “Was a little skeptical when I first purchased this in Dawn, seeing as I have never heard of this brand; ended up absolutely loving it! Super lightweight, hydrating, and goes on so smoothly. You can apply it with your hands, a sponge, or a brush. I like to use this when I’m going with less makeup/makeup free. Gives a healthy, dewy finish. Just the right amount of glow (take note though—a little goes a long way). Love, love, love!” —LeonaJay, reviewer at Amazon
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Target and Ulta promo codes.
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9/10
Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer Broad Spectrum SPF 15
If shimmer isn't what you're after, Perricone MD's bronzer may be for you. It imparts a natural bronze color that's almost flat in appearance, which makes it great for mixing right in with your foundation, and especially appealing if you're looking for a bronzer with a matte finish.
- Pros: Natural color, matte finish, great for mixing with makeup, SPF 15
- Cons: Reviewers have noted that the dropper is too big for the bottle.
- Size: 0.3 oz.
- Colors: One color
- What reviews say: “I love this on cheekbones, eyes, and forehead to add a sunny glow with more sun protection. Great mixed with sunscreen, too!” —Lisa, reviewer at Nordstrom
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Target and Nordstrom promo codes.
10/10
Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Facial Drops
Versed's Mood Lighting includes light-reflecting pigments that will basically turn you into a vampire out of Twilight. The product comes in two shades (Sheer Golden and Sheer Bronze) and delivers a subtle brilliance that looks extra glimmery in actual sunlight.
- Pros: Nontoxic, lightweight, hydrating; vegan formula
- Cons: Some reviewers have noted that the formula clogs pores and gave them stubborn acne.
- Size: 1 oz.
- Colors: Golden and bronze
- What reviews say: “Really, totally, better than I expected. This color is so subtle yet packs a punch for impact. Blended with daily moisturizer and *chefs kiss*… magnificent! Buying another right now to have as backup in case it’s discontinued. Yes—it’s that good.” —Jennifer Barczak, reviewer at Amazon
Save when you shop for the best bronzing drops with these Target promo codes.
Shanna Shipin is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant who’s worked in publishing for nearly a decade. She currently specializes in beauty, motherhood and parenting, and lifestyle content. Previously, she served as commerce director and managing editor for shopping content at Allure, Glamour, SELF, and Teen Vogue. Shanna is a... Read more
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