A makeup artist’s guide to bronzing drops and gradual face tanners
Image via @veronikamoreira_/instagram
Words by Lara Daly
Get your glow on.
Whether you’re living it up on the beaches of Sicily or battling through winter in Australia, everyone looks better after some (bottled) sunshine. UV radiation is no joke – yes, even in winter – so do your skin a favour and stick to the faux glow.
As a makeup artist and editor, I’ve tried literally all the bronzing drops on the market. Often referred to as ‘liquid bronzers’, ‘glow drops’ or ‘skin tints’, they’re used to add subtle warmth to your complexion.
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Unlike a cream or powder bronzer, bronzing drops are fluid and should blend into your skin effortlessly, making them perfect for novices.
There’s a dizzying range of bronzing drops on the market, some that fall into the gradual self-tanner category (meaning they develop on your skin over time, the colour lasting for a few days) and others that fall into the makeup category, designed to be mixed with other products or used in place of bronzer.
If it sounds confusing, it soon won’t be. I’ve broken down exactly how they work and what to look for below.
For a natural glow, if you don’t want shimmer
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If you’re not a fan of sparkling in the daytime, the best option I’ve tried is the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, which leaves a dewy, non-glittery glow on the skin. I like that it also acts as a moisturising serum and doesn’t pill when layered with SPF.
For a low-maintenance day at the office or beach, blend a pump of this over your sunscreen, or mix half a pump into your moisturiser and blend it over your face. For nighttime or events, it’s beautiful mixed into foundation to sheer it out and add radiance (I like Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk).
For a natural glow, if you don’t mind shimmer
If you want your skin to be gleaming, By Terry’s Brightening CC Serum in Sunny Flash is a cult classic. Yes, it’s expensive ($130 AUD for 30ml) but nothing compares – it makes your skin look expensive. I like to mix a drop into tinted moisturiser or sunscreen, or layer it under my foundation for extra warmth in winter. In the height of summer, I wear it on its own.
Another gorgeous, more affordable option is the Ere Perez Peach Gel Bronzing Drops. The formula is sheer and buildable; it feels super hydrating, plus it smells like yummy botanical skincare.
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For a one-and-done, with added SPF
A tinted moisturiser with sunscreen is great, a tinted moisturiser with sunscreen and a hint of liquid bronzer is even better. Kiwi beauty brand Emma Lewisham makes a very nice option, I’ve been through two jars of its Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum and swear by its glow-giving effects.
I’m also a fan of Mecca Cosmetica’s In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF 30. It comes in four shades to suit very fair to dark skin tones, all designed to make your skin look a bit more radiant and even-toned.
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For a more permanent solution (that won’t leave you orange)
By now, I’ve convinced so many friends to use gradual tanning face drops. Even the men. It’s way less scary than actual fake tan, trust me. At night, put the moisturiser or serum you use in the palm of your hand. Add 2-3 drops of the gradual tan, then mix it thoroughly in your hands and apply it to your face, blending well at the temples and down your neck. Wash your hands.
You’ll wake up to glowing, more even-toned skin. I have a few favourites; Isle of Paradise has three shades with carefully chosen undertones. Australian brand Three Warriors has two shade options with added skincare benefits, while Bondi Sans
For more on summer beauty tips, try this.
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