How do you use tanning drops? Everything you need to know for a flawless self-tan
A sun-kissed glow without the sun, without UV radiation, and without streaks? It’s possible, if you know how.
Self-tanning has built up a bad reputation. Orange hands, stains on the sheets, streaks on your knees… You know the drill. But here’s the reality: those problems are almost always caused by one thing—incorrect application. With the right technique and the right product, you’ll look after 24 hours as though you’ve just returned from a week in the sun. Without the damage caused by UV radiation, and without booking a ticket.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything step by step: from how tanning drops work exactly, through preparation, to the most common mistakes. And we’ll give honest answers to the questions you’re probably asking too.
Bestseller
Give your face and body a natural, sun-kissed glow – without harmful UV rays. Cent Pur Cent’s self-tanning drops transform your night cream, day cream or body lotion into a nour...
You control the intensity
Mix the drops with your own cream for a subtle glow or a full tan.
Tans and cares at the same time
Enriched with coconut, avocado, and chia seed oils for a hydration boost with every application.
Natural result
DHA and erythrulose together for a warmer, more gradual tan. Streak-free and sunless.
How do tanning drops actually work?
Before you get started, it’s helpful to understand what happens on your skin, because then you’ll immediately understand why certain steps are so important.
Tanning drops contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and erythrulose. These are self-tanning ingredients that react with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin. This reaction gradually creates a tan that looks like naturally sun-kissed skin—without exposure to the sun or harmful UV radiation.
This means the color doesn’t appear overnight: you’ll only see the result after 6 to 8 hours, and the shade becomes slightly more intense during the first day. On average, the color remains visible for 5 to 7 days and gradually fades as part of your skin’s natural renewal process.
A major advantage of drops compared with a classic self-tanner? You mix them with your own body cream and night cream. This allows you to control the intensity, apply the product exactly where you want, and give your skin an extra boost of hydration at the same time.
Sunkissed. Without the sun.
Perfect match
Discover the perfect combination for an even complexion and a subtle sun-kissed look. Without the sun, without the effort.
- Combine with your night cream or body lotion: mix a few drops into your favorite cream and transform your daily skincare routine into a subtle self-tanner. Fully customizable to your desired intensity.
- Self Tan & Glow Bundle - save €10: Self Tanning Drops + Holy Glowy Foundation. The perfect duo for a fresh, luminous look that never feels heavy.
Night Cream - CPC Burgundy Night Cream
Add — €59,99
Night Cream - Clair De Lune (refillable)
Add — €14,99
Body Cream - Monoi
Add — €34,99
Self Tan & Glow Bundle - SAVE €10
Add — €69,98Guide: self-tanning drops
Step 1 - Preparation is everything
The most common mistake with self-tan? Starting right away without preparing the skin. Take the time to prepare: it makes the difference between a patchy result and an even glow.
- Exfoliate 24 hours beforehand
Remove dead skin cells the day before applying the drops, for example with a body scrub or peel. This helps the DHA develop evenly and prevents dark patches on rough areas. Pay extra attention to your knees, ankles, and elbows. These are the areas that become too dark most quickly. Tip: do not exfoliate on the same day that you shave or wax. This can cause irritation. Schedule them a little further apart.
- Moisturize dry areas
After exfoliating, apply a light body lotion to dry areas such as your ankles, knees, and elbows. Let it absorb fully before mixing the drops. Hydrated skin absorbs less color, resulting in a more natural finish on those more difficult areas.
- Make sure your skin is clean and dry
Always apply the drops to clean, dry skin, preferably after your shower. Residue from deodorant, perfume, or other products can interfere with the color development.
Step 2: How many drops should you use?
Less is more, especially when you're just starting out. The adjustable dosage is the main advantage of tanning drops: you control the intensity.
- For the face: mix 2 to 3 drops with your day or night cream
- For the body: mix 5 to 10 drops with your body lotion
Have fair or pale skin? Start with 1 to 2 drops and gradually build up. This helps prevent the result from being too intense and creates a glow that looks completely natural on you.
A golden rule: never apply the drops directly to your skin. Always mix them thoroughly with your cream first, in the palm of your hand or in a small bowl, to ensure an even distribution.
Step 3: Application: how to do it right
- Morning or evening?
Preferably apply the tanning drops in the evening. This allows the color to develop gradually while you sleep, so you wake up with a natural, sun-kissed glow. No waiting time, no hassle. - Technique for the body
Work in round, circular motions and spread the mixture evenly. Work systematically from top to bottom so you don't miss any areas. Always wash your hands after application to prevent discoloration. - Technique for the face
The face requires a little extra attention. Blend well along the hairline, jawline, and ears, as these are the areas where a harsh line shows most quickly. Use a little extra cream on the nose and around the mouth, as these areas are often slightly drier and develop a darker color more quickly. - Don't forget your neck and hands
A tan that stops at your jaw is one of the most obvious signs of self-tan. Always blend the mixture well down your neck and over your décolleté. And don't forget your hands: a small amount on the backs of your hands, blended well, completes the look.
Step 4: After application
Allow the cream to fully absorb before getting dressed; waiting at least 10 to 15 minutes is recommended. Avoid tight clothing for the first few hours.
Do not shower, swim, or exercise immediately after application. The longer the DHA can work on your skin, the more beautiful and even the result will be.
How long does the result last?
On average, 5 to 7 days. The color gradually and evenly fades as your skin renews itself, with no abrupt patches—just a soft transition back to your natural complexion.
Want to maintain the color for longer? Reapply drops every 2 to 3 days. Want to remove the tan faster? Gently exfoliate your skin with a scrub or a peeling.
Regular long showers or swimming will accelerate fading, so keep this in mind if you have just built up a tan.
WHY CHOOSE CENT PUR CENT?
Cent Pur Cent is a Belgian mineral makeup brand that has been active on the market for almost 10 years. Our products are dermatologically approved, vegan, and formulated with carefully selected active ingredients. We believe in honest, safe, and effective skincare. Whether you have sensitive skin, fine lines, or a dull complexion, our evening routine helps your skin recover and makes it glow again.
