If you were anywhere near beauty TikTok in 2023, you remember the GRWM boom: endless routines, a lot of mixing in the palm of your hand and a very loud conversation about who should (and shouldn’t) be shopping the Drunk Elephant shelf. That’s the year I started using D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops With Peptides ($39), and they’ve outlasted the trend. Now that my tan is fading with the colder months, they’re back to doing the heavy lifting.
Ahead, how I use it and why it’s earned a permanent spot in my routine.
The Benefits of D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops
My favorite way to use D-Bronzi is in a skin cocktail. I mix it into my moisturizer for the ultimate glowy base, and I decide how much glow I get. On everyday makeup days I keep it light, just enough warmth to look awake. When I’m going out and want a little more, I add another drop or two. It’s also made to mix with other Drunk Elephant drops, including its golden sibling, B-Goldi, which is made with 5 percent niacinamide (more on that one ahead).
Once it’s on, I usually skip foundation entirely. The sheer tint softens my skin tone just enough that I don’t feel the need for coverage. I’ll admit I don’t deal with much acne or texture, so if you prefer a more polished finish, a layer of foundation should sit nicely on top.
What keeps me coming back is the skin care under the color. The formula pairs antioxidant-rich cocoa extract, known for its soothing benefits, with a peptide blend designed to support elasticity and soften the look of fine lines. It also includes chronocyclin, a peptide that mimics the antioxidant perks of vitamin D. It’s free of fragrance, essential oils, silicones and drying alcohols, so it plays nicely with just about everything else on my shelf.
The brand’s data backs up how it feels. In a consumer study of 32 people, 90 percent said their skin felt smooth and 87 percent said it felt soothed and hydrated right after use. For $39 it’s a two-in-one I’d happily reach for over a separate bronzer most days.
Drunk Elephant
D-Bronzi Bronzing Drops
The Bottom Line
The GRWM boom has come and gone, but D-Bronzi has stayed in my routine. It gives a buildable glow I can control, with skin-friendly ingredients underneath. I won’t see a beach for the next few months, but a few drops keep that summer warmth going all season.
