This season, a wave of barely-there bronzed looks that favour technique and tone over pigment and powder have taken beauty by storm. As your holiday plans take shape, ditch the matte and map a mellow wash of warmth across face and body, dialling up the dew for a sun-washed glow. Reach for a lightweight oil to give skin a light-catching lift across shoulders, collarbones and limbs. For the face, decide on your base: gradual tanning drops if you’re looking for colour that builds over time, or bronzing drops if you want a wash-off warmth that sits neatly beneath makeup. Where contour is concerned, placement does the work. Tap a fluid highlight along the cheekbones, temples and bridge of the nose — the high points of the face — to mimic where the sun would naturally fall, keeping the centre of the face clearer for contrast. Around the eyes, keep it tonal, finishing with a warm lip oil to pull everything together.
D-Bronze Drops, Drunk Elephant
Peptides, vitamins and antioxidant-rich compounds abound in Drunk Elephant’s bronzing drops, adding a healthy glow while simultaneously revitalising your complexion. Shop now
The Self-Tanning Drops, Dior Solar
These fast-developing self-tanning drops provide an even glow across the face without the damage of stepping into the sunshine. Simply work into the face and neck for a week-long tan. Shop now
Voyeur Gel Eyeliner, Hourglass Cosmetics
A black smokey eye takes a backseat during summer, giving way to bronzed pencil smudged across the lash line. Hourglass waterproof eyeliner is infused with subtle shimmer and lasts for twelve hours. Shop now
Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid, Chanel Beauty
Gentle shimmer gives this lightweight Chanel concoction the ability to perk-up your complexion when worn under foundation. Alternatively, dab over collarbones and cheeks for a subtle highlight or mix into your body moisturiser for an all-over glow. Shop now
Solo Shadow Sheen, Merit
Cream eyeshadow is an ideal beach day companion – stow in your tote and swipe on to add definition and shimmer before an evening out. This pearlescent shadow won’t settle into creases and lasts for up to twelve hours. Shop now
Originally published in the May 2026 issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here
