Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
The best bronzing drops are a shortcut to looking like you spent the weekend at the beach—minus the actual sun (because, of course, we know better). They’re how so many Allure editors stay so consistently glowy without committing to full-on self-tanner. That’s where these instantly gratifying solutions, many of which are spiked with skin-loving ingredients like brightening vitamin C to enhance your natural luminosity, shine. Whether you want a soft hint of warmth or an all-over bronzed look, we rounded up the best face drops for endless gleam.
Our Top Bronzing Drops
- Best Overall: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, $39
- Best Brightening: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, $36
- Best Shimmer: Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer, $43
- Best Drugstore: Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer, $9
- Best Sheer: Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight, $58
- Best for Long-Term Glow: St. Tropez Luxe Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops, $48
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What do bronzing drops do?
- How do bronzing drops differ from tanning drops?
- How do I choose the right shade of bronzing drops for my skin tone?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
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Drunk Elephant
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han swatching the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: For a natural, all-over glow in any season, it doesn’t get better than the antioxidant-rich Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops. Seven years since its launch, it’s still considered the gold standard for glow enhancers—even winning a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award. The lightweight formula is infused with moisturizing cocoa extract, fine-line-minimizing peptides, conditioning antioxidant vitamin D, and barrier-strengthening vitamin F. Just mix a drop into your favorite moisturizer, serum, or oil for a bronzy boost.
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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"As the resident palest-shade-of-foundation tester at the office, it's rare that I reach for bronzer because, like, who am I fooling? But I was shocked at how much I liked the slight bronzy tint of Drunk Elephant's Sunshine Drops. They’re so easy to mix into a moisturizer to add a bit of glow to a base-free makeup day, and I like adding a bit to the high points of my cheeks and nose to add dimension and color." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Shades: 1
- Key ingredients: cocoa extract, peptides
- Who it's for: everyone
Best Brightening: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
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Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops in Sun Glow
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops took over TikTok's most notable faces (as well as our editors’) before it even officially launched—they’re that good. This shimmery rose-gold bottle contains the same skin-brightening hero ingredient, niacinamide, as its best-selling predecessor, the Watermelon Dew Drops, but with a pearly, gold-bronze pigment to instantly boost luminosity. Wear the drops alone, mixed in with your foundation, or as a highlighter for a glistening (never greasy) finish.
Han before applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drop in Sun Glow
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drop in Sun Glow
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This formula is as weightless and comfortable as the original Glow Drops and mixes well with moisturizer for an ultra-subtle hint of bronze (my preferred method), but you can always go in straight with the drops for a more intense effect. As someone who hasn't experimented with facial self-tanner (yet!), I find these Hue Drops super approachable and impossible to mess up—after all, they offer customizable coverage that washes right off when I shower. My pale winter complexion looks instantly glowier and more alive!" —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: 2
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, Centella asiatica (cica), hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract
- Who it's for: anyone who wants a lightweight, iridescent, and more warm-toned finish
Best Shimmer: Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
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Armani Beauty
Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: Wear it alone as a precise highlighter, all-over glimmering makeup base, or both—no matter how you apply Armani Beauty’s Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer, we can guarantee a strikingly glowy finish. This lightweight formula can be blended out for a subtly radiant effect or layered for more drama. All five shimmer-packed shades enhance your natural glow, but Golden Bronze is the perfect copper tint for creating a sunkissed, bronzed glow.
Pai before applying the Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“A lot of bronzing drops don’t mesh with my olive skin tone, but this is the exception. It practically melts into my skin, and I can just dab a little bit onto my cheekbones for a sheer, subtle bronze that looks like I just got back from a really good vacation.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: 5
- Key ingredients: N/A
- Who it's for: anyone who wants an ultra-shimmery formula
Best Drugstore: Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer
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Hard Candy
Just Glow Face Luminizer
Walmart
Hard Candy
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer
Lily Wohlner
Why it’s worth it: Even though the Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer costs less than $10, it performs like a high-end formula. Yes, it brings serious light-catching glow, but skin-loving ingredients like vitamins C and E, niacinamide, and grapeseed oil also help brighten, even tone, and deliver instant hydration. It comes in two bronzier shades (Bronze Glow and Golden Glow), plus Rosy Glow, which is especially flattering on lighter skin tones.
Wohlner before applying the Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after applying the Hard Candy Just Glow Face Luminizer
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“These luminizing drops are so easy to mix into your foundation—I just blend them on the back of my hand—and then apply for a hit of light and dimension in my usual base routine. On days when my skin looks extra dull, I’ll also mix a little into my moisturizer for a glowier, almost glass-like finish.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Shades: 3
- Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, grapeseed oil
- Who it's for: anyone who wants a subtle glow
Best Sheer: Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight
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Westman Atelier
Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops
Nordstrom
Credo Beauty
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight
Why it's worth it: When it comes to shimmer, less is sometimes more. So, on the days when we want an ultra-light, buildable glow, we apply a few drops of Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Liquid Highlight. Wear it under foundation or on its own for a subtle glow that, once you experience it, you’ll understand the hype. Each drop leaves behind a sheer veil of warmth-boosting color, gliding and melting seamlessly into skin, thanks to a conditioning blend of tsubaki and avocado oils. Antioxidant vitamin C provides a brightening boost on the side. There are four shades: Peau de Petal (we use this as blush), Peau de Pêche (a champagne shade), Peau de Rosé (a light pink), and Peau de Soleil (the bronziest, most sunkissed tint).
Pai before using the Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight
Pai after using the Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight
Tester feedback from Pai
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“If you don't love (or really need) traditional bronzer, then these drops are a good starting point. I love that they're effectively a hybrid between highlighter and bronzer, adding a sheer, dewy finish with a touch of warmth. And the oil-based formula feels extra-nourishing in the winter. It's as subtle as bronzer gets—in a good way.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: 4
- Key ingredients: vitamin C, avocado oil, tsubaki oil
- Who it's for: anyone who wants a subtle "just spent my weekend in the Hamptons" glow
Best for a Long-Term Glow: St. Tropez Luxe Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops
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St. Tropez
Luxe Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: St. Tropez’s Luxe Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops are the easiest way to keep a long-lasting, believable glow. Just mix a few drops into your moisturizer—two for a subtle, just-got-some-sun look, or up to six for a deeper bronze—and you’re set for the next few days. (On weeks when we want that steady sun-kissed vibe, we’ll even use them nightly before bed.) Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin-C-rich acerola cherry extract lend instant, lit-from-within radiance, while also plumping, smoothing fine lines, and calming redness.
More to know
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- Shades: 1
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, acerola cherry extract
- Who it’s for: those looking for a glow that lasts more than just one day
Frequently Asked Questions
What do bronzing drops do?
In their most basic form, bronzing drops are pigmented (usually gold- or copper-toned) drops that temporarily boost the warmth and glow of your natural complexion. "Bronzing drops are a lightweight liquid bronzer that you can add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation," says Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye. Many formulas are also formulated to wear alone and under your makeup, while some bronzing drops have so much glow that you'll want to apply them as a highlighter to the high points of your face, or even on your body. Regardless of the chosen method, you'll love how these drops instantly warm up your complexion and give you a radiance like no other.
How do bronzing drops differ from tanning drops?
The main difference is that bronzing drops are temporary and rinse down the drain once it's time to wash your face, while tanning drops usually have a semi-permanent pigment. The latter relies on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that safely darkens the skin. However, like many bronzing drops on the market, tanning drops especially made for the face usually contain nourishing ingredients like skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and glycerin for a dewier, more radiant finish.
How do I choose the right shade of bronzing drops for my skin tone?
New York City-based makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran adds that factors like blendability, pigmentation, and undertone are important to consider. "Choosing the right shade of bronzing drops will take some trial, error, and experimentation, but generally, you want to aim for a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone and matches your undertone (cool, neutral, or warm) for a harmonious look," she says.
Unlike contouring, which intensifies the look of your face's natural angles, bronzing adds warmth and color to your skin. As a rule of thumb, your bronzer shouldn't be tangerine-level in warmth, but finding the right shade depends on your skin's natural tone. "Be sure to avoid bronzers that appear overly orange or red-toned in the pan, as it will only come across more intensely when you apply it to the skin," New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers previously told Allure.
Flowers said those with fair-to-medium skin tones should use a bronzer that's one or two shades darker than their natural skin tone and always use a light hand when applying. People with tan, olive-toned skin can wear most bronzer shades as long as they don't stray too far from their natural skin color, but medium and fair skin tones should stick to neutral shades to avoid an orange finish. New York City-based makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff previously told Allure that those with dark and deep complexions will want to avoid bronzers with cooler undertones because they will more than likely create an ashy effect when applied.
Meet the experts
- Allison Kaye, a Miami-based makeup artist
- Ashunta Sheriff, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Elisa Flowers, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Jaleesa Jaikaran, a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about several factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best bronzing drops, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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