When I started working at Allure in 2018, I was immediately dubbed as the resident self-tanner guinea pig. That’s because I love to be tan. I’m always the editor everyone turns to test and review new products in the self-tanning category. However, there’s just one, rather big, problem; I’m not good at self-tanning. The application process is always a streaky mess and the color never ends up as the golden bronze I desire. So these days, I keep it simple with bronzing drops, a.k.a. the trendy way to glow without the commitment—or mess—of a self-tanner.
Over the last couple of months, there has been an influx of bronzing drops, which is a lightweight, liquid bronzer that you can either add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation, to hit the market. The pigmented drops temporarily boost the warmth and glow of your natural complexion, says Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye. The drops can be worn alone as well, but just keep in mind that many of the current market options are formulated with shimmer, so don’t go too heavy or you’ll look like the Tin (Bronze) Man.
Following the success of Drunk Elephant’s original D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, Glow Recipe joined the ranks with its new Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum, and now, everyone’s favorite drugstore brand, e.l.f. Cosmetics, just dropped a version of its own, aptly named, Bronzing Drops.
The highly-anticipated e.l.f. Bronzing Drops come in three shades, Rose Gold, Pure Gold, and Copper Gold, and retail for $12 each. These are not only some of the more affordable ones in the market, but one of the most inclusive options out there, as most bronzing drops only come in one “universal” shade.
The e.l.f. Bronzing Drops are way more than just pretty pigment. The formula is made with vitamin E, which according to, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, is a very hydrating molecule since it works as both a humectant (to absorb water into the skin) and an emollient (to trap water in the skin). Along with that, the Bronzing Drops ingredient list is loaded with oils like sunflower, marula, and raspberry seed to nourish and moisturize the skin with wear.
