Sally Foran: These top bronze drops offer an alternative to fake tan's downsides

Whether you want a soft tint, all-over radiance, or something buildable for contouring, there’s an option for every skin tone, texture, and budget. Here are our favourites.

Thu, 14 Aug, 2025 - 15:03

Sally Foran

While there’s no denying that fake tan gives skin a gorgeous glow, it can also be drying, cause breakouts, worsen pigmentation, and worst of all –accelerate skin ageing.

Thankfully, modern bronzing drops offer a glowing alternative in the form of hydration, antioxidants, and versatility.

Whether you want a soft tint, all-over radiance, or something buildable for contouring, there’s an option for every skin tone, texture, and budget. Here are our favourites.

1. Drunk Elephant D- Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops

These cult-favorite drops launched the bronzing drops trend years ago, and have never gone out of style.

They deliver a natural, customisable glow while nourishing skin with antioxidants, peptides, and oils. Designed to be mixed with moisturiser, foundation, or worn alone, they also protect the skin barrier and defend against pollution.

The silky texture blends seamlessly, offering a bronzed glow that’s never orange. Long-wearing and streak-free, they work beautifully on both face and body.

€40, Space NK

2. Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint

Drunk Elephant may have started the trend, but Dr Hauschka was actually one of the first brands to bring a bronzing tint to the market. This blends easily with moisturiser, can be worn over makeup or on its own, and adapts to individual skin tones.

Packed with mineral pigments and botanical extracts, it nourishes and balances the skin without drying it out. Suitable for all skin types, it’s buildable and loved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber. If it’s good enough for her...

€24.95, Millies

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner)

3. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops in Sun Glow

A bronzing twist on the viral Watermelon Glow Drops, these act more like a hydrating serum than a traditional tint. Featuring a gold bronze pigment in a lightweight gel texture, they blend easily with moisturiser, foundation, or directly onto the skin.

The formula includes niacinamide for hydration and a subtle shimmer that creates a healthy glow. Perfect for all-over radiance, targeted contouring, or highlighting.

€36, Cult Beauty

4. Trinny London Miracle Halo

A liquid illuminator that delivers a natural, lit-from-within glow using delicate light reflecting pearls. The lightweight formula is versatile: mix it with skincare or foundation, wear alone, or use as a highlighter.

Available in four radiant shades to suit all skin tones, it provides long- lasting luminosity.

Founder Trinny Woodall describes it as “the next best thing to that do-not-disturb glow.” We couldn’t agree more.

€38, Planet Beauty

5. ELF Bronzing Drops

A budget-friendly yet high-performance option. These drops provide a rich pigment that adds flattering warmth and a radiant glow.

The formula is versatile and can be applied directly or mixed with skincare or foundation. Infused with vitamin E and conditioning oils, they enhance radiance while nourishing the skin. Available in three inclusive shades to suit a wide range of tones.

€15, Superdrug

6. L’Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion

More of a tinted moisturiser than a traditional drop, this creamy formula offers a subtle glow and hydration. It works well as a primer under makeup, worn alone, or dabbed on top of makeup for highlights.

With four shade options, it’s both affordable and versatile. Great for both face and body, it creates a smooth base under makeup and works especially well for summer bronzing.

€14.95, Look Fantastic

7. Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops

These vegan, lightweight drops deliver a natural glow while nourishing skin with hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts.

They help reduce redness and protect against environmental stressors. The pigment is buildable — just mix with moisturiser or foundation, or apply directly for deeper colour. Suitable for all skin types and areas, including face, chest, and legs.