# of Shades: One | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, lavender extract, rosemary oil | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants a sun-kissed glow that never looks greasy.
Best for Dry Skin: Live Tinted Hueglow
Why It’s Worth It: Made with hydration-pumping squalane, Live Tinted’s Hueglow not only boosts radiance but also moisturizes the skin without a greasy feel. This formula is available in three shades: Dawn for a pinkish tint, Dusk for a true-bronze tint, and Golden Hour for a glistening golden glow.
Editor Tip: These long-lasting bronzing drops can also be used on your body for a head-to-toe glow-up.
# of Shades: Two | Key Ingredients: Squalane, sunflower seed oil, mica | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants bronzing drops that contain skin-nourishing ingredients.
Best Sheer Finish: Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops
Why It’s Worth It: Both Sheer Golden and Sheer Bronze shades of the Versed Mood Lighting Glow Drops can be worn solo or mixed in with your favorite base products. We love these because they’re super lightweight and don’t feel like you’re adding pigment in at all.
Editor Tip: This skin-loving formula is also spiked with firming peptides to boost skin elasticity and blackberry extract, which is rich in brightening antioxidants like vitamin C.
# of Shades: Two | Key Ingredients: Peptides, blackberry extract | Who It’s For: Anyone who wants sheer, natural luminance.
What do bronzing drops do?
In their most basic form, bronzing drops are pigmented drops that temporarily boost the warmth and glow of your natural complexion. “Bronzing drops are a lightweight, liquid bronzer that you can either add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation,” says Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye. You can also wear them alone. 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 how you want to use it, we promise 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 between the two 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?
Unlike contouring, which is meant to intensify 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 for you 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 intense when you apply it to the skin,” New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers previously told Allure.