How To Add Bronzing Drops Into Your Beauty Routine

If you're interested in getting a tan without exposing yourself to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, you might want to add bronzing drops to your beauty routine. These days, there are several different varieties of bronzing drops on the market that you can add to other skincare products or on their own for a natural-looking glow — you can even DIY your own bronzing drops with items you likely already have in your collection.

However, there are a few things you need to know before you integrate this product into your routine. Most notably, bronzing drops are not tanning drops, and the difference between them is the lack of one key ingredient — dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Tanning drops contain DHA, a chemical that works with the amino acids in dead skin cells to "produce a brown color change" (via MedicineNet). Users of tanning drops can expect to see results for up to a week with no risk of the chemical causing harm.

Bronzing drops don't need time to chemically react with your skin cells — they instantly add color to your body as soon as you apply them. "Bronzing drops are a lightweight, liquid bronzer that you can either add to your favorite moisturizer, serum, or foundation," makeup artist Allison Kaye explained to Allure. Knowing how to apply bronzing drops properly, however, is essential to getting an even glow free of streaks.

When you have bronzing drops, you may not need to use highlighter when you're applying your makeup, depending on how much glow they provide. The best part about this type of drop is that they may instantly give you the complexion you desire. That being said, it's still important to ensure that you apply them evenly to avoid streakiness.

One easy way to make sure that you're getting adequate coverage from your bronzing drops is to add them to your moisturizer or foundation, as long as your foundation is oil-based and not water-based. "Most bronzing drops typically have oil in them, so when they're mixed with a water-based foundation, it is important to note that they will not play well together," celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas tells InStyle.

If you don't want to add your bronzing drops to your moisturizer or foundation, you might want to consider combining them with your sunscreen. Doing so creates a similar effect to combining the drops with moisturizer. The only difference is that you'll also be adding a layer of protection from the sun while you develop a stunning glow. You could even combine all three — moisturizer, sunscreen, and bronzing drops — for a lit-from-within glow. Keep in mind that it's best to go light on the drops until you determine how they work with your existing complexion. In some cases, your bronzing drops might be vibrant enough to be used as a highlighter — in these instances, less is definitely more.

Depending on your skin type, you might see different results once you begin to integrate bronzing drops into your beauty routine. One issue you may run into is greasiness if you already have oily skin. For example, mixing your bronzing drops with your sunscreen might make you look more shiny than dewy. In these instances, you can combine your drops with your foundation instead. If that doesn't solve the issue, look for oil-free bronzing drops to reduce the greasiness and prevent your pores from becoming clogged.

Bronzing drops have different finishes, formulations, and tints. That being said, take your time as you mix your bronzing drops into your moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation. Pay attention to the tint as it changes while you mix, and you'll give yourself the best shot at finding a hue that complements your natural skin tone.

Whether you're finished looking like a bronzed goddess for the day or accidentally created some streaks, you can easily remove bronzing drops as simply as you remove your other skincare products. As long as they don't contain any DHA that will tan your skin, a gentle cleansing of the skin with your favorite face wash should do the trick.