Face the Day with a Glow: Our Favorite Tanning Drops

Why Tanning Drops Are the Secret to a Natural, Makeup-Free Glow

Want a sun-kissed glow without foundation or UV damage? Best tanning drops face products make it easy. They mix right into your moisturizer, serum, or oil so you control everything—how deep the color gets, how often you apply, and how natural it looks on your skin tone.

Our focus at 3VERYBODY is simple: non-orange, water-light, quick-dry, sheet-safe glow that works on every skin tone and type. No salon appointments—just at-home, customizable color.

Quick Answer: Top Tanning Drops for Your Face

Tanning drops slide right into the skincare you already use. Add a few drops to your usual moisturizer, smooth it on, and you wake up with a natural, non-orange glow—no streaks, no mess, no transfer on your pillow.

At 3VERYBODY, our Tanning Drops are water-light and buildable, and our Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water is a spray for your body that’s sweat- and transfer-resistant, quick-dry, and never orange. Together with our double-sided, washable Mitt and the full 3VERYBODY Kit, you get a salon-quality tan at home on very fair to deep skin.

I'm Emmy Bre, founder of 3VERYBODY. I tested self-tanners for years before making my own water-light formulas in my apartment kitchen. I wanted one thing: a streak-free, life-proof glow that actually works on every skin tone. That’s what our Tanning Drops, Life Proof Tan spray, and Mitt are built for.

Best tanning drops face word guide:

• exfoliate before self tan
• moisturize before self tan
• self tan without streaks

How Tanning Drops Give You That Sun-Kissed Look

Have you ever wondered how you can get that sun-kissed look without any sun exposure? It all comes down to a clever little molecule called Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This sugar-derived ingredient is the active powerhouse in most self-tanners, including our favorite tanning drops for the face.

When you apply products containing DHA, it reacts with the amino acids naturally found in the top layer of your skin. This interaction, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a temporary brown pigment, giving you a safe, sunless tan. Unlike sunbathing, which exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, DHA only affects the very surface of your skin, meaning no damage, just a beautiful, healthy-looking glow.

The beauty of tanning drops lies in their gradual development. You won't get an instant, shocking change. Instead, the color builds subtly over several hours, ensuring a natural-looking result. This controlled process means you can achieve a perfect, non-orange, non-sticky tan that works beautifully on every skin tone and type. It's a game-changer for anyone looking for that radiant complexion without the commitment or risks of sun exposure.

Want to dive deeper into the science? We've got you covered: How do tanning drops work?. And for official insights, you can always check The science behind the glow, according to the FDA.

The Best Tanning Drops for Your Face: Our Top Picks

Finding the best tanning drops face can feel like a quest, but we’ve done the legwork. We tested texture, scent, fade, and how formulas behave on sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Best Overall: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops are a long-time favorite. Three tanning experts—and yes, even Paris Hilton—call these out for a golden tan that fades evenly.

They’re packed with Raspberry Seed Oil, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera to smooth and soften while you tan. At about $40 per ounce, they’re not cheap, but a few drops go a long way. You can keep it soft and subtle or build to a deeper bronze just by adjusting your drop count.

Best for a Natural, Buildable Glow: 3VERYBODY Tanning Drops

Our 3VERYBODY Tanning Drops were built for people who want control and hate orange. They’re water-light, non-orange, streak-free, and sheet-safe, and they blend into any skincare routine without feeling heavy.

• How they work: Mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer, serum, or oil.
• Key ingredients: Rosehip oil and cucumber extract to nourish and calm.
• Free from: Parabens, palm oil, and sulfates.
• Vegan & cruelty-free.

You choose the depth:

• 2–4 drops for a light glow
• 4–8 for a classic tan
• 8–12 for a deep bronze

They dry quickly, don’t transfer onto your pillow, and build cleanly on every skin tone. We’re a woman-owned, inclusivity-first brand, and we test on real people, not animals. Creators love them—HopeScope called out how flawless and natural they look.

One of the best tanning drops for the face for Color-Correcting: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

The Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops are popular for their color-correcting approach. They help neutralize undertones so your tan looks more like your own skin, just warmer.

They come in Light, Medium, and Dark, each with a different tint (peach, green, and violet) to balance things like redness or sallowness. They’re infused with Avocado Oil, Chia Seed Oil, and a Hyper-Glow complex for extra radiance.

Beauty editor Katie Thomas and plenty of everyday tanners rely on these for the mix-and-match flexibility: adjust drops for a soft glow or a richer tan without switching products.

Best Budget-Friendly Pick: St. Moriz Advanced Self Tanning Drops

If you want a face tan that won’t wreck your budget, St. Moriz Advanced Self Tanning Drops are a smart pick. Our author keeps coming back to them, especially on acne-prone skin that doesn’t tolerate heavy formulas.

Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera help keep skin hydrated and calm while the tan develops. One bottle can last months, even if you use it twice a week, and the per-ounce cost (around $33) undercuts many high-end options.

They’re easy to blend with your existing moisturizer, give a natural result, and fade evenly—great if you’re new to self-tan and want something dependable.

One of the best tanning drops for the face for a Luxury Splurge: Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face is the fancy option in the lineup. It’s around $72 per ounce, but the formula is concentrated, so you only need a few drops.

Beauty editor Susannah Taylor says she gets compliments every time she uses it. Her take: it gives a smooth, radiant glow and lightly evens out skin.

You mix these oil-based drops into your face cream. Glycerin and Aloe Vera keep things comfortable and hydrated while the color develops. The tan is subtle, buildable, and leans “healthy skin” instead of “full-on fake tan,” which makes it a good choice if you want something that feels like luxury skincare first, self-tan second.

Your Foolproof Guide to Applying Face Tanning Drops

A good face tan should look like skin, not makeup. These steps keep it even, non-orange, and streak-free.

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

• Cleanse: Start with a clean face—no makeup, SPF, or leftover oil.
• Exfoliate (24 hours before): Gently exfoliate the day before. This clears dead skin so your tan doesn’t catch on dry patches. More here: exfoliate before self tan.
• Dry skin: Make sure your face is fully dry before you apply.

Step 2: Mix & Apply

• Mix with skincare: Pump your usual moisturizer, serum, or oil into your palm. Add drops:
  • 2–4 drops for a light glow
  • 4–8 for a medium tan
  • 8–12 for deep bronze
• Start small: If you’re new, start with fewer drops. You can always add more tomorrow.
• Apply like moisturizer: Blend the mixture over your face in light, circular motions.
• Blend edges: Feather it into your hairline, ears, jawline, and down your neck and upper chest so there’s no line.

Step 3: Lock In a Clean, Even Fade

• Wash hands: Scrub palms and between fingers with soap right after.
• Let it dry: Give it a few minutes to fully absorb before makeup or bed. Our water-light formulas dry fast and feel bare on the skin.
• Moisturize daily: Hydrated skin keeps a tan longer and helps it fade evenly. For more ways to keep your glow smooth, check: moisturize before self tan.

For body, our default method with Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water is simple: spritz the tinted tanning water onto our double-sided, washable Mitt, smooth it on in long strokes with gentle circles, leave hands and feet for last and blend them with the clean side of the Mitt, let it dry a few minutes, put on loose clothes, then do a quick lukewarm rinse later and moisturize daily.

Choosing the Right Drops for Your Skin

Selecting the ideal best tanning drops face for your unique skin means considering your skin type, concerns, and the kind of glow you’re after. It’s about more than just color; it’s about skincare benefits and comfort.

For Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you know the struggle of finding products that don't cause irritation or breakouts. The good news is that many facial tanning drops are specifically formulated with these concerns in mind.

• Non-Comedogenic Formulas: Look for products labeled "non-comedogenic," meaning they are designed not to clog pores. This is crucial for preventing breakouts. Dermatologists like David Kim, MD, advise against using body self-tanners on the face because they are often more comedogenic and oily, lacking the specific facial skincare benefits needed.
• Patch Testing: Always, always do a patch test! Apply a small amount of the mixed drops to an inconspicuous area (like behind your ear or on your jawline) 24 hours before full application to check for any sensitivity or adverse reactions.
• Look for Soothing Ingredients: Ingredients like Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Cucumber Extract (like in our 3VERYBODY Tanning Drops) are known for their soothing and hydrating properties, making them excellent choices for delicate skin. Isabel Alysa, celebrity spray-tan artist and founder of Dolce Glow, recommends their Goccia Di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum Drops for sensitive skin, noting they are dermatologist- and allergy-tested.

The right drops can give you a gorgeous glow without compromising your skin's health. For more insights, check out: Are tanning drops safe for acne-prone skin?.

For Your Skin Tone & Desired Glow

One of the greatest advantages of tanning drops is the control you have over the intensity of your tan. This customization makes them suitable for everyone, from very fair to deep skin tones.

Here’s a general guide for achieving different levels of glow:

• Light Glow: 2-4 drops
  • Perfect for fair skin tones or for those who want a very subtle, natural radiance. It's like you just spent a happy hour outdoors.
• Medium Tan: 4-8 drops
  • Ideal for achieving a sun-kissed look, as if you've enjoyed a weekend getaway. This range works well for most skin tones to add warmth.
• Deep Bronze: 8-12 drops
  • For deeper skin tones or if you desire a more pronounced, "just returned from a tropical vacation" bronze.

Building Color Gradually: We always recommend starting with a lower number of drops and building up the color over successive days if you want a deeper tan. This approach minimizes the risk of applying too much and ensures a natural, even result that truly complements your complexion. Our formulas are designed to build cleanly, so you can achieve your perfect shade without ever looking unnatural.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are clear answers to the most common best tanning drops face questions.

How long does a face tan from drops last?

Most face tans from drops last 3 to 5 days.

What affects that:

• Skin turnover: Facial skin renews faster than body skin, so face color fades sooner.
• Exfoliants and actives: Retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs speed up fade. Either skip them on tan nights or alternate.
• Hydration: Daily moisturizing keeps your skin smooth so the tan fades evenly instead of patchy.

Can I use face tanning drops on my body?

You can, but it’s not ideal.

• Same active, different use: The DHA works the same, but face drops are small and concentrated, so using them head-to-toe gets pricey.
• Better option for body: Our Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water is made for full-body use. It’s a water-light spray that’s sweat- and transfer-resistant, quick-dry, streak-free, and never orange.
• Skin benefits: It’s enriched with argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract, and it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates.

For the smoothest result, spritz Life Proof Tan onto our double-sided, washable Mitt, smooth it on in long strokes with gentle circles, leave hands and feet for last and blend with the clean side, let it dry a few minutes, wear loose clothes, then do a quick lukewarm rinse later and moisturize daily.

For a breakdown of how many drops to use for face vs. body lotion, see: Learn how many tanning drops to use for face versus body.

Will tanning drops make me look orange?

They shouldn’t—especially not modern, well-formulated drops.

• Better formulas: Today’s self-tanners are balanced to lean golden or neutral, not neon.
• Color-correction: Brands like Isle of Paradise use green, peach, or violet tones to cancel unwanted hues. Our 3VERYBODY Tanning Drops are specifically designed to develop non-orange on very fair to deep skin.
• Control the depth: Overdoing DHA is what usually creates that unnatural look. Start with 2–4 drops, then add more the next day if you want extra depth.
• Quality matters: High-quality best tanning drops face products use more refined DHA and skin-friendly bases, which helps avoid streaks and odd tones.

If you want a streak-free, non-orange result every time—on both face and body—pair our Tanning Drops, Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water, and Mitt. For detailed streak-free tricks, read: self tan without streaks.

Get Your Glow On

You now have a full playbook on the best tanning drops face options—and how to use them for a non-orange, streak-free glow.

At 3VERYBODY, we keep it tight and simple:

• Tanning Drops for a customizable face (or body lotion) tan that’s water-light, quick-dry, sheet-safe, non-orange, and packed with rosehip oil and cucumber extract. They’re vegan and free from parabens, palm oil, and sulfates.
• Life Proof Tan Tinted Tanning Water for your body—a water-light spray that’s sweat- and transfer-resistant, quick-dry, streak-free, and never orange, enriched with argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract, and vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates.
• The Mitt, our double-sided, washable applicator, for even, controlled blending.
• The 3VERYBODY Kit, which brings it all together for salon-quality, at-home results on every skin tone.

We’re woman-owned, inclusivity-first, and creator-approved—HopeScope loved how natural and life-proof the tan looks.

Next step: pick your shade goal, grab our Tanning Drops and Life Proof Tan with the Mitt, and follow the simple routine—spritz, smooth, dry, rinse, moisturize—for a glow that looks like your skin, just better.

Get the complete at-home tanning system for a flawless face and body glow.