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Its the secret to sun-kissed skin sans sun damage.
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In This Article
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TL;DR
Our favorite facial self-tanner is theKopari Gradual Self-Tanning Face Serum.
But if youre looking for an affordable option, we love theVacation Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops.
They come with SPF 50 protection and can be layered under makeup to create a sun-kissed, glowy complexion.
PHOTO: Kopari
And since the options are plentiful, we decided it was time to figure out which ones work best.
So, over two weeks, wetesteda dozen facial self-tanners during our everyday routines at home.
Be warned: the picks on our list are sure to bring in vacation envy.
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Youll also notice a difference in color right away, depending on the number of drops you use.
The brand recommends using four drops for a light tan and eight drops for a deeper color.
you’re able to also mix it withmoisturizerfor a subtle glow.
PHOTO: Amazon
We love that once you apply it, it dries quickly and doesnt transfer onto your clothing or pillowcases.
After the initial utility, the tan lasted about two days without re-applying.
It’s perfect for adding a little color during the winter or prepping for a vacation!
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But aside from that, we were incredibly impressed by how well these drops performed.
The more drops you mix in, the darker your tan will be.
If ease and longevity are what youre looking for, these drops are a fantastic option for you.
PHOTO: Tan-Luxe
I did not notice any streaks at all."
The formula is incredibly lightweight and doesnt leave behind any patchiness.
It’s easy to use and hasn’t caused any breakouts like some other products have.
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Eden Stuart, editor:I’d say the product is situated somewhere between makeup and skincare.
On one hand, the drops almost function as makeup bronzing drops since the glow is temporary.
On my medium-tan skin, the glow looks really natural.
PHOTO: Saltyface
Bonus points: This one has that signature, delicious Vacation sunscreen smell.
It wasn’t dramatic, but it looked really nice."
The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone.
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Hadley King, M.D.Dihydroxyacetone binds to proteins in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin).
If you have acne-prone skin, a formula thats noncomedogenic is ideal for you.
PHOTO: Ulta
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PHOTO: Amazon
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