Beauty enthusiast (and hopeless self-tanner) Evelyn Richards shares her fool proof picks for a streak-free, natural-looking glow using the best tanning drops.
If you’ve ever battled with streaky legs, biscuit-scented skin or patchy tan lines, you’re not alone. I’ve tried just about every fake tan on the market — and made just about every fake-tan mistake possible. Which is why, these days, I stick to what actually works: tanning drops.
These clever, glow-giving formulas have completely changed how I tan. Just a few drops mixed into your moisturiser is all it takes to achieve that radiant, healthy-looking complexion — minus the orange tones, patchiness or drama.
Whether you want a deep bronze or a subtle golden boost, these tried-and-tested favourites of mine are sure to give you a flawless faux glow, every time.
Read more: These are the best fake tans for a year-round golden glow
1. Skin & Tan Tanning Wonder Drops
Best for: beginners who want a gradual glow
This gradual tanner has a touch of golden shimmer for a glowing, sun-kissed complexion. Skin & Tan’s drops are infused with hyaluronic acid, Q10, coconut water, vitamin E and blackberry leaf extract to hydrate and nourish while leaving your skin beautifully bronzed and visibly luminous.
The subtle shimmer adds a dewy, lit-from-within finish for that just-back-from-holiday glow — no sunshine needed.
Buy from Face The Future for £19.99.
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2. e.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops
Best for: beauty on a budget
Don’t let the price fool you — these drops pack a punch.
Created with sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, marula oil and raspberry seed oil, this nourishing formula delivers all-over radiance for both face and body. Think of it as your summer skin, bottled.
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3. Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Best for: customising your tan
A go-to for a custom glow, these vegan drops blend seamlessly with skincare. Add two to 12 drops depending on how bronzed you want to go.
Plus, you don’t need to stress about streaks; this formula is designed to fade evenly.
Buy from Look Fantastic for £15.99.
4. Tan-Luxe The Body Fake Tan Drops
Best for: body tanning
Loved by beauty editors and celebs alike, these drops are the gold standard for custom body tanning.
While they’re on the more expensive side, they’re worth the price if you’re looking for a silky and hydrating tan, which leaves zero scent.
5. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Face Drops
Best for: colour correction
Colour-correcting and glow-enhancing, these drops come in light, medium or dark so you can personalise your glow.
Plus, the vegan formula is packed with avocado and chia seed oils for a skincare boost.
6. Clarins Self-Tanning Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster
Best for: sensitive skin
The OG of tanning drops, this formula blends easily into your regular face cream for a subtle, streak-free radiance.
It’s suitable for sensitive skin and won’t interfere with your existing skincare routine.
7. St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
Best for: dry skin
Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and echinacea, these drops offer a skincare-first approach to tanning.
Think glow plus a healthy, hydrated barrier — all while skipping that signature fake-tan scent.
8. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist
Best for: acne-prone skin
OK, technically this isn’t a tanning drop — but it’s so good, I had to include it.
Coco & Eve’s Micromist earns its place thanks to a lightweight formula and seriously impressive skincare credentials. Designed to mist evenly over the face, it delivers a subtle, natural-looking tan while boosting hydration and radiance.
The fine spray is infused with hyaluronic acid, cassia seed extract and antioxidants, helping to smooth and plump the skin while protecting against environmental stressors.
Also, it’s been proven to boost collagen production for healthy and youthful-looking skin.
Buy from Face The Future for £26.
How to use tanning drops — my top tips
Below are my fool proof hacks to achieve a perfect glow every time:
- Start with clean, exfoliated skin to ensure an even, streak-free application.
- Mix a few drops with your favourite moisturiser. I pop the moisturiser and drops on the back of my hand and mix; this works better than applying directly to face.
- Customise your glow — more drops mean a deeper tan.
- Pay extra attention to hairlines, ears, eyebrows and jawlines for a seamless finish.
- Wash hands with soap immediately after application to avoid stained palms.
- Apply before bed for an overnight glow, or top up every few days to maintain a natural bronze.
