It’s About Damn Time E.L.F. Launched Bronzing Drops

16.04.2024, 14:37 allure.com

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When I started working at Allure in 2018, I was immediately dubbed as the resident self-tanner guinea pig. That’s because I love to be tan. I’m always the editor everyone turns to test and review new products in the self-tanning category. However, there’s just one, rather big, problem; I’m not good at self-tanning. The application process is always a streaky mess and the color never ends up as the golden bronze I desire. So these days, I keep it simple with bronzing drops, a.k.a. the trendy way to glow without the commitment—or mess—of a self-tanner.

Over the last couple of months, there has been an influx of bronzing drops, which is a lightweight, liquid bronzer that you can either add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation, to hit the market. The pigmented drops temporarily boost the warmth and glow of your natural complexion, says Florida-based makeup artist Allison Kaye. The drops can be worn alone as well, but just keep in mind that many of the current market options are formulated with shimmer, so don’t go too heavy or you’ll look like the Tin (Bronze) Man.

E.L.F.

E.L.F. Bronzing Drops in Copper

E.L.F. Cosmetics

E.L.F.

E.L.F. Bronzing Drops in Rose Gold

E.L.F. Cosmetics

E.L.F.

E.L.F. Bronzing Drops in Pure Gold

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Following the success of Drunk Elephant’s original D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, Glow Recipe joined the ranks with its new Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum, and now, everyone’s favorite drugstore brand, e.l.f. Cosmetics, just dropped a version of its own, aptly named, Bronzing Drops.

The highly-anticipated e.l.f. Bronzing Drops come in three shades, Rose Gold, Pure Gold, and Copper Gold, and retail for $12 each. These are not only some of the more affordable ones in the market, but one of the most inclusive options out there, as most bronzing drops only come in one “universal” shade.

The e.l.f. Bronzing Drops are way more than just pretty pigment. The formula is made with vitamin E, which according to, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, is a very hydrating molecule since it works as both a humectant (to absorb water into the skin) and an emollient (to trap water in the skin). Along with that, the Bronzing Drops ingredient list is loaded with oils like sunflower, marula, and raspberry seed to nourish and moisturize the skin with wear.

To put the drops to the full test, I decided to wear them alone to see how the three different shade options show up on my skin.

Angela Trakoshis using Pure Gold shade

Angela Trakoshis using Copper Gold shade

Angela Trakoshis using Rose Gold shade

I mean, the photos speak for themselves: I look tan. But let’s talk about how my skin feels moisturized and silky to the touch. My complexion is even and glowy, and truly, I feel like a million bucks anytime I wear any of these shades. I apply the smallest amount of my favorite of the three shades, Copper, and blend it in with my fingers so there are no streaks, especially into the neck, you don’t want your neck to be a different shade than your face, trust me, I’ve been there. The thing with these drops is that they’re extremely pigmented and a little goes a long way, I did find that if you use too much, you’ll look muddy or dirty so going forward, I’ll need to dilute some of the golden hue with a moisturizer to give more of a glowy finish rather than a faux, just-got-back-from-the-beach finish.

If you want to glow on a budget, don’t look any further than the E.L.F. Bronzing Drops, available now for $12 on elfcosmetics.com.