Best Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops Dupes for Every Skin Tone (2024)
Discover the top Drunk Elephant bronzing drops dupes, tested by beauty experts, for a sun-kissed glow across all skin types and budgets.
9 Best Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops Dupes (2024 Reviews & Guide)
If you’re among the many makeup and skincare enthusiasts who have swooned over the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops but are on the hunt for budget-friendly or shade-inclusive options, this definitive guide is for you. Get set to discover the best bronzing drop dupes that deliver the same radiant, sun-kissed glow at every price point and for every skin tone—without sacrificing skincare benefits or beauty pay-off.
What Are Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops?
Drunk Elephant’s cult-favorite bronzing drops are a unique hybrid of skincare and makeup. Marketed as a liquid product to blend with moisturizers or foundations, these drops promise a wash of bronzy color along with a cocktail of skin-nourishing ingredients. With hyaluronic acid and peptides for skin barrier support, plus micro-milled mica for shimmer, the result is a dewy sheen that mimics natural sun exposure, without chunky glitter or orange undertones.
- Finish: Sheer, glowy, never powdery
- Key Ingredients: Mica (for subtle shimmer), black-currant-seed oil, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Shade Range: One (medium-tan), with rose and gold variants for undertones
- Size: 1 fl oz
Despite their popularity, the original Drunk Elephant drops come in only one main shade, which leaves fair, deep, and cool or red undertones less represented. They’re also often out of stock and on the pricier side compared to similar products.
Why Use Bronzing Drops (and Why Dupes Have Risen in Popularity)?
The rise of bronzing drops is no coincidence. As multi-tasking beauty grows in popularity, products that provide both skincare benefits and makeup performance are in demand. Bronzing drops are seriously versatile: mix them into a moisturizer for a healthy glow, add to your foundation for warmth, or pat directly onto cheekbones as a liquid bronzer. Their main promise? Instant radiance without sun damage.
However, the limitations of the Drunk Elephant original—narrow shade spectrum, price, and frequent sellouts—have paved the way for a whole new wave of alternatives (“dupes”) that are more affordable, widely available, and offer a better match for diverse skin tones.
How to Choose the Best Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops Dupe
- Shade Range: Look for brands with multiple shades, especially if your skin is very fair, deep, or has a distinct undertone (golden, red, or cool).
- Texture: Decide on sheer versus more pigmented formulas. For mixing into moisturizer, lighter texture is ideal. If you use liquid bronzer on top of foundation, a more pigmented product may suit you.
- Finish: Prefer matte or dewy? Some dupes emphasize shimmer, while others focus solely on color.
- Ingredient Quality: Seek out hydrating and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or squalene for an extra boost.
- Price Point: From drugstore bargains to luxury equivalents, there’s a dupe for every budget.
Our Top Picks: Best Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops Dupes in 2024
Here’s a beauty editor-tested roundup of the nine best alternatives to Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi, with options spanning shade range, finish, and affordability.
- 1. Indeed Labs Nanobronze Bronzing Drops
These drops offer a natural and customizable bronze, layer beautifully, and feature a vegan formula. Key ingredients like peptides and hydrating agents mimic the benefits of the original, but at a lower price point.
- Pros: Good for mixing; subtle, buildable glow; suitable for sensitive skin.
- Cons: Only one universal bronze shade.
- 2. L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion
An ultra-affordable drugstore find that delivers a creamy, sun-kissed glow. Contains vitamin E and botanical oils for moisture. Four shades cater to a wide range of skin tones.
- Pros: Hydrating, multi-use, accessible in stores.
- Cons: Slightly oilier feel; more luminous than shimmery.
- 3. LiveTinted Hueglow Liquid Highlighter Drops
Beloved by fans for their “golden hour” radiance that never looks overdone. This formula is weightless and nourishing, with shade options suitable for deep skin tones as well.
- Pros: Inclusive shades; healthy, hydrated finish.
- Cons: On the pricier side for a dupe, but still less than the original.
- 4. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop’lit All-Over Glow Enhancer
A high-performance option that delivers a radiant, filter-like finish. Comes in four different shades, making it suitable for various undertones and skin depths. Infused with squalene and fruit extracts for added care.
- Pros: Black-owned brand; radiant glass-skin effect; skin-friendly formula.
- Cons: Slightly higher cost, close to Drunk Elephant in price.
- 5. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
One of the most viral TikTok alternatives, this product boasts eight shades designed for every skin tone. The filter-like glow is subtle but buildable, with a non-greasy finish.
- Pros: Wide range of shades; budget-friendly; vegan.
- Cons: Lighter shades may not deliver enough color for true bronzing on deeper skin.
- 6. Versed Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops
Skin-loving, toxin-free ingredients make this a great choice for sensitive users. The formula is lightweight and provides a luminous finish that’s not glittery or heavy.
- Pros: Clean ingredients; hydrating and non-sticky.
- Cons: Limited shades; best for fair-to-medium skin tones.
- 7. Tan-Luxe Super Gloss Illuminating Face Drops
This thick-gloss serum doubles as a skincare hybrid, loaded with vitamin C and hydrating agents. The pearly sheen and buildable pigment give a ‘just back from vacation’ vibe.
- Pros: Treats dullness as well as bronzes; luxe packaging.
- Cons: More expensive than traditional dupes; may be too glossy for oily skin.
- 8. Pacifica Fluffy Blushy Liquid Bronzer
This multitasker blends easily over bare skin or makeup, offering a warm glow with a mousse-like texture that’s easy to apply.
- Pros: User-friendly; vegan and cruelty-free.
- Cons: Small packaging; limited distribution.
- 9. Revolution Superdewy Liquid Bronzer
A budget-friendly liquid bronzer suitable for mixing or contouring. Its shade range covers all undertones, and it sets without patchiness.
- Pros: Great value; multiple undertones; buildable coverage.
- Cons: Some users report a longer drying time.
What others are reading
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Product | No. of Shades | Key Ingredients | Finish | Price Range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indeed Labs Nanobronze | 1 | Peptides, hydrating agents | Natural, buildable | Low-Mid | Universal use, sensitive skin |
| L’Oréal Lumi Glotion | 4 | Vitamin E, botanical oils | Luminous | Low | Budget-friendly, hydration |
| LiveTinted Hueglow | 3+ | Plant extracts | Sheer, radiant | Mid | Deeper skin, glass skin fans |
| Fenty Eaze Drop’lit | 4 | Squalane, fruit extracts | Glossy, blurred | Mid-High | Multiple undertones, filter effect |
| e.l.f. Halo Glow | 8 | Squalane, hyaluronic acid | Natural, dewy | Low | All tones, TikTok fans |
How to Apply Bronzing Drops
- For subtle all-over glow: Mix a drop or two with moisturizer or SPF before makeup.
- For extra warmth: Combine with foundation or skin tint and blend evenly.
- As a liquid bronzer: Apply directly to cheeks, brow bone, nose, and blend with a brush or beauty sponge.
- For targeted highlighting: Layer over high points of the face after completing your makeup for a lit-from-within finish.
Expert Tips for the Most Natural Radiance
- Pick a shade one to two tones deeper than your natural skin for a believable effect.
- Mix with hydrating products for the smoothest blend.
- Start small—more product doesn’t always mean more glow; bronzing drops are buildable.
- Pair with creamy products rather than powder for seamless results.
- Avoid mixing with matte or full-coverage products, as glow may be muted.
Why Trust This Guide?
Every dupe here was selected after testing and reviewing by a veteran beauty editor with expertise in makeup and skincare product performance. Factors like blendability, lasting power, ingredient quality, price, and inclusivity were considered, ensuring these picks truly rival the original Drunk Elephant bronzing drops in both glow and skincare benefits.
Having spent years evaluating everything from bronzing powders to summer trends, I’ve researched and swatched dozens of products to create this comprehensive, inclusive ranking, so you can glow with confidence (and save some cash, too).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes Drunk Elephant bronzing drops so special?
A: They’re known for their unique mix of skincare benefits (like peptides and hyaluronic acid) and their universally flattering, shimmery finish free of chunky glitter. This hybrid formula became a viral sensation for its healthy, sun-kissed glow.
Q: Do these dupes really deliver the same glow as the Drunk Elephant original?
A: Yes! Many alternatives now offer similar skincare-makeup hybrids, often with broader shade ranges and equally radiant finishes. Dupes also tend to be more affordable and available in diverse undertones.
Q: Is it better to mix bronzing drops with moisturizer or foundation?
A: It depends on your desired outcome. For a subtle all-over warmth, mix with moisturizer. For more pigment or coverage, add to foundation or use alone as a contouring liquid bronzer.
Q: How do I pick the right shade?
A: Look for bronzing drops in a shade 1–2 tones deeper than your natural complexion. If you have cool, fair skin, opt for softer, gold or rose undertones. Deeper shades with red undertones suit rich skin tones beautifully.
Final Thought: The Best Bronzing Drop for You
Whether you want a dewy, sun-soaked look for summer or a subtle winter radiance, bronzing drops can quickly elevate any routine. Thanks to the new wave of affordable and inclusive dupes, everyone can achieve a just-back-from-vacation look while caring for their skin. Compare shades, ingredients, and finishes to find your perfect match and glow confidently, all year long.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g45530717/best-drunk-elephant-bronzing-drops-dupes/
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/drunk-elephant-d-bronzi-drops-dupes
- https://duuupe.com/posts/drunk-elephant-bronzing-drops-dupes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afSfZNEV-Ug
- https://community.sephora.com/t5/Beauty-Confidential/Dupe-for-drunk-elephant-bronzing-drops/m-p/6474015
- https://www.lemon8-app.com/@princesspdiaries/7274388935832044038?region=us
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