If you’ve ever wanted to achieve sun-kissed radiance year-round without the sun damage (and potential risk of skin cancer), a faux glow is the way to go. And while self tanners for the face are great, there’s another product that can help you achieve an even more natural look: Tanning drops. Unlike bronzing drops, which impart an immediate glow and wash off, the best self tanning drops appear clear when you first put them on and then work with your skin’s natural physiology to gradually develop.
The more drops you use, the darker your tan will appear, making them one of the easiest ways to get a quick, customized glow without the use of makeup or the hassle of making an appointment for a spray tan.
Meet the experts:Isabel Alysa is a celebrity spray-tan artist and the CEO and founder of Dolce Glow. Colt Paulsen is the CTO (Chief Tanning Officer) at Bondi Sands.
“Self-tanning drops react with the amino acids in your skin to create the tanning effect,” says Isabel Alysa, celebrity spray-tan artist and CEO and founder of Dolce Glow. “They are colorless which makes them really easy to mix in with your everyday routine.” However, before you pick up a bottle of your favorite self-tanning drops there are a few things you need to know. “When it comes to self-tanning, the most important step is prepping your skin,” says Colt Paulsen, CTO (Chief Tanning Officer) at Bondi Sands. So if you’re ready to achieve a flawless glow, read on for tips and tricks from the experts.
How do self-tanning drops work?
Similar to gradual self-tanning moisturizers and other self-tanning products, the active ingredient in these drops—a well-tolerated sugar-derived molecule called dihydroxyacetone (DHA)— reacts with the amino acids naturally found on the surface of the skin’s to create a tanning effect. These drops are typically contain a more concentrated form of DHA, so the more drops you use, the more of a reaction will occur on your skin, deepening the hue.
The beauty of self-tanning drops is that they’re easily customizable. Most can go directly on the skin or be mixed into a moisturizer of your choice for a more subtle radiance. While self-tanning drops usually last anywhere from three to seven days depending on the brand, a bit of maintenance is needed to keep the glow going. “Any exfoliants, toners, and cleansers will fade your glow slightly, especially on the face where skin is thinnest,” says Alysa. “So keep them on hand when you self-tan your body or spray tan.”
How to apply facial tanning drops
Before diving into the world of tanning drops, there are a few important steps to take that’ll help your sunless tan last longer. According to both of our experts, skin prep is non-negotiable. “Exfoliating the night before is key,” says Alysa. This essential step ensures an even application and better absorption of the product, adds Paulsen.
When it comes to application these are the steps that Alysa recommends following for facial self-tanning drops:
- Step 1: Before applying the drops to your entire face do a patch test on your arm to check for any skin sensitivity or reactions. For those with sensitive skin she recommends Goccia di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum Drops which are dermatologist- and allergy-tested.
- Step 2: Mix about three to four drops with a pea-sized of your face moisturizer. Increasing the drop amount will increase the depth of your tan, but for a deeper glow feel free to apply directly to your skin instead of mixing with a moisturizer.
- Step 3: Apply evenly over your face, neck, and décolletage.
- Step 4: Wash your hands.
- Step 5: No need to rinse off. Your glow should last for about a week, but to maintain it, you should apply once a week.
If you’re applying self-tanner sans moisturizer, Paulsen recommends moisturizing after. “Moisturizer is our BFF,” he says. “Dry skin tends to shed more quickly, which can cause the tan to fade faster and in some cases, look patchy.”
The Best Facial Tanning Drops
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Credit: amazon.com
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops with Hyaluronic Acid
Credit: amazon.com
How to apply tanning drops to your body
When it comes to a full-body application, many of these same rules for facial application stand. However, Alysa urges to “immediately wash your hands if you’re applying without a kabuki brush” to avoid stained hands. Paulsen’s full-body tanning tip will help you nail an even tan every time: “Moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles before application to prevent uneven tanning,” he says.
How to maintain your tan
First, use gentle cleansers and avoid exfoliating your skin to keep your tan intact longer. Paulsen also recommends keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated between applications. “It’s amazing how much aftercare can help extend the life of a tan,” he says.
That’s especially important because “DHA is a dehydrating ingredient, so using moisturizer consistently and frequently will help to preserve the longevity of your tan,” says Alysa, who also likes to re-apply drops once a week as maintenance to keep the tan up.
