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The Best Bronzing Drops That Deliver an Instant Glow and Improve Your Natural Complexion, Tested by Editors

Discover skin-enhancing formulas from brands like E.l.f. Cosmetics and Drunk Elephant.

By Claire Sullivan Plus Icon

Claire Sullivan

It’s the time of year when we all want more radiance and luminosity in our skin — ideally, without the harm that comes with excess sun exposure. UV damage can impact your vanity as much as your vitality, with effects ranging from dark spots and wrinkles to skin cancer. The best bronzing drops offer a secret-weapon solution, imparting depth and luminosity to your natural skin tone without the risks of sun exposure.

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Popularized by tastemakers like Alix Earle — who caused the Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops to sell out multiple times in her early days on TikTok — the category continues to expand. In 2025 alone, we’ve seen new formulations emerge from buzzy brands like Westman Atelier and Summer Fridays. Many of the best bronzing drops on the market now do more than simply tint your skin: They nourish it with skin-benefitting ingredients, too.

Part of the appeal of bronzing drops is the instant gratification they deliver. No need to wait for a self-tanning formula to develop or cook under the sun — instead, you can apply these formulas directly to your skin, or, more popularly, dilute them in your favorite moisturizer or face sunscreen for all-over glow. (Pro tip: Mix the drops with a mineral sunscreen to tamp down any white cast you experience with your go-to formula.)

While testing out 14 of the top-rated bronzing drops on the market, our editors found a handful of duds (too orange, too tricky to blend) and plenty of winners (hello, candlelit glow!). To select this list of the top eight bronzing drops that are worth your spend, we compared notes on color payoff, blend-ability, value, and undertones of each available shade.

WWD/ Claire Sullivan

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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Bronzing Drops of 2025

Bronzing drops have quickly evolved from a beauty trend to a bonafide staple, with newer formulas offering skin care benefits, SPF protection, and customizable coverage in just a few drops. While most promise similar results — a subtle tint and lit-from-within glow — the textures, finishes, and added benefits vary widely across formulas. Our testers evaluated over a dozen top-rated options for consistency, wear time, and skin care ingredients, ultimately selecting three standout bronzing drops based on individual strengths. These formulas performed exceptionally well across skin types and preferences, earning their spots as our top picks in this increasingly competitive category.

Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops: Of all the bronzing drops we tested, Summer Fridays delivered the most radiant, skin-enhancing finish. The creamy, lotion-like texture offers more control than watery formulas, whether blended into moisturizer or applied directly onto skin with a dense brush. Testers also praised its skin care benefits — particularly its ability to boost hydration and calm dry, sensitive skin, thanks to Tiger Grass. Available in two sheer, flattering tones, it’s as much a glow booster as it is a nourishing skin treatment.
Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face: The best multitasker in our testing lineup, Vacation’s Studio Tone Drops offer a believable bronzed tint while delivering SPF 50 and a cocktail of skin care ingredients. The velvety texture makes it easy to apply enough for full sun protection, unlike similar options we tried. Packed with ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants, it doubles as an anti-aging serum — though it’s not water resistant, so save it for dry-land days.
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops: Westman Atelier’s bronzing drops were the top performer for a natural-looking matte finish—a rare find among the mostly radiant formulas we tested. The silky texture blends effortlessly, with rich pigment that delivers visible warmth in just a drop or two. Testers praised the balanced, believable undertones and luxurious feel, calling it the most elevated option in the category. Though it’s a splurge, the concentrated formula makes it a worthy investment.

Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops

$32

Buy Now at summer fridays

Summer Fridays’ newly released Bronzing Drops earned top marks from our testers for their texture. Where many bronzing drops feel like a watery serum, these apply like a lightweight lotion, providing ample control if you choose to apply them directly on the skin (use a makeup brush with dense bristles for even coverage) instead of mixing them into a moisturizer.

The majority of bronzing drops that we tested promised skin care benefits, but few actually delivered on those claims. Summer Fridays’ Bronzing Drops were the exception — one of our testers with dry skin noted that the formula magnified the hydration benefits of her favorite gel cream moisturizer, also soothing her skin (likely thanks to the inclusion of calming Tiger Grass). Choose from a true bronze tone or a sheer champagne that simply boosts sheen.

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

WWD/ Claire Sullivan

Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face

$28

Buy Now at amazon

$28

Buy Now at ulta

Bronzing drops with SPF are a trending niche category in beauty aisles, promising to impart a healthy tint to your skin while moonlighting as a facia l sunscreen. Vacation’s Studio Tone bronzing drops were the best option our testers reviewed, with a creamy consistency that makes you want to apply more on your skin. (This is important as dermatologists recommend applying two full finger lengths of sunscreen on your face for effective UV protection.)

On top of its SPF 50 broad spectrum protection, these bronzing drops deliver the benefits of an anti-aging serum with ceramides, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and collagen peptides. Note that the formula isn’t water resistant, so opt for an alternative if you expect to swim or excessively sweat while wearing it.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

WWD / Claire Sullivan

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

$58

Buy Now at sephora

Perhaps the most luxurious on our list, Westman Atelier’s Sun Tone Bronzing Drops feel like cashmere on your complexion. These drops are uniquely matte (all others we tested had a radiant finish), making them an excellent choice for those with an aversion to an overly dewy complexion. Our testers noted that these bronzing drops had some of the most concentrated color payoff of the lot we tested, noting that a little goes a very long way (digest the higher price point with that in mind.)

Created by renowned celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman, the shade range is also spot on. All four options have balanced undertones that don’t read too warm or cool, further enhancing the believability of the faux tan they impart.

Price upon publish date of this article: $58

WWD/ Claire Sullivan

E.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops

$12

Buy Now at amazon

$12

Buy Now at ulta

With the majority of the brand’s lineup falling under a $15 price point, our editors favor E.l.f. Cosmetics products as low-stakes entry points to beauty trends. But E.l.f.’s bronzing drops aren’t just an affordable alternative to pricier ones — their results genuinely rival other formulas on this list.

For best results, try two to three drops in your favorite moisturizer for a wash of warmth. (One tester noted that they looked identical to Drunk Elephant’s bronzing drops when used this way, but resulted in a slightly splotchy effect if applied directly onto the skin.) They’re available in a light, medium, and deep shade, each of which features vitamin E to soften skin and subtle shimmer for enhanced luminosity.

Price upon publish date of this article: $12

Caliray Sundrip Skin-boosting Peptide Serum Bronzer

$28

Buy Now at sephora

If you want your bronzing drops to give you the effect of a beachside siren, go with Caliray’s ultra-radiant formulation. The product enhances the look of your skin two ways: First with the deep bronze tint, and second with its plumping peptides and hyaluronic acid.

These bronzing drops received the highest rating for radiance among our testers — but not in a strobe light way, more in the vein of gorgeous gold foil. While you can massage it on as you would any face serum, we preferred it best dropped into foundation or painted onto the high planes of the cheeks with a makeup brush for dimensional sheen.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

WWD/ Claire Sullivan

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides

$39

Buy Now at ulta

$39

Buy Now at amazon

We’d be remiss to exclude Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Drops on our list. Although they debuted in 2018, these bronzing drops have enjoyed newfound popularity with the advent of TikTok, where the GRWM crowd shows off the product’s ability to make dull skin look luminous in seconds.

The drops have a rich, neutral bronze color that works across different skin tones: On fair skin, you’ll see an effect similar to what you get from applying face self-tanner (take note to blend well near your ears and jawline to avoid any lines of demarcation). On deep skin tones, you’ll get a candlelit radiance. It’s a great base product to apply before you dab on your best foundation or concealer.

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40

$40

Buy Now at supergoop

$40

Buy Now at sephora

Although they’re one of the most well-tolerated forms of sunscreen (particularly for those who need acne-safe SPFs), most mineral sunscreens leave skin looking matte, dull, and a little washed out. The sunscreen maestros at Supergoop! married the tint of bronzing drops with zinc oxide to neutralize the white cast while warming up the tone of your skin.

One tester with dark spots noted that these bronzing drops have a way of smoothing out discoloration on her cheeks like a tinted moisturizer, imparting a healthy skin look. Of the two shades available, Golden Hour offers the most warmth and depth.

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Iconic London Bronzing Elixir

$30

Buy Now at ulta

Many bronzing drops have emollients in their formulas that create a bit of slip on the skin — if you prefer a weightless feel, opt for these ultra-sheer bronzing drops from Iconic London. The bi-phase formula (shake well before using) feels like water on the skin, drenching skin with shimmery bronze pigments that dry down within a few minutes of application.

Our testers noted that the barely-there color payoff makes the bronze more believable, noting that you can easily build it up with additional coats. For best results, dab it onto the back of your palm then use a makeup brush to sweep it directly onto your face, neck, and chest.

Price upon publish date of this article: $30

How to Use Bronzing Drops

Few beauty products are as versatile as bronzing drops. Below, our favorite ways to wield them:

Mixed into moisturizer or makeup primer: On the back of your hand, blend together a dollop of your favorite moisturizer, makeup primer, or tinted moisturizer with two drops of the bronzing formula. Mix it together with a makeup brush or use clean fingertips to meld the products together, then apply.
As bronzer: Products like Westman Atelier’s Sun Tone Bronzing Drops are best used in place of a powder or cream bronzer. Because bronzing drops have a liquid texture, you may find that it’s easiest to dabbing them onto your cheeks, nose, and forehead with clean fingertips or a densely bristled makeup brush.
To neutralize white cast in mineral SPFs: Those with dark skin tones know that mineral sunscreens often take ages to rub in — and even then, can leave a white cast in their wake. Mix the formula with a few dots of bronzing drops to add depth to the SPF and eliminate flashback in photos.
Swirled into body lotion: One of our favorite ways to use bronzing drops? As body bronzer. Simply mix bronzing drops with your go-to body butter or lotion, then massage it onto your limbs for instant warmth and radiance. (Note that bronze tone may transfer onto clothing, so skip your summer whites.)
To calibrate the tone of your foundation: Even with consistent sun protection, most of us need separate complexion products for summer and winter wear. Rather that purchasing two separate formulas, simply warm up your winter foundation by mixing in bronzing drops until you reach your desired depth.

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Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Claire Sullivan is a contributing commerce editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. Sullivan tested over 20 bronzing drops by a variety of top beauty brands for consideration in this article.

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The Best Bronzing Drops That Deliver an Instant Glow and Improve Your Natural Complexion, Tested by Editors

Recent Articles by Claire Sullivan

In this article

View More

Top Bronzing Drops of 2025

Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops

Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

E.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops

Caliray Sundrip Skin-boosting Peptide Serum Bronzer

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides

Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40

Iconic London Bronzing Elixir

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Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Bronzing Drops of 2025

Summer Fridays Bronzing Drops

Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops for Face

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

E.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzing Drops

Caliray Sundrip Skin-boosting Peptide Serum Bronzer

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides

Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40

Iconic London Bronzing Elixir

How to Use Bronzing Drops

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Author

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