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Face tanning drops that are 100 times better than tanning

Siena Hocking

Updated September 15, 2026 - 10.35pm

My skin took a real hit this winter, coming up both dry and dull like I've never seen before. While I'm fairly relaxed about my skincare routine, I'm committed to achieving an excellent glow for summer. And that means tanning drops!

Tanning drops are, to me anyway, the laid-back approach to tanning. They’re designed to be added to your moisturiser (face or body), adding a bit of colour and glow to your skin, and a whole lot safer than the sun.

Here are eight options you can add to your routine in time for those sunny days ahead.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops

$80 | Shop here

Charlotte Tilbury is a favourite among beauty fans, offering high-quality makeup and skincare products. The Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops are no exception, featuring tan-enhancing molecules to give you an easy, summery glow. Grab them in either ‘Fair to Medium’ or ‘Tan to Deep’.

Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing

$45 | Shop here

Designed to be mixed into sunscreen or moisturiser, Ultra Violette’s bronzing drops give you a tan without any sun damage.

"I mixed a little into my foundation and it gave me that healthy, dewy look without feeling oily or sticky," one Adore Beauty reviewer shared.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Face Drops

$42 | Shop here

These ‘light’ tanning drops are ideal for anyone new to tanning or looking to add depth to their paler skin tone. Promising a ‘light, sun-kissed’ glow, they include a blend of seven superfoods that are nourishing for the skin as well.

St. Tropez Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops

Was $39.99, now $23.99

These glowy drops from popular tanning brand St. Tropez are made with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. They’ll give your skin an extra boost while creating the glow you’re looking for.

Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops

$19.95 | Shop here

Bondi Sands is the OG when it comes to tanning. Their tan drops come in two shades: Light/Medium and Dark. Be sure you dilute these ones with your moisturiser or other skincare products.

Eco Tan Organic Face Tan Water

$40 | Shop here

Ultra-lightweight, you can apply Eco Tan Organic Face Tan Water without moisturiser. Make sure you blend it into your hairline, though. The best tan will take around eight hours to develop before showering, so consider this when you’re timing your tan.

Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops

$41 | Shop here

The Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops are 99 per cent natural-origin liquid self-tanning drop. You can mix them with daily moisturiser to achieve an effortless, sun-kissed glow.

Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops

$39 | Shop here

Packed with plant-derived and natural hydrators, vitamin C, Tasmanian kelp extract, and marine collagen, this skincare-infused option is designed to moisturise and soothe the skin and offer a streak-free, light tan.

Also, consider these options:

MCoBeauty Super Glow Bronzing Drops

$32 | Shop here

A bit different to tanning drops, these are bronzing drops you can use as part of your makeup look to give yourself an effortless glow. Blend them in with your foundation using a brush or blender, and negate the need for tanning on your face.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops

$82 | Shop here

The Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops are extremely popular, given how easy they are to apply. More of a bronzer than a face tanner, they’ll still give you the golden glow you’re seeking for summer.