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The four formulas below?

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Angela Trakoshis

Theyre the real deal.

), and track how long the glow lasted before fading.

If youre wondering what makes this one the best, let me explain.

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops serum bottle of amber tanning drops with silver and black dropper cap on white background

Before and application using the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Almost non-existent, which is a huge win in the self-tan world.

Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist.

You just spray it on bare skin and in four to eight hours, youre tan.

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Before and application using the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Its as simple as that, no rubbing needed.

Come morning, a soft, golden glow had appeared.

By the time the work day is done, it looks like I just landed from a Caribbean vacation.

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist in branded component on a light gray background

To thank for that is the blend of coconut, chia seed, and avocado oils in the formula.

Thereisa slight tan smell, but I overlook it because of how beautifully the tan developed overnight.

“I would not use body self-tanner on the face,” he tellsAllure.

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Before and application using the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

“It’s much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out.”

How do I apply a facial self-tanner?

Facial self-tanner goes on easily but, ideally, requires a little prep leading before you uncap the bottle.

Isle of Paradise Face Self-Tanning Glow Drops purple and white dropper bottle on light gray background

“Cleanse skin to remove makeup and traces of oil just before applying the self-tanner.

Pay extra attention to blending around the hairline and avoid the eyes area and lips.

Will facial self-tanner clog my pores?

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Before and application using the Isle of Paradise Face Self-Tanning Glow Drops

When a product is non-comedogenic, the formula won’t cause pore blockages, also known ascomedonesor black/whiteheads.

Before you add a facial-self tanner to your cart, look at the fine print.

What’s the difference between facial self-tanner and bronzing drops?

Dolce Glow Goccia Di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum in branded component on a light gray background

Facial self-tanner and bronzing drops may sound like synonyms, but they aren’t.

“Bronzing drops contain iron oxides and pearlescent pigments to provide an instant bronze glow.

They are basically a form of makeup and can be washed from the skin,” says Dobos.

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Before and application using the Dolce Glow Goccia di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops white and brown branded component with accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops rose gold teardrop shaped bottle on light gray background

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?