The Make-Up Artist Behind Jennifer Aniston’s Glow Just Launched Bronzing Drops, So We Tested Them

At this time of year, fake tan becomes a staple part of my beauty routine. As my rapidly dulling complexion continues to mourn the loss of the sun, I begin to cling to anything that promises to pep up my skin tone. That said, not all winter glow-givers are made equally and this I have learnt the hard way. Thankfully, the realm of fake tanning - whether wash-off or longer lasting - has come a long way since hydration zapping mousses and streak hazard lotions. Face tanning, in particular, is now a beauty category over which I marvel. These days, there’s a myriad of great formulations from drops to moisturisers that promise to dose your skin up with radiance - no developing time required. Imagine my thrill, then, when make-up doyenne Gucci Westman announced she was launching bronzing drops. Designed to create ‘instant summer skin’, this was one new beauty launch that I was racing to review.

Westman has been the talent behind Jennifer Aniston’s Cali-girl bronze for years now (25 to be exact), and cited a beachy, '90s US Vogue cover as the inspiration behind the bronze. ‘Authentic, sun-kissed skin is a Gucci Westman signature, especially on longtime client and friend Jennifer Aniston,’ the make-up artist said. 'I was always layering and layering different products to create that perfect sun-kissed, Jen Aniston skin. This is a super blendable formula -the tones create the most beautiful ultra-real, authentic bronze.'

Aniston's signature golden glow has long been coveted by beauty editors and make-up aficionados alike, so it was only a matter of time before a glow-giving beauty buy was developed in her honour.

What do the Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops do?

Create 'believable radiance' - that's what.

Designed to be applied over bare skin, or on top of make-up, they are easy to blend. Take a brush with tightly packed bristles if you're after precise application and apply lightly across areas where the sun would naturally hit - think your forehead, the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and so on. You can also use the warmth of your finger tips to smooth into skin evenly for all over warmth - I recommend sitting down in front of the mirror and having a play.

And bonus points for the skin beautifying ingredients in there which help boost radiance in the long-run -carrot oil and a prebiotic complex help moisturise, nourish and keep skin feeling fresh.

Shop: Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

Our verdict

Rachael Martin, beauty editor:

‘I have sensitive, reactive skin, and while I can slather on fake tan all over my body like it's nobody's business, I like to avoid anything with a hefty hit of DHA where my face is concerned. The fact that this is an instant, wash off option that feels exactly like a traditional fake-tan is appealing - it’s beautifully sheer and buildable. While it's technically a liquid bronzer, the formula is much more silky and sheer than those I've tried previously, so it doesn't feel like make-up on my skin. I’ve been applying this to areas the sun would naturally hit using a large, stubby brush. A few drops swept across the top of my forehead, down the middle of my nose and across the apples of my cheeks adds a gorgeous flush of bronze - the kind that feels like a post beach holiday glow. The shade 'Soleil Parfait 2,' is a warm-toned bronze which seems to work well with my fair-to-medium skin-tone.'

'My skin is prone to redness, and, while this will undoubtedly work well to brighten bare skin, I prefer to apply over make-up. While other bronzing drops have disrupted my base, these work beautifully alongside it - just don't forget to shake the bottle first. My advice would be to start off with just a small amount of product and build as necessary - a less is more approach has been responsible for achieving my most believable glow yet.’

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.