I Have Always Avoided Facial Tanning Drops, but Caudalie’s New Launch Has Me Hooked

I know it sounds weird coming from a Beauty Editor, but up until last month I had never used a facial tanning product before. Despite hearing endless good things about them, I was convinced that my usually very pale skin would go a shocking shade of orange or that I’d end up with a harsh brown streak down one cheek and feel like I’d need to hide away at home until it had faded again.

I often fake tan the rest of my body during the summer months, but I find that job far less daunting, as a streaked arm or leg is much easier to cover than on my face. I had always avoided sunny tints for my cheeks, but then one of my most trusted skincare brands went and launched tanning drops and I was suddenly intrigued to try them out. I decided to (literally) face my fear and give them a go.

The product that has caught my attention is the new Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops (£19), which are designed to be added to and applied with your usual face cream to create a light and gradual veil of sunkissed colour over cheeks. Every product from the iconic French skincare brand is designed to look after and nourish skin, and the drops are no exception to the rule. The facial tanner is infused with the brand’s hero ingredient, organic grape water, to hydrate and act a powerful antioxidant to brighten and take care of your complexion while building a soft and subtle tan.

I applied a couple of drops to my moisturiser for three days and I was seriously impressed with the difference they made to my face. Read on to find out what I loved about this brand new tanning launch as well as the results.

About Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops:

What I Like About Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops

The gentle and natural looking colour is much more wearable than I had expected tanning drops to be. I found after just two days of applying 2-3 drops, my complexion had a very subtle hint of colour to it that seemed to make me look much healthier and well rested. While it’s not enough colour to ditch my foundation for every day, it made a noticeable difference to my complexion, and pepped up dull cheeks nicely, so I could just swipe on some SPF for the school run without worrying about how my skin looked. As well as gentle bronzed colour, the drops have left my face looking brighter overall, and I’ve found that my base and makeup look a little fresher for it too.

The colour lasted a few days, so it’s great for a long weekend or applying before a busy week. I just used a couple of drops each time for a very subtle build-up of glow, but if you have naturally darker skin or prefer a stronger shade of tan, then you can always add 4-6 drops with your day cream instead.

I also like how easy it is to use, and the pipette applicator meant it’s simple to precisely add each drop to my moisturiser without worries about overloading.

How to Use the Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops

I swiped a dollop of my day cream on the back of my hand and then added the tint onto it and swirled together with my fingertips. I then applied the creamy combo as usual, ensuring I covered my whole face and neck, and let it absorb for a minute before starting my makeup. It’s as simple as that! I went in slowly with just a couple of drops, but I will try more during the summer months when I’m back into regular body-tanning again. The colour isn’t instant, I found it took a couple of hours to develop and when I woke up the next day, I noticed a gentle warmth over my skin that I really liked.

What to Consider Before Buying Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops

As with all tanning products, there’s always a risk of irritation so if you’re prone to break-outs or sting, it might be worth using just one or two drops at first but the formula itself is alcohol and fragrance-free and made up from 97% natural ingredients, so it’s designed for even sensitive skin types to use safely.

The price is something to think about too as at £19 it is a little more pricy than some other facial tanners on the market. Personally, I think that they are totally worth it, and as you only need a couple of drops each time I imagine the bottle will last a good few weeks.

Where is the Caudalie Self Tan Sun Drops Available?

The Caudalie drops are available from Caudalie.

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Matilda Stanley is a freelance style editor with over fifteen years of experience in the industry, covering all things fashion, beauty, and interiors. Matilda has worked for brands including Marie Claire, Woman & Home, and Good Housekeeping.