Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract, coconut water, passion fruit oil, and vitamin E| Who It’s For: Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to put body self-tanner on my face?
While there are overlapping ingredients in facial self-tanner and body self-tanner, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, advises against using them interchangeably. “I would not use body self-tanner on the face,” he tells Allure. “It’s much more comedogenic and oily and can often break you out.” Plus, facial self-tanners often include ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that specifically benefit your face’s skin, so if you use body self-tanner on your kisser, you’d be missing 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. “Preparation starts with gentle exfoliation the day before ensure skin is smooth and free of dry patches, which can make color uneven,” cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos tells Allure. “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. Be sure to wash your hands if you’re not using some sort of applicator like a mitt,” she adds.
Before applying the self-tanner to your face, confirming you’ve chosen the right shade or planned the right amount of drops for your desired outcome is essential. “The lower the concentration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the more gradually you can build color and avoid uneven spots and splotches,” says Dobos. “Because the color fades as the top layers of your skin naturally exfoliate, it can be near impossible to quickly correct areas that have gone too dark.”
Will facial self-tanner clog my pores?
Some self-tanners have the potential to clog your pores, depending on the type and sensitivity of your skin. “I recommend looking for oil-free and ‘non-comedogenic’ options to make sure they’re appropriate for oily acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Kim. When a product is non-comedogenic, the formula won’t cause pore blockages, also known as comedones or 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?
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. “The main difference between the two is that bronzing drops are temporary and rinse down the drain once it’s time to wash your face, while tanning drops usually have a semi-permanent pigment. The latter relies on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that safely darkens the skin,” Dobos concludes. If you’re looking for bronzing drops, however, you can’t go wrong with the following:
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about several factors: What ingredients are in it? 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? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?