More and more of us are forgoing a full face of foundation in favour of clean skin, with just the right dose of soft-focused gleam courtesy of glow drops.

Of course, not all glow products are created equal. And the wrong ones can exaggerate unwanted texture and leave an oily film. I’d know, I’ve experimented with more than my fair share. Based on the products that I’ve tried and love, these are our trusted and best glow drops for bouncy, luminous skin.

Firstly, what is a 'glow drop'?

Not quite a serum, not exactly a primer, not a liquid luminiser – but somehow a mix of all three. Hydrating, glow-infusing, with a pinch of complexion correction. The glow drop is the new era skincare-makeup hybrid product that is making an entire generation rethink their makeup base.

Best glow drops according to our own hands-on testing

1. Drunk elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops 

Infused with xx acid and a very small amount of DHA, Drunk Elephant’s glow drops are an inimitable cult favourite that improve the look of your skin as the day goes.

2. RAAIE Sun Milk Drops

This hydrating formula has added sun protection and leaves this skin with a glowing soft-focused finish. They don't have any bronzing warmth to them so this product is ideal for anyone wanting a neutral base.

3. Caudalie Self-Tan Sun Drops

This liquid glow serum contains a small amount of the active ingredient in fake tanning products, so it adds a gentle warmth to your skin. It works best when mixed in with your moisturiser for an even, bronzed finish.

4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

This product works perfectly as a primer under foundations for that extra boost of hydration. Because its slightly sticky, it offer grip for base products to stick to. But I like wearing it on its own. Finish it with a big spray of your favourite face mist for ultra bouncy skin.

5. Glossier Futuredew

This is best used sparingly, I only use half a pump. You can mix it into moisturiser or wear it straight over the top of your skincare. I love how it soft-focuses imperfections and gives a radiant and ultra hydrated look to the skin.

6. Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops

Lightweight and nourishing, this product has light-reflecting pigments and hydrating ingredients to serve up bouncy, primed skin. This is a great one to use under makeup, but works beautifully as a finishing touch too.

7. Pai The Impossible Glow

This natural brand uses pearlescent mica to create its bronzey, light-reflecting pigments. It's the perfect summer product to add a faux bronzey tone to your complexion, or you can mix it into moisturiser for a more subtle look that sinks into the skin.

8. Naked Sundays CabanaGlo Glow Serum Drops 

These leave the most lovely finish on the skin because they have a mineral SPF included. It means they're wonderfully smoothing. There's a few different shades and I love the pearlescent one as it's not super bronzey. It's perfect for when I don't want too much warmth in my complexion.

9. Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee Complexion Multitasker

Of all the products on this list, it's definitely the most pigmented and least like a "drop". For this reason, I only like to use this mixed into moisturiser, so it feels lighter and more hydrating. Best for medium and light skin tones, this is designed to offer a bouncy, light bronze to the skin.

If you want more glow and hydration, you might like to try our guide to the best products to use if you want to achieve glass skin. Or you might prefer our guide to Korean Beauty which shouts out the brands that do bounce, glow and hydration the best.