The most important part of this Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops review is in the title: idiot-proof.

I am the idiot.

I’ve always been a little scared of self-tanning. When it goes wrong, you’re stuck with it, exfoliators be damned: You can only rub so much of your face off. But that’s why I love these self-tanning drops: They’re just extremely hard to screw up.

How to Use Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

It honestly couldn’t be easier. Take the dropper, fill it with solution, and dispense 2-12 drops into your moisturizer. Mix it up a little, and then apply your moisturizer like normal. I’m always very careful to mix it well and to apply my moisturizer evenly all over my face and onto my neck. Then I wash my hands, so I don’t end up with any splotches (see below). You won’t see a difference right away, but you will notice the change in the morning. If you’re like me, you’ll just wake up looking a little less sickly — it really is the ultimate winter fix.

I’ve always, and only, used the lightest of the three shades: light, medium, and dark. And I always start with 2 drops and then make my way up, depending on how it looks and how much color I feel like I need. (Obviously, a lot more in winter.)

How long do Isle of Paradise drops take to work?

You won’t see a difference right away, so if you’re buying this before a party, you’ll need to plan in advance. Whatever you do, don’t apply it and keep applying more if you don’t see the change you’re looking for — wait 4-6 hours and reevaluate then.

I usually add the drops to my moisturizer before going to bed, which means that I notice the change in the morning.

How long do Isle of Paradise drops last for?

For me, they last about three days. Typically I’ll apply them once a week through the winter: Say, on Monday, then notice I’m sickly again on Thursday or Friday, and top it all up on Monday.

Is there anything you don’t like about Isle of Paradise self tanning drops?

The one thing I don’t like about these drops is their packaging: It’s a small glass bottle with a dropper top. That’s all well and good — but it’s packaged in a tight-fitting plastic wrapper, and you have to really dig in there to get it off. Also, the dropper seems to also close not quite enough or too tightly — to the extent that when I first opened my newest bottle, I really had to twist it hard, and the liquid inside splashed out, landing on my wrist. Even though I washed it off immediately, it was enough to leave a sour-looking brown splotch on my skin for a week. I’ve also had trouble getting it to close tightly, and stay closed — the last one leaked all over my toiletries bag.

Also, I actually really love the smell, but did find it a bit chemical-y — I can imagine that some people would not like it.

Ultimately, though, I consider this an absolute must for the winter months.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops Review: Does it do what it says? Absolutely Is it good value for money? Considering you only use a few drops at a time, I’ll say yes, but it isn’t cheap. Is it worth a repeat buy? Definitely — I’m already on my third bottle.