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 earned a bad reputation. Orange hands, stains on the sheets, streaks on your knees… You know the drill. But here’s the reality: these problems are almost always caused by one thing: incorrect application. With the right technique and the right product, after 24 hours you’ll look 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 it step by step: from exactly how tanning drops work, through preparation, to the most common mistakes. And we’ll give you honest answers to the questions you’re probably asking too.
Bestseller
Give your face and body a natural, sun-kissed glow - without harmful UV radiation. The self-tanning drops from Cent Pur Cent transform your night cream, day cream or body lotion...
You determine 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 see 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 become visible overnight: you’ll 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 your skin naturally renews itself.
A major advantage of drops over a classic self-tanner? You mix them with your own body cream and night cream. This lets you 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 sun, without 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 adjustable 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 doesn’t feel 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 in advance
Remove dead skin cells the day before applying the drops, for example with a 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 the fastest. Tip: do not exfoliate on the same day that you shave or wax. This can cause irritation. Schedule these treatments 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 these more difficult areas.
- Make sure your skin is clean and dry
Always apply the drops to clean, dry skin, preferably after showering. 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 drop dosage is the key benefit of tanning drops: you control the intensity.
- For the face: mix 2 to 3 drops with your day cream or night cream
- For the body: mix 5 to 10 drops with your body lotion
Do you have fair or pale skin? Start with 1 to 2 drops and gradually build up. This way, you avoid an overly intense result and create a glow that looks completely natural.
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 application.
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. - Body application technique
Work in round, circular motions and spread the mixture evenly. Work systematically from top to bottom so you do not miss any areas. Always wash your hands after application to avoid discoloration. - Facial application technique
The face requires a little extra attention. Blend well along the hairline, jawline, and ears, as these are the areas where a sharp line becomes visible 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 onto your neck and 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
Let the cream absorb completely before getting dressed; waiting at least 10 to 15 minutes is recommended. Avoid tight clothing during 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 along with your skin renewal, 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? Exfoliate the skin lightly with a scrub or a peel.
Regular long showers or swimming will accelerate fading, something to keep 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 in 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.
