Forget the “just tango” look. Today’s facial tanning products are all about the fresh, natural glow that looks like your skin – just brighter.
Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a deeper bronze finish, facial self-tanning makes it easier than ever to customize your glow without UV exposure.
Leading the way is our new launch, Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist – an ultra-light facial tanning mist designed for effortless everyday application. Meanwhile, our award-winning Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial remains ideal for those who want a deeper, more customizable tanning effect.
If you’re wondering about the best fake tan for your face, how to apply tanning drops to your face, or if tanning drops work, here’s everything you need to know.
What are Facial Tanners?
Facial self-tanning products are designed to create a gradual, natural glow without sun exposure.
Unlike traditional fake tan formulas, Tropic’s facial tanning products are lightweight, easily incorporated into your existing skincare routine, and designed to help you customize your glow to your desired finish.
How do facial tanners work?
If you’ve ever asked, “Facial tanners work?” the answer is yes – facial tanning products gradually develop color on the surface of the skin to create a temporary bronze glow without UV exposure.
Because both Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist and Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum are customizable, you can adjust the depth of your tan to your desired finish.
Facial tanning products can help:
- Add warmth and glow
- Create a healthy-looking glow
- Offers a bronzed look without exposure to the sun
- Reduce the need for heavy makeup
How to create a natural glow
The secret to a natural facial tan is healthy, hydrated skin.
Before applying facial tanning products:
- Gently exfoliate with Face Smooth Nourishing Polish
Moisturize beforehand to help the tan spread more evenly
- Blend evenly on neck and hairline
- Avoid too heavy application on dry patches
While facial tanning products can help create a bronzed glow, they do not contain SPF and does not protect the skin from UVA or UVB rays. Apply SPF daily as the last step in your morning skincare routine to protect skin from sun damage and premature skin aging.
Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist
The latest facial tanning launch, Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist offers a light veil of gradual color for fresh, glowing skin. The clear, ultra-fine mist absorbs effortlessly and is ideal for those who want a subtle glow that can be built up over time for a true bronze finish.
Powered by MelaGlow Complex™, our intelligent tan-developing blend, the weightless formula is designed to create superior tonal realism on all skin tones, mimicking the color your skin naturally takes in the sun.
The premier skincare formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients to help skin look smooth, hydrated and radiant over time.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
- MelaGlow Complex™ adapts to your unique skin tone to create a gradual, natural-looking bronze
- Biomimetic peptides they help to smooth the appearance of the skin and soften the appearance of visible signs of aging
- Hyaluronic acid helps provide long-lasting hydration
- Panthenol helps to comfort and support the skin barrier
- Cocoa polyphenols help brighten and protect with antioxidant support
Non-sticky, transfer-resistant and with no telltale fake tan smell, Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist fits seamlessly into your skincare routine as the last step after SPF. The lightweight formula creates a fresh, dewy-looking glow with no blending, no mess and no sticky residue – just a soft scent of honeysuckle and neroli.
How to use Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist
- Clean and dry the skin thoroughly
- Hold the bottle 30 cm from your face
- Mist in a quick and smooth downward motion using 3–6 sprays
- Allow to dry completely before applying makeup or additional skin care
- Layer gradually over consecutive days to achieve desired shine intensity
Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum
For those who want a deeper, more customizable tan, Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum makes it easy to customize your glow.
Designed to be mixed directly with your moisturizer, the gradual tan formula builds to an even-looking, streak-free tan that can be adjusted depending on how many drops you apply.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
- Natural tanning agents they help create a bronze that has a uniform appearance
- Coconut water helps to hydrate and renew the skin
- Aloe juice helps to soothe and relieve the skin
- Passion fruit extract helps brighten skin for a radiant look
Finished with a sweet passion fruit scent, the formula delivers a healthy, sunshine-like glow in skincare form.
How to use Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum
- Dispense a pea-sized amount of Skin Feast Nourishing Moisturizer into the palm of your hand
- Add Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum
- Mix well
- Apply evenly all over the face, neck, ears and hairline
- Wash hands thoroughly afterwards
Two to three drops create a subtle glow, while four to six drops they develop into a deeper bronze.
Top tip: For the most seamless effect, don’t forget the eyelids, ears, neck and hairline.
You can apply with your hands or with the Kabuki Full Coverage Brush
Common facial tanning mistakes
Applying too many products at once
Facial tanning products are designed to be gradual, so it’s best to start slowly rather than applying too much in one go. Layering color in successive applications helps create a more natural-looking glow and gives you more control over the depth of your tan.
Forgetting the neck and ears
For the most seamless finish, always blend tanning products across the face. Applying to the neck, ears and around the hairline helps prevent visible contrast and creates a more even glow overall.
Application on Dry Skin
Dry patches can cause the face to tan unevenly or stick to certain areas. Gentle exfoliation and moisturizing beforehand helps create a smoother canvas for a more even application.
Not washing hands afterwards
If you apply tanning products with your hands, always wash them thoroughly afterwards to prevent stains on your palms and fingers.
Skipping exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove dry, dull skin cells that can cause uneven color development and blemishes. Proper skin preparation beforehand helps support a smoother, brighter result.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Sun Spritz and Sun Drops?
Sun Spritz Facial Tanning Mist delivers a lighter, fresher glow buildable through an ultra-fine mist application, while Sun Drops Gradual Tanning Facial Serum creates a deeper, more customizable tan effect over time.
Are facial tanning products safe?
Facial tanning products are designed to provide a temporary bronze glow without UV exposure. Always follow product instructions carefully and patch test if necessary.
While tanning products can help create a sun-kissed glow, they do not contain SPF and do not protect the skin from UVA or UVB rays. Always apply SPF daily to protect skin from sun damage and premature skin aging.
Do tanning drops work?
Yes. Sun Drops gradually build a natural glow over time, helping skin to look sun-kissed without the need for sun exposure.
How often should you use facial tanning products?
You can use facial tanning products as often as needed to maintain the desired level of radiance.
Can you put makeup on top of facial tanning products?
Yes. Once completely dry, makeup can be layered over facial tanning products as part of your normal routine.
How do you spread tanning drops evenly on your face?
Apply to clean, moisturized skin and blend evenly all over face, neck, hairline and ears.
Are sun drops safe for sensitive skin?
Skin sensitivity varies from person to person, so a patch test before use is recommended.
