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Do Self-Tanning Drops Really Work?

Do Self-Tanning Drops Really Work?

Self-tanning drops are the answer for all of those who love a good tan but are afraid to try it. These formulas grant the best of both worlds: they add zero extra steps to your face and body care routines, and avoid the common user errors when it comes to self-tan. It is, indeed, as easy as it sounds! Join us to learn how self-tanning drops actually work, how to use them, and which formulas are worth trying.

How do tanning drops work?

According to cosmetic chemist Michelle, self-tanners “you find in stores contain 2-5% dihydroxyacetone”—also known as DHA—, a molecule that “reacts with amino acids (particularly arginine, lysine and histidine) in the skin to form a variety of brown compounds called melanoidins.” Tanning drops will feature this compound, DHA, in an easy-to-use formulation that makes fake tan a clean, easy process. This temporary darkening of the skin is the tanned look that you’ve been looking for, without any sun radiation involved.

How long do tan drops take to work?

As most brands will tell you, it should take a couple hours to see the magic of science in action; the evolution goes on for the next day or next few days. You should always have this information in mind to decide weather you want to keep applying the product or not. From the very first application, note how the tanning evolves so you can adjust the application to your desired results.

Do tanning drops work without sun?

Yes! In fact, that’s the superpower of self-tanning drops: you can expect to get a tan without even seing the sun. All you need is your skin properly exfoliated and hydrated, and you can avoid the sun altogether.

Can you use tanning drops every day?

Yes, you can! With self-tanning drops, you build your tan day after day. As long as you wish to keep enhancing your tan, you can keep applying your self-tanning drops. It may take some trial and error during the process, but you’ll find the right frequency and amount of drops you need to achieve the look you want. It may be every day, or once every three days; your desired goals determine the frequency of application.

Do you wash off tanning drops?

Unlike other self-tanners, self-tanning drops don’t require rinsing off hours after application. This is what makes this product so special! It allows a mess-free application, without the need to rinse. All you have to do is apply and let it do its magic.

Do you apply tanning drops?

You can do no wrong with self-tanning drops! First, you should exfoliate your skin with a body or face scrub of your choice, a few days before the first self-tanning application. Also as a prep for the self-tanning drops, you should replenish the skin to make sure it is not dehydrated. When the application day arrives, start by mixing a few drops of the self-tanner of choice with your moisturizer and apply it.

Our favorite tanning drops

It’s time to reveal the top formulas that are perfect for discovering self-tanning drops. We have options for the face as well as for the body!

Collistar Face Magic Drops Self-Tanning Concentrate

Ultra-quick self-tanning drops for face

Just a few drops is all you need to see a tan complexion within one hour. This concentrate combines the exclusive DHA Rapid with antioxidants to quickly deliver a glowing tan in a short time. These drops, unlike some of those we’re about to see, can be used alone, directly on the skin without combining it with your facial moisturizer. Versatile, easy to use, and quick to deliver the results, these self-tanning drops are what you’ve been dreaming about.


Pestle & Mortar Glow Drops Customisable Tanning Drops

Lovely tan for all skin tones

As declared fans of Irish brand Pestle & Mortar, we must talk about this tanning concentrate for the face. With a lightweight, easy-to-blend texture, it acts as an undercover agent on your moisturizer to deliver a natural-looking tan. Suitable for all skin types as well as skin tones, this formula is always a great choice to tan up! All you need to do is define your perfect dose, from one to eight drops a day.


Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Sun-Kissed Drops

Vitamin C enriched self-tanner

Sunscreen specialist Hello Sunday also deserves a spot on our selection of the best self-tanning drops. With the goal to create a natural look and grant radiant skin, this formula this fast-absorbing formula offers medium-long-lasting results you’ve been chasing. Thanks to vitamin C, you get a luminous complexion in the process.


RVB LAB Smart Tan Body Self-Tanning Drops

Self-tanning body care routine

Specifically crafted to be mixed with your usual body cream, these are the self-tanning drops you need to get a sun-kissed glow on your skin. HYALU SMART™ PGA and Boswellia serrata extract work together with DHA to get the bronze you love with the firming and anti-aging action you want. This oil-free texture absorbs quickly, without transforming the texture of your body cream—you’ll get the same application experience as always.


Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster Body

Mistake-proof, made-to-measure tan

Expert in body care Clarins revolutionized the self-tan world many years ago with this amazing formula. Ideal to intensify your tan gradually, this plant-based formulation features 99% natural ingredients to achieve an equally natural result. Mistake-proof and made-to-measure, you get to choose how many drops of self-tanner your look is in need of, every day.


If you’re still deciding whether self-tanning at home is right for you, we can help. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to self-tanning at home, and you should find the preparation section especially helpful. Make sure your skin is properly cared for before applying tanning drops and get the best possible results.


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