Save this story Save this story

Save this story Save this story

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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.