Winter is never my best season. The cloudy skies and extra cool breeze often faults me to an unattractive combo: Darker-than-normal eye bags and Casper-like dull skin.

Since my skin doesn’t appear as lively as it does during the middle of the year, my makeup and skin care suffer. But when I first heard about Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, a tinted alternative to their viral Watermelon Glow Drops, it sounded like my one hope to curing my winter blues.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops

Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum

Winner: Best bronzing drops

What we like

Packed with skin care
Non-streaky or patchy tint

Something to note

Tint isn't universal

Shades: Sun Glow and Rosy Glow | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid and watermelon

Consider this an improvised version of taking a trip to the beach when the weather is lacking, or a skin care-meets-makeup hybrid for those days when your usual makeup base routine is too much of a task. That's the epitome of the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops.

It's also a clinically proven serum (and now, a Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner), according to the brand, that leaves the skin with a soft sun-like glow. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients promise a brighter and smoother complexion with consistent use.

How I tried the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops

The Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops are best applied as your last step in your skin care routine, according to the brand. You need just a pump or two to get the most out of the product, and can use your hands to blend, but a brush was also effective for me. To build it up to your desired tint, you can add a few more layers.

The brand also suggests mixing the formula to your favorite foundation or moisturizer. You can add it when your foundation is a bit too light or when you need extra coverage on no makeup days.

You can choose from two formulas Sun Glow (a warm tint) and Rosy Glow (a pinkish tint). I tested Sun Glow since the finish is more bronzing.

About my skin

My skin types leans on the drier side. During the winter, I can get eczema spots on thicker areas, such as my elbows and hands. I prioritize hydrating ingredients when shopping for both makeup and skin care.

What I like

It’s packed with skin care benefits

One of the key benefits of this serum is in its name: niacinamide. Niacinamide is incredibly beneficial for all skin types, especially those with oily and combination skin. The powerful ingredient can treat a number of skin concerns, including rosacea, hyperpigmentation and large pores. That alone told me this serum would be a winner for my dry, and often irritated, skin.

Along with niacinamide in its ingredient list is centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid and watermelon (duh!) — all of which calm redness, hydrate the skin and deliver tons of essential vitamins.

Those who experience redness and dark spots might appreciate the fact that the serum promises to even skin tone over time, too. Meanwhile, those with oily and/or dry skin will enjoy its lightweight and gel-like formula, which shouldn't oversaturate your pores. All-in-all, I can guarantee that most, if not every skin type, will be happy with this product.

The glow is undeniable

There’s a reason the brand emphasizes glow in the product description. The original serum has long been raved about for the dew-like finish it provides. Similarly, its tinted sister offers the same wow-factor, if not better.

Once I blended the serum into my skin, I couldn’t believe the slight reflection my skin had. If you’re familiar with the glass skin trend, the product achieves that exact finish. But don’t worry, the glow looks and feels natural.

The tint is easily buildable

The most notable perk of these glow drops is the bronzing tint it leaves. I appreciate that the warm color doesn't blend patchy and streaky, and is easy to build up based on personal preference. I also appreciated that the pigment wasn't filled with heavy sparkles, and more so evened my skin tone.

I only used one pump of the product, and that alone covered my entire face and left some over to blend into my neck (you can’t forget your neck application!). Although the tint is sheer, it is enough to make a noticeable difference.

What to consider

While I am on the lighter side, the tint wasn't overwhelming. Some tinted serums are too much for light to medium complexions like mine, but this one was a perfect match.
The brand claims it works for all skin tones, however, I am unsure if the product will provide equal results considering how sheer it blends out. It also can only provide so much of a 'tan' compared to true bronzing drops.
Although you can mix it with foundation and moisturizer, I found that the serum applied better on its own. It worked well with my products that had a similar consistency, though.

If you prefer a non-tinted version of the serum, you'll want to consider the original:

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum

Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum

What we like

Great for all skin types
Lightweight formula

Something to note

Contains watermelon scent

Key ingredients: Niacinamide and watermelon

With this pick, you'll get all the perks of Glow Recipe's tinted version, without the extra shade. Whichever you choose, your skin will be sure to thank you.

Who are the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops best for?

The sun doesn't always shine bright year-round, but the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops helps you instantly achieve the “I was just on a beach vacation” look. The skin care-meets makeup serum is radiance-boosting, suitable for all skin types and puts skin first.

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