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There’s something inherently transformative about a sun-kissed glow — the way it breathes life into tired skin, evokes memories of golden hours, and adds that effortless “just-back-from-vacation” radiance.
But in an era of heightened skin consciousness and growing awareness around sun safety, the quest for a luminous look without the harmful effects of UV exposure has become more than a desire. It’s a necessity.
Enter Indie Lee’s newest glow-giving innovation: Bronzing Drops, which launched April 1 as the latest addition to the brand’s much-loved Hints Collection.
These aren’t your average bronzing drops. Created by Indie Lee herself, the clean beauty trailblazer behind the eponymous skincare brand, the formula is born from a deeply personal place. Lee, who lives with autoimmune-related sun sensitivity, developed the drops to serve as a safe and luxurious alternative to sunbathing or self-tanners laden with harsh chemicals. The result? A skin-enhancing serum that delivers sheer, buildable color with the added benefits of nourishing skincare—no streaks, no scent, and absolutely no UV damage.
From the first drop, the formula feels like a love letter to your skin. A silky blend of avocado oil, niacinamide, squalane, aloe and vitamin E, it glides on seamlessly, delivering hydration and a healthy glow in equal measure.
I have dry and sensitive skin, and I find niacinamide to make my face extremely supple and well-balanced. This is especially great for anyone with hyperpigmentation and redness, especially in the hot, sweltering months.
While the bronzing effect is immediate and radiant, the long-term benefits (notably: improved texture, replenished moisture and a more even skin tone) are what elevate this product from makeup to hybrid skincare.
Its versatility is where the magic lies. The Bronzing Drops are designed for mixing; simply blend them into your daily moisturizer for a subtle glow, add to your primer for an all-over warmth or dab directly onto the high points of your face for a touch of golden light. Whether you’re aiming for a barely-there hint of color or building up to a summer-skin finish, the formula adapts to your mood and routine effortlessly.
Aesthetically, the drops are pure Indie Lee: clean, elegant and understated. The packaging echoes the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury, housed in recyclable materials that feel chic yet conscious. It’s a small bottle with a big impact, both on the skin and in the growing clean beauty landscape.
But this launch is more than just a product debut. Truly, it’s a statement of inclusivity, safety and empowerment. For those with sun sensitivity, skin concerns or a simple aversion to sun exposure, the Bronzing Drops offer a safe, effective way to feel radiant and confident.
In Lee’s words, “Beauty should never come at the cost of your well-being. These drops are about giving people that feeling of warmth and confidence, no matter the season or circumstance.”
For longtime Indie Lee devotees, the Bronzing Drops feel like a natural (and welcome) evolution. The Hints Collection has long been revered for its skin-enhancing formulas that blur the line between skincare and makeup, and these new drops continue that legacy. They’re sheer enough to suit all skin tones, yet customizable enough to make every application uniquely your own.
I’m all about these drops, and this glow-up is one I’m *sure* you’ve been waiting for.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
