Tanning Drops

Face Tanning Drops and Self Tan Drops

Tanning drops go into the moisturiser or serum you already use. Add a few for a soft glow, or more for something deeper. Most of ours are made for the face, and some pair the tan with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.

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Tanning Drops

About Tanning Drops

How to Choose Tanning Drops

Check the number of drops on the pack before you buy, because it varies a lot between brands. Then pick a shade close to your natural skin tone. If your skin runs dry, look for hyaluronic acid in the ingredients.

Getting an Even Finish

Exfoliate the day before, and take your time blending along the hairline and jaw. A tanning mitt makes that easier. Drops are mostly made for the face, so for your body a self tanning mousse covers more skin in one go.

Not Sure Which Tanning Drops Are Right for You?

Want advice tailored to your skin? Start with our free online skin test. You can also contact our expert team for one-to-one advice, and read our blog for expert tips on building a routine that supports your skin goals.

Face Tanning Drops, Mixed Into Your Moisturiser

Face tan drops are the easy way to add colour without a separate step. Add a few to your usual moisturiser or serum and smooth it over your face and neck. Then wash your hands. Three Warriors Hydrabronze is our best seller here, in two shades: Light to Medium and Medium to Dark. Pick the one nearest your skin tone.

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Tanning Drops With Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the ingredient you'll see most often alongside the tan. The drops end up in your moisturiser anyway, so a formula that includes hyaluronic acid is an easy swap. Votary pairs it with calendula and aloe vera. Skinny Tan goes for coconut water and a golden shimmer, if you like a little glow on top of your tan.

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Gradual Tan Drops or Gradual Tanning Lotion?

A gradual tanning lotion does the mixing for you, with the colour building over a few days. Drops let you set the strength yourself. If you'd rather not count them, the lotion is simpler, and it's the better choice for your whole body.

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Expert Tip for Tanning Drops

"I'd always apply drops in the evening the first time, so you can see how the colour develops before anyone else does. Use fewer drops than you think you need. Adding more tomorrow is easy, removing colour isn't. Mix them into a plain moisturiser rather than one that's already tinted, and wash your hands straight afterwards. Drops don't contain SPF, so your sunscreen still goes on every morning."

- Kimberley, Clinic and Customer Experience Manager.

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Top Fake Tanning Tips

Want a streak-free finish? Our guide covers how to prep your skin the day before, and why exfoliating makes the biggest difference.

read the tips

Bestselling Tanning Drops to Mix Into Your Moisturiser

The tanning drops our customers buy most, in a mix of price points and shades.
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan DropsThree Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops - Light to Medium
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops - Light to Medium

€31,95
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan DropsThree Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops - Medium to Dark
Three Warriors Hydrabronze Tan Drops - Medium to Dark

€31,95
Pai Skincare The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan DropsPai Skincare The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan Drops
Pai Skincare The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan Drops

€35,95
Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Self-Tan DropsNatura Bisse C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops
Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops

€58,95
Bottle and packaging of 'hello sunday' self-tan product on a white backgroundHello Sunday The Self Tan One Self Tan Drops
Hello Sunday The Self Tan One Self Tan Drops

€16,95
Skinny Tan Face Tanning Wonder Drops 30mlSkinny Tan Face Tanning Wonder Drops
Skinny Tan Face Tanning Wonder Drops

€12,95
Votary Hyaluronic Self-Tan Drops, Calendula and DHA 30mlVotary Hyaluronic Self-Tan Drops, Calendula and DHA 30ml
Votary Hyaluronic Self-Tan Drops, Calendula and DHA 30ml

€41,95
Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark 30mlBondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark 30ml
Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark 30ml

€16,95

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tanning drops?

Tanning drops are concentrated self tan that you add to your moisturiser or serum. The colour comes from DHA, an ingredient used in most self tans. The more drops you add, the deeper your tan. Most of the formulas here are made for the face.

How do you use tanning drops on your face?

Cleanse first, then mix the drops into your usual moisturiser or serum in the palm of your hand. Smooth it over your face and neck, blending well along your hairline and jaw. Wash your hands straight away. Do a patch test before your first use.

How many tanning drops should I use?

It depends on the brand. Three Warriors suggests 2 to 4 drops in your moisturiser, while Bondi Sands suggests 4 to 12. More drops mean a deeper colour.

Can I use tanning drops on my body?

Some can. Bondi Sands drops can go in a face or body moisturiser, but most of the others are made for the face and neck. A 30ml bottle won't stretch far over your whole body, so a self tanning mousse is usually quicker for larger areas.

Do tanning drops protect you from the sun?

No. Tanning drops colour your skin, but they don't contain SPF and won't protect you from sunburn. Keep wearing your sunscreen every day.

Which tanning drops suit sensitive skin?

Pai says The Impossible Tan is suitable for sensitive skin, and Bondi Sands says the same of its drops. Whichever you choose, patch test first and wait 24 hours. Stop using the product if your skin reacts.

How long do tanning drops take to work?

Colour usually starts to show within a few hours and keeps developing. Skinny Tan says its drops take 6 to 8 hours to fully develop, and Pai says to allow up to 48 hours. Leave the colour to settle before you judge the shade.