Have you noticed a dewy, sun-kissed glow on everyone from influencers to your best friend at brunch, but you know they haven’t been on vacation? You’re not imagining things. Actually, the secret is simple: tanning drops and other brightening products that you can add to the foundation you already use.
If you’re like me, you use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen to protect the delicate skin on your face. SPF is essential for preventing signs of aging, but it makes it tremendously difficult to achieve that desirable sun-kissed look. Now you no longer have to choose between skin protection and the perfect summer glow. You can ditch chalky highlighters and enhance your natural glow with new drops, balms, and combo serums.
You also don’t have to worry about them looking cakey because they are designed to blend perfectly with your foundation. Whether you’re looking for a beachy bronze or a fresh, dewy finish, we’ve got some Prime Picks to add to your summer makeup routine.
Tips for a natural-looking glow
These new luminous products come in lightweight, buildable formulas—think brightening drops, tanning serums, and radiant balms. They are designed to be mixed with your regular foundation or applied as a foundation underneath. The result is a customizable, lit-from-within glow that flatters every skin tone and works for every season.
First, remember to apply sunscreen before starting your makeup routine. Even a radiant queen needs SPF. Next, start with just one or two drops of your tanning drops. It is easier to increase the tone than to tone it down. Make sure to apply the pigment to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, temples, and bridge of the nose for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
You can also use a damp sponge to help blend the mixture perfectly into your skin.
Prime Picks for a Sun-Drenched Glow
1. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Solar Drops$39
These cult-favorite tanning drops are like summer in a bottle. Mix it with moisturizer or foundation to add warmth and luminosity without shimmer or glitter. Bonus: They’re packed with antioxidants.
2. Saie Glowy Super Gel$29
This multi-use gel can be used as a primer or mixed with foundation for a sheer, dewy glow. It’s light, hydrating and makes your skin look naturally lit from within. The Super Gel comes in four different “shimmer” shades.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter$50
Part foundation, part highlighter, and part magic! This cult product provides a soft-focus glow. Mix it with your foundation or apply it to the high points of your face for that red carpet glow. It comes in eight different shades.
4. London Iconic Brightening Drops$40
A little goes a long way with these ultra-pigmented drops. They blend beautifully and offer a more dramatic shine that’s perfect for evening events or when you want all eyes to be on. It comes in four shades.
5. L’Oréal Lumi Glotion$17.99
This drugstore gem provides a luminous finish that hydrates and evens the tone. Wear it alone or mix it with your foundation for an affordable everyday glow. It comes in five shades.
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