Need a Faux Glow? We Reveal the 10 Best Bronzing Drops For 2024

Elf Bronzing Drops Bronze + Nourish (£12)

These bronzing drops are available in three shades – rose gold, pure gold and copper gold – so you can pick the desired finish that suits your skin tone. I tend to use the pure gold as the slightly yellow undertones work best on my skin. These bronzing drops claim to have skincare benefits thanks to vitamin E and sunflower seed, which would make it more of a dupe for the brand which rhymes with Munk Nelephant, however I can’t vouch for the skincare ingredients apart from that it won’t dry out your skin. Put it this way, I wouldn’t use it in place of your serum. But as bronzing drop there is very little difference in the finish and I would even go as far as to say this has a better colour pay off.

Revolution Bright Light Bronzing Drop in Light/Med (£10)

Bronzing drops can be particularly scary when you have fairer skin as it can look like you’ve wiped you face with a handful of mud and its more “Monday morning post Glasto” than “sipping champagne in St Tropez”. This has a really nice, natural finish for even paler skin tones and also contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to make sure skin looks and feels nourish when wearing the drops.

Ultra Violette SPF50 Queen Screen Super Glow Bronzing Drops (£34)

If you’re looking for multi-purpose bronzing drop then this is for you. Ideal for beach days or for those times when you don’t want to wear makeup, but want to ensure your face is protected and has a touch of a glow. Suitable for all skin types, this has quite a subtle finish and is definitely more on the skincare spectrum than makeup, however I really like the finish it gives to the skin.

St Moriz Instant Glow Serum (£10)

There are not enough words for how much I enjoy this product. It doesn’t promise skincare benefits or anything fancy, yet is does exactly what it says on the bottle. Skin will look bronzed, glowing and slightly blurred to give the impression that it is your skin, but better, after a few days in the sunshine.

Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops (£34)

For most people bronzing drops first came on their radar via this product. From watching influencers apply drops to their skin to Sephora kids everywhere (including my 8-year-old daughter) asking for Drunk Elephant, it has become an icon in its own right. In terms of colour pay-off, this is really subtle and gives skin more of a bronze glow than a tan. However the skincare ingredients make this a truly multi-purpose product that will help protect your skin thanks to its antioxidant and peptide rich formula.

By Terry Tea to Tan Face and Body (£33)

A spray may seem scary to you but this leaves such a gorgeous colour on the skin I urge you to give it a go. Inspired by the founder’s own mother, who used to apply used teabags to her face to stain the skin, this leaves a very natural subtle looking glow that allows your skin texture to shine through, making it look far more natural. I love that the spray can be applied directly to the face and body or applied with a brush. I also love that I can use this on my arms of legs if need be, without having to apply with my hands.

Lottie London Hot Glaze Bronzing Serum (£9)

This serum formula is for those who don’t want it to look like they are wearing makeup as it has quite a sheer finish, however this doesn’t take away from the bronze glaze it leaves on the skin. I really like this option when I’m wearing foundation on top as it doesn’t feel like an additional layer of makeup, yet gives my skin a bronze glow to shine through.

Saie Dew Bronze Soft Focus Liquid Bronzer (£20)

In terms of shade options and finishes, this is hands down one of the best on the market. This has six shades available and each one has been developed to work with different skin tones, rather than to complete a brand tick box exercise. Salt is ideal for fairer skins going all the way through the colour spectrum to Sail – perfect for deep tones.

Iconic London Instant Sunshine Bronzing Drops (£21)

If you love the idea of a bronzing drop but find them messy and hard to apply then this is for you. Simply click the top of the applicator and apply directly to the skin. You can then blend with a large brush or a apply to the skin with a sponge, meaning no more bronzing filled fingers and splodges on white tops (or is that just me?)

James Read Self Glow Sunbright Tinted Glow Drops (£39)

Love the glow bronzing drops give you, but wish you didn’t have to wash it off every night? This is for you. Developed by tanning legend James Read it has all his beloved faux glow expertise in terms of a facial self-tanner, with the added benefit of an instant glow. Use a few times a week until you build up the desired finish and then continue to use every few days to maintain your level of tan. It is the ultimate fake it til you make it product and I really rate it highly.

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.