Fake it ‘til you make it! Want a natural glow that looks like you’ve been sunning yourself on holiday? The simplicity of self-tanning drops makes them a game changer for those who have made streaky mistakes in the past.

Self-tanning drops are a highly concentrated form of liquid self-tanner that you add, drop by drop, to your usual face cream, serum or body moisturiser. They contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which cause the keratin in the skin to turn brown. The more drops you add, the deeper your tan so you can customise your colour. Unlike many gradual tanning lotions, however, these drops don’t need to be washed off and won’t mark your bed linen.

Here are six of the best self-tanning drops to get that fresh-off-the beach golden glow.

Best For a Sun-Kissed Glow


St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops, 30ml, £24
St Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops 30ml

These supercharged 5-in-1 St Tropez self-tanning glow drops not only make you look quite golden, they also plump, protect, smooth fine lines and reduce redness in your skin. Buy it.


Best For Cult Favourite Status


Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops, 20ml, £35
Self-Tanning Drops (20ml) Copy

With fake tan, you get what you pay for. Buy cheap, get streaks. More expensive than others, Dr Sebagh Self-Tanning Drops contain HEV (High Energy Visible) melanin which protects skin against the ageing light emitted by smartphones and laptops. Buy it.


Best For First Timers


Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Sun-Kissed Drops, 30ml, £15
Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Sunkissed Drops 30ml

An easy option for novices, the handy dropper helps you control your dose of these fast-absorbing tan drops. Use alone or add a few drops to your regular moisturiser or night cream for a light glow. Apply every four-to-six days to gradually build up the tan. Buy it.


Best For Streak-Free Tanning


Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face, 15ml, £23
Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster For Face

Clarins’ much-loved self-tanning drops are formulated with ingredients of 99 per cent natural origin. Dollop a few drops to your serum or moisturiser in the palm of your hand and combine. Buy it.


Best Budget Buy


Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops, 30ml, £10
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Drops For Face 30ml Copy

Perhaps the most affordable yet still good quality drops on the market, Ambre Solaire’s concoction of coconut water and hyaluronic acid (for hydration) works magic on sensitive skins. You can apply these drops neat or add a few drops to your serum or moisturiser. Buy it.


Best For Odourless Formula


Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, 30ml, £33
GRADUAL TANNING DROPS 30ML

Totally discreet and fragrance free, the clear formula of Balance Me Tanning Drops doesn’t have that fake tan smell or sticky residue. Buy it.

By Annabel Jack
July 2023