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For a glow-up in seconds.
Byrdie
If youre on a budget, reach fore.l.f.
Cosmetics Bronzing Drops, a formula that imparts a beautiful glow and blends seamlessly with moisturizer or foundation.
Looking for a radiant, sun-kissed glow in seconds without the possibility of sun damage?
PHOTO: Ulta
But first, how do bronzing drops differ from bronzer?
In short, its all about versatility.
And with good reasonin our testing, they topped our best-of list, hands down.
Byrdie / Holly Rhue
Holly Rhue, Byrdies editorial director, has been using them several times weekly for over five years.
Whats so special about them?
There is no streaking or pilling under sunscreen or makeup, either!
PHOTO: e.l.f.
Byrdie / Holly Rhue
Holly Rhue, editorial director:These drops are smooth and serum-like.
Best Budget
e.l.f.
Byrdie editor Eden Stuart first picked them up five months ago and hasnt stopped using them since.
Byrdie / Eden Stuart
This product also layers beautifully under other makeup products.
Pardee notes that these drops have a subtle, sweet scent thats delicious without feeling overpowering.
(Also, crucially, shes never experienced breakouts while wearing these drops for weeks at a time.)
PHOTO: Sephora
Overall, Vacations bronzing drops act as hard-working skincare that looks great, too.
They impart a subtle brown glowno need to worry about looking orange.
I love how they add some color to my face (and SPF coverage!)
Byrdie / Adi Giesey
on days when I don’t want to wear makeup.
(She adds that this product was subtle enough to apply over makeup, as well.)
This products finish is second to none, as well.
PHOTO: Ulta
As soon as I apply it and rub it in, my skin feels more hydrated and calm.
Bonus: These drops also include broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.
Overall, for truly versatile bronzing drops, reach for Cieles version.
Byrdie / Lauren Pardee
She credits their lightweight feel and lit-from-within finish for immediately winning her over.
She says this formula is also foolproof for beginnersits versatile, and its serum-like texture is ultra-easy to blend.
It gives your no-makeup makeup look a glow from within.
PHOTO: Sephora
Enter BeautyBios Bronding Blendrops, a favorite of Byrdie updates writer Allison Lax.
Its also offered in lighter shades that work as more traditional highlighters on fair skin.
What to Look for In Bronzing Drops
In short, it depends on your desired look.
Byrdie / Ali Webb
Bronzing drops can also work as the last step before blush and highlighter.
Bronzing drops are incredibly versatile.
Certain bronzing drops are purely makeup, while others have a self-tanner component.
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie / Abby Dupes
PHOTO: BeautyBio
Byrdie / Allison Lax
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie / Amanda Rosenthal
