Lux Unfiltered N12 Bronzing Face Drops Review and Application Tips
Self-tanners for the face have come a long way, but I still find them to be very hit or miss. As someone who is pale and also has dry, sensitive skin, it’s tricky finding a product that will give me a natural, even tan without causing a reaction or clinging to dry patches.
The Lux Unfiltered N12 Bronzing Face Drops kept popping up on my Instagram feed, and while I loved the branding, I also liked that these seemed to be formulated with skincare in mind. Retailing for $44, these drops are formulated for an easy, customizable self-tanning experience. Designed to be applied with or without moisturizer, you can use anywhere from 1-6+ drops to achieve a natural tan that develops in 8 hours.
Overall, I enjoyed these bronzing drops and they did not irritate my dry, sensitive skin! Keep reading for my full review, tips on saving money, and before and after photos.
lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops before and after
lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops review and application tips
The Lux Unfiltered N12 Bronzing Face Drops are a pretty versatile tanning product. You can customize the deepness of your tan by adjusting the amount of drops you use, and apply them with or without moisturizer. For the sake of this review, I applied 5 drops directly to freshly cleansed skin and left them on for five hours, although 8 hours is recommended for maximum results.
As far as my review goes, I really like these drops and find them to be more user-friendly than other tanning drops on the market, especially if you’re new to self-tanning.
They’re lightweight, easy to use, don’t dry out your skin or leave a sticky residue, and leave you with a believable tan. I like that the tanner did not cling to my dark spots or dry patches, which you unfortunately sometimes get with face self-tanning products. These drops go on clear (no color guard), so you can go about your day without worrying about that “spray tan look” and you can layer your makeup on top of the drops without affecting the results.
They’re also fragrance-free but do have a bit of a tanner smell as the hours pass.
They retail for $44, which is a little expensive to me, especially with how quickly you can go through a bottle if you use 6+ drops per application. I don’t know if I would repurchase them purely because I find makeup bronzing drops to be easier to use, but if you prefer the formulation of a face self-tanner, these are great.
tips for applying lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops
You can apply these with or without moisturizer. Applying with moisturizer helps blend them out better, but you may not get as deep of a tan. I like to apply them to freshly cleansed skin without moisturizer, and I always use disposable gloves to make sure my hands don’t stain.
You can customize how deep your tan is based on how many drops you use; the website recommends anywhere from 1 to 6+ drops. I recommend starting with 2-3 if you’re applying them directly to your skin, or 4-5 if you’re mixing with moisturizer. Use the low range if you’re on the paler side like me; I applied 5 drops because I already had self-tan on my neck and chest as a “base.”
Don’t forget to store the bottle in a dark, cool area (like under your bathroom sink or in a drawer). I have noticed that these drops expire quicker than most of my other self-tanning products, especially if you leave them on the counter or near a window.
where to buy lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops
Lux Unfiltered is sold at Sephora and Amazon, or directly on the brand’s website. I recommend buying on Amazon for quicker shipping and to save a little (if you subscribe), or from Sephora to earn points through their reward program.
FAQs about lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops
are lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. My skin is extremely sensitive and I did not get a reaction.
do lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops break you out?
Not in my experience. My friends who are more acne-prone haven’t had a problem either, but I would consult with your dermatologist if you are concerned.
how long does it take for the tan to develop?
The directions say to leave the tan on for 8 hours, preferably applying it in the morning. In the photos above, I applied 5 drops and left them on for 5 hours to develop. My personal preference is to use more drops and leave them on for less time, but leaving them on for 8 hours will give you maximum results.
how long does the tan last?
Even with an exfoliating skincare routine, these bronzing drops last a full five days.
are lux unfiltered n12 bronzing face drops easy to remove?
Somewhat. Face tanners typically fade quicker than body tanners based on your skincare routine. I use a chemical exfoliant face wash nightly, and the tanner still lasts for almost a week, which is surprisingly longer than I’d expect. If you make a mistake or apply too much, this would probably not be the easiest to remove and would take a few extra days to fully wash out.
