Glow Recipe Niacinamide Hue Drops Review With Photos
3 Editors Reviewed Glow Recipe's Universal Hue Drops On Different Skin Tones
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops (£32) have already gone viral on social media, after they were posted on TikTok by influencer, Aysha Harun. On 17 January, she uploaded a video titled: "Did I accidentally get sent an unreleased Glow Recipe product?" The brand pushed back their original launch, but now, the Hue Drops are officially here. So of course, we had to try them out.
@aysha_harun OH MY GOD @Glow Recipe HUE DROPS?!? IT’S SO PRETTY!!! #glowrecipehuedrops #huedrops #glowrecipe #glowrecipedewdrops #newmakeup #makeupreview
♬ original sound - Aysha Harun
The product is a bronzing, tinted version of the Glow Recipe's bestseller, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum (£32), and claims to instantly enhance your skin's natural tone and radiance for a seamless sun-kissed glow. It comes in one shade and we're told it can be used universally as a multi-use illuminating tinted serum or bronzer for fairer skin or to highlight darker skin tones.
The Hue Drops are packed with the same clinically effective skincare ingredients as the Watermelon Dew Drops — niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and watermelon — with the idea being that it creates a youthful glow as well as a makeup-like finish. Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots and pores. Watermelon and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrate the skin.
About Glow Recipe's Hue Drops
How We Tested The Glow Recipe Hue Drops
We tried out the Hue Drops on different skin types and made sure to make use of natural light to effectively see how the drops would look during the day, on camera and in person. We first used the drops before applying makeup to see how they'd look as a tinted serum or makeup primer.
We then applied our makeup as normal and used the drops wherever we felt they'd perform best on our skin tones. Glow Recipe claims the drops can be used with your foundation, to warm up the product and add luminosity, as a highlighter or contour, or on the centre of the eyelid for an easy wash of colour.
What We Think Of Glow Recipe's Hue Drops
"I like the lightweight feel of the Hue Drops. My skin feels plump like I've just completed my skincare routine and there's no cakey look or feeling where the product sits. I wouldn't say the Hue Drops are enough to be a standalone bronzer, and while it did supply some tint and a glow that I really like, I feel a darker shade would've been even better, so I'm not sure this is completely universal. It's also a bit too dark as a highlighter for me.
There is a warm radiance to my skin which I prefer from a bronzing product, and after applying the Hue Drops where I'd usually apply bronzer — my nose, eyelids and cheekbones — I can see a sun-kissed effect, true to my natural tan." - Lauren Gordon, Editorial Coordinator
Rating
"At this time of year anything that says 'sun-kissed' or 'glow,' I will be trying it. My skin tends to look ashen as the winter months roll on and I find self-tan to be too drastic when it comes to adding warmth. I was intrigued to try this bronzing serum hybrid as I hoped it could be a good middle ground.
On first application, I found it to be a little bit patchy but as it settled and blended into my skin, it definitely added some colour. It wasn't enough pigment for me to go without a base. However, once I applied my sheer foundation, this is when I really noticed a difference. It gave my skin a really subtle glow under the makeup and I didn't need to layer up with my go-to cream bronzer on top. Instead, I added a touch of concealer and a cream blush to complete the no-makeup makeup look and felt pretty satisfied with my skin." - Associate Editor, Lauren Ezekiel
Rating
"As a ghostly pale person, anything that promises a bronzed glow instantly worries me. When I first pumped the serum onto my hand, I instantly regretted going for two pumps instead of one. However, as I applied the serum, the deep bronze colour definitely faded out into a sun-kissed glow. It has exactly the same smell and consistency as the OG Dew Drops but left a really subtle tan on my skin as well as the usual shine.
It's definitely not designed to replace makeup and the tanned glow disappeared slightly after applying my usual makeup routine on top. I'd probably reach for this product in the summer, especially on days when I want to keep it minimal rather than adding it to my routine right now." - Senior Content Producer, Chloe Dunn
Rating
Where To Buy Glow Recipe's Hue Drops
The Glow Recipe Hue Drops launch online on 23 February, exclusively at Sephora UK. From 1 March, they'll be available to purchase in-store at Sephora UK and then Cult Beauty from 25 March.
