e.l.f. SKIN's New Bronzing Drops Give You That "Back From Vacation" Glow

Few names in the beauty industry generate hype quite like e.l.f. Cosmetics and its skincare sister, e.l.f. SKIN. Whether it’s because of its effective, affordable formulas or clever partnerships with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, the beauty community loves a new release from this brand. And, a hot new launch has just arrived that already promises to be hall-of-fame-worthy.

Just in time for sun-kissed summer, e.l.f. SKIN has introduced Bronzing Drops ($12) in three metallic-based shades—1 (rose gold), 2 (true yellow gold), and 3 (copper). The pigmented liquid formula packed with antioxidants and nourishing vitamin E is easily paired with your favorite moisturizer or oil to customize your glow, with more Bronzing Drops equating to a more intense bronze. But does it deliver on the promise of giving that coveted "just back from the beach" bronze? Ahead, Team Byrdie's honest review, plus everything you need to know about the new release.

The Product

As proven by the continuous success of tinted lip balms, SPF-infused foundations, and highlighter serums, we beauty lovers want our skincare routine to double as our makeup routine. Products pulling double duty not only save us money and vanity space but also time. After all, who wouldn't want to shrink their daily regimen down to just a handful of products? e.l.f. SKIN is just the latest brand to absolutely nail the consumer trend.

e.l.f. SKIN Bronzing Drops ($12)

SHOP

Simple as using your favorite skincare serum, all you need is two or three droplets of the Bronzing Drops to achieve a that jet-set glow (sans potential sun damage from tanning). The most obvious use for the product is as an all-over bronzer. Shake well, then mix with your favorite face moisturizer or oil, then apply an even layer across your entire face and neck before going in with any concealer or foundation or just leaving your skin bare. This method brings a natural, glowing warmth to your skin.

If you want to extend that bronze to your body, simply add a few drops to a body cream or oil and apply an even layer all over. Or, you could use the Bronzing Drops to highlight high points of the body, such as the collarbones or shoulders, for a light-catching effect.

Another way you could use it is as a contour. Rather than applying the Bronzing Drops across your entire face, use it around your hairline and cheeks for a sculpted bronze look that frames the face. You can also use it over top of makeup as a warm-toned highlighter or as a sheer, sheeny eyeshadow.

The Formula

The formula has skincare benefits and moonlights as makeup. The bronze-in-a-bottle serum is infused with loads of antioxidants, including vitamin E, sunflower oil, marula oil, and raspberry seed oil. These ingredients not only help your skin fend off damage from free radicals (aka unstable atoms that can harm healthy cells) but also soothe and moisturize skin. Bonus: All e.l.f. formulations are cruelty-free and vegan, as well.

The Reviews

Holly Rhue, editorial director

"Overall, I’m really pleased with the warm, bronze glow these impart on my skin—but there’s a little bit of a learning curve. These are far more pigmented than other bronzing drops on the market, so you really only need the tiniest bit (which is amazing, because it's more bang for your buck). I also recommend choosing a shade based off of the shade names rather than the shade numbers on top of each carton. Based on my skin tone, I instinctually reached for the Rose Gold shade (Bronze 1), but it really is a very rosy shade that didn’t pull quite right on my skin tone. My perfect shade ended up being Copper Gold (bronze 3)—just a small dot mixed in with my moisturizer. The results are glowy, summery skin! These are definitely making their way into my daily rotation."

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

"I never thought my skin would benefit from bronzing drops, but boy, was I wrong. The serum makes my skin super glowy, and it’s perfect for those no-makeup days when I want an extra boost of radiance. All I do is mix this product with a little moisturizer, and I’m good to go. Each e.l.f. launch truly gets better and better."

Abby Dupes, associate editor

"As a paler girly, I tend to shy away from any self-tanners or bronzer, for fear even the most careful of applications will give me an orange glow. However, I really want this to be the summer I finally shake the frail Victorian child image for a natural, healthy-looking glow. So, with a skeptical mindset (and featherlight handiwork), I tried e.l.f.'s Bronzing Drops in the Pure Gold shade. On a low-makeup, no-makeup day, I added two drops of the product into my hydrating serum, applying it evenly across my face and down my neck. The result? A glow-from-within finish that gave extra oomph to my face: a your skin, but better type of effect. I'm excited to play with this product more and see how it lights up my collarbones once tank top season arrives!"

Read the original article on Byrdie.