Tanning Drops

Tanning drops are concentrated self tan that you add to your moisturiser or serum. The colour comes from DHA, an ingredient used in most self tans. The more drops you add, the deeper your tan. Most of the formulas here are made for the face.

Cleanse first, then mix the drops into your usual moisturiser or serum in the palm of your hand. Smooth it over your face and neck, blending well along your hairline and jaw. Wash your hands straight away. Do a patch test before your first use.

It depends on the brand. Three Warriors suggests 2 to 4 drops in your moisturiser, while Bondi Sands suggests 4 to 12. More drops mean a deeper colour.

Some can. Bondi Sands drops can go in a face or body moisturiser, but most of the others are made for the face and neck. A 30ml bottle won't stretch far over your whole body, so a self tanning mousse is usually quicker for larger areas.

No. Tanning drops colour your skin, but they don't contain SPF and won't protect you from sunburn. Keep wearing your sunscreen every day.

Pai says The Impossible Tan is suitable for sensitive skin, and Bondi Sands says the same of its drops. Whichever you choose, patch test first and wait 24 hours. Stop using the product if your skin reacts.

Colour usually starts to show within a few hours and keeps developing. Skinny Tan says its drops take 6 to 8 hours to fully develop, and Pai says to allow up to 48 hours. Leave the colour to settle before you judge the shade.