Sick of sacrificing your skin to achieve a faux facial glow? Then don’t! Designed to be mixed into your favourite moisturiser, our Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops deliver a gorgeous, customisable tan without drying the skin, clogging pores or causing breakouts. Hydrating, alcohol-free and non-comedogenic, the hyaluronic acid-infused drops play nicely with most moisturisers – but we’d be lying if we said they don’t have favourites. And if you're wondering about what are the best lotions to use with tanning drops, look no further! Our tanning drops effortlessly mix with various lotions, ensuring each application is flawlessly radiant.
So, to make sure you’re getting the most from your Bronzing Face Drops, read on. We’ve picked the best moisturisers to pair with our little drops of liquid sunshine for plump, soft, hydrated skin – and a supercharged glow that goes on and on!
(Pssst. Not sure exactly how to get started with tanning drops? Read this article on everything you need to know about using Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops first.)
Lotion #1: Coco & Eve Antioxidant Glow Cream
Looking for the perfect partner to your tanning drops for a radiant and hydrated complexion? Meet our Antioxidant Glow Cream, the ultimate hydrating companion! Infused with a potent blend of antioxidants, this cream not only boosts your skin’s natural glow but also protects against environmental stressors.
The star ingredients include supercharged hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, antioxidant-rich green tea to combat free radicals, and other nourishing components that strengthen the skin barrier, enhance elasticity, and provide long-lasting moisture. This luxurious cream leaves your skin soft, supple, and luminous.
What makes Coco & Eve's Antioxidant Glow Cream an exceptional match for your tanning drops? Both products are designed to work harmoniously, ensuring smooth application and optimal absorption. The water-based formulas blend seamlessly, providing an instant hydration boost without feeling greasy or heavy. Plus, the multiple types of hyaluronic acid in both products ensure maximum hydration at different skin layers, amplifying your glow.
Even better, the Antioxidant Glow Cream is free from common tan-faders such as AHAs, salicylic acid, and retinol, so your tan remains intact and vibrant.
Are you looking to buy one of the best lotions to mix with our tanning drops? We've got you covered! Experience the magic of this duo by trying our special Golden Hour Set, which includes your favorite face tanning drops and the latest A-Beauty lotion sensation! Your skin will thank you for the hydration, protection, and radiance this dynamic pair delivers.
Lotion #2: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Want to revitalise and firm your skin while boosting its glow? Then pair your tanning drops with Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream. Like a protein shake for the face, this award-winning protein moisturiser strengthens and tones the skin, while also moisturising (duh) and helping reduce signs of sun damage. An ideal addition to any anti-ageing arsenal, it’s full of high-performing exotic ingredients like antioxidant-rich Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract.
However, the hands-down hero of the formula is the signal peptide complex – a power ingredient boasting nine signal peptides that bind moisture to the skin. Simply mix in your Sunny Honey Face Drops as often as needed for a plumper, bouncier and beautifully bronzed complexion.
Lotion #3: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
You don’t always have to spend up big for great results, and this budget-friendly moisturiser from CeraVe is perfect for parched, sensitive skin. Packed with ceramides – the lipids (fats) that occur naturally in the skin and constitute 50% of its barrier – the rich, gentle formula helps strengthen and nourish the skin for a healthier, smoother appearance. Especially when paired with our facial tanning drops!
Alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid, the moisturiser contains a unique blend of skin barrier-boosting ceramides to help seal moisture in, and lock impurities out. And, while rich, you can rest assured that it’s fast absorbing, non-greasy and easy to mix.
Lotion #4: Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream
On the more luxurious end of the scale, there’s Sunday Riley’s Ice Ceramide Moisturising Cream. Rich in those trusty barrier-boosting ceramides, this luscious but lightweight cream helps to hydrate skin and lock in moisture, eliminating any dry-skin discomfort. As Vitamin F boosts lipid levels, coconut reduces water loss, beetroot extract smooths, and red algae extract locks in hydration. Packed with antioxidants, pomegranate sterols quench and protect thirsty skin, for smooth, radiant and youthful results. Go on, give it a glow!
Lotion #5: The INKEY List Peptide Moisturiser
Rounding out our list of the best lotions to use with tanning drops, there is another winner from The INKEY List. Packed with hydrating peptides, the Peptide Moisturiser is a downright saviour for dry, depleted skin, or anyone concerned with signs of ageing. Supporting natural skin-plumping collagen and boosting hydration, it helps to reduce wrinkles for a youthful, smooth and comfortable complexion.
Our recommendation? Use at night* with 2-3 tanning drops mixed in, and experience newfound radiance by morning.
* Tan drops can be used morning or night, but they do take a few hours to develop. We therefore suggest applying in the PM, so no product will melt off at the gym, or rub off when you apply makeup.
Moisturising Ingredients to Boost Your Glow Further (Plus Others to Avoid)
Mousturiser ingredients that help to hydrate, smooth and promote a glowing complexion work well with tanning drops. The lotion ingredients that best mix with tanning drops include:
- Antioxidants – by neutralising free radicals (formed thanks to things like pollution, smoke and UV radiation) antioxidants help to brighten the skin the prevent premature ageing.
- Hyaluronic acid – drawing moisture to the surface of the skin, HA is a highly prized hydrator that helps keep skin healthy and supple.
- Peptides – these short chains of amino acids are the building blocks of collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin. Signalling the skin cells to perform a range of important functions, they promote a plump, smooth, calm and hydrated complexion.
- Ceramides – particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, ceramides are lipids (fats) that occur in the top layers of skin and make up 50% of the skin barrier. In skincare, lipids help to strengthen the skin, reduce dryness and prevent irritation.
While these guys are our top picks for the best lotions to use with tanning drops, avoid ingredients that chemically exfoliate the skin if you want an even, long lasting facial tan. This means steering clear of AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid, and salicylic acid – a BHA that is common in products for acne-prone skin. Accelerating skin renewal, products containing retinol can also fast-track your fade.
If you can’t avoid these ingredients (exfoliation is, after all, super important for a clear, smooth complexion!), ensure you top up your tan more regularly for an even, streak-free glow.
Top up Your Facial Tan with Tanning Drops
Fact: Fake tan on the face tends to fade faster due to twice daily cleansing and the use of active skincare ingredients like AHAs. If you’re working out daily, you might also be washing your face more often – further fast-tracking the fade.
To make sure your face matches the skin on your neck and body, tanning drops are your BFF. Simply add 2-3 drops of our hydrating Bronzing Face Drops to your moisturiser (ideally at night) for a natural, buildable glow that keeps going.
How Should I Mix the Tanning Drops with the Chosen Lotion?
Start Small: Begin by mixing a small amount of Coco & Eve Sunny Honey tanning drops with your moisturizer to gauge the desired color intensity. You can always add more drops for a deeper tan.
Mix Thoroughly: Ensure Sunny Honey tanning drops are evenly dispersed throughout the moisturizer by mixing them together well in the palm of your hand or in a mixing dish.
Choose the Right Ratio: Experiment with different ratios of tanning drops to moisturizer to achieve your desired level of tan. A 1:1 ratio is a good starting point, but you can adjust based on your preferences.
Apply Evenly: After mixing, apply the mixture evenly to your face, blending it in well to avoid streaks or uneven patches. For best results, we recommend exfoliating at least 24 hours before applying the drops.
Blend Well: Unlike other products, no mitt is required—just mix the desired number of drops with your favorite lotion and apply evenly over the face.
Take your time to blend the mixture into your skin thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas where product tends to accumulate, such as around the hairline and jawline.
Wash Hands: Remember to wash your hands immediately after application to avoid staining your palms.
Check out tan guides & tips here!
Written by: Pip Jarvis
Edited By: Vidhya
