Most women over 50 have learned our lesson about sunbathing from seeing the ravages the sun takes on our skin, not to mention the concerns about skin cancer. And though we may not be able to sunbathe any longer, we do like a little color in the summer and when hitting the beach during spring break. There’s nothing worse than a pair of pasty white legs sticking out from under a pair of white shorts. Fortunately, tanning options have improved dramatically over the years, and your fake tan can actually look very close to a natural tan without the orange tint.
You also don’t have to buy expensive brands to get the best fake tan. In fact, many of the self-tanning options that are best suited for older skin are readily available at your local drugstore or on Amazon. Four of our picks are lotion-based and help with dryness. The bronzer is a gel but goes on smooth to give you a nice glow. Most are available in a couple of shades, so you can select the one that best matches your natural coloring. Avoid buying a deep tan shade if you are on the fair side. The results aren’t likely to look natural.
So get some color this spring break and save your skin while you’re at it. Here are our favorite self-tanners.
Self-Tanning Options to Help Older Women Achieve a Fake Tan
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad, $38
This streak-free, natural-looking tan fully develops within 3-4 hours. Its quick-drying formula is filled with vitamin D and exfoliates Alpha Beta ingredients to provide anti-aging benefits and ensure an even application.
Vita Liberata Ten Minute Tan, $39
This gives you the ultimate glow in 10 minutes before you shower. It will deliver a natural, golden tan within four to six hours, and it plumps and conditions your skin and reduces fine lines to stimulate collagen production.
Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil, $39
This tanner is ultra-hydrating with 100% pure argan oil that will nourish your skin. It builds a natural-looking bronzed glow that lasts. You’ll have a hint of warmth, and it develops into a medium tan after four to eight hours.
Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Self Tanner, $9.99
There is an easy way to tan your skin! Body Drench started by creating a lotion specially formulated for women who have had mastectomy surgery to help make wearing a bra more comfortable. They have since expanded their line of products to help everyone look and feel beautiful in their own skin.
Organic Pharmacy Self Tanner, $69
The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan is a unique formula that delivers a fast, natural, and uniform tan so you can have a healthy glow all year. It is gentle enough for all skin types, and it will leave the skin feeling soft and supple.
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Mousse, $18
This lightweight formula builds a smooth tan that allows you to add depth of color without any heavy, cakey build-up being left behind. It helps to nourish your skin and encourages it to last for up to 10 days after application.
NEW Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion, $30
Get an instant touch of bronze that illuminates the skin with this ultra-hydrating body lotion. It also gradually builds to create a healthy sun-kissed glow to suit you.
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum, $49
Super Glow by Tan-Luxe enables multi-level, instant, and lasting hydration that leaves the skin looking and feeling firmer, refreshed, and visibly more radiant.
Daily Sunless Tanning Serum, $58
This sunless color serum is 70%+ organic and formulated with plant-based DHA. It has built-in skincare, which makes this daily use formula the best in the industry. It can be mixed with daily moisturizer, SPF, facial oil, or serum to achieve a subtle radiant glow, or you can use it alone for deeper color.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water, $28
Self-Tanning Water is perfect for your face or body; just spritz and go for a healthy-looking, hydrated glow. This clear Self-Tanning Water absorbs in seconds with zero transfer, and the color-correcting actives work to visibly brighten and even tone.
Tan-Luxe The Body, $54.50
You can achieve sun-kissed skin with The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops. The drops can be applied to everyday lotions, moisturizers, or oils for easy, convenient application.
Tanning Mitt infused with Self Tan for All Skin Tones, $45
This water-based towelette is easy to use and delivers the perfect level of self-tan.
VITA LIBERATA Self-Tanning Lotion, $19.99
This hydrating lotion applies clear like a moisturizer and then develops to a beautiful sun-kissed glow that can be deepened with daily use. It is gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types and creates a natural-looking tan that fades evenly after four to seven days.
Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist, $40
This self-tanning spray is a perfect solution for all those hard-to-reach areas. You can apply the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist and choose your desired shade of natural-looking tan by simply deciding when to rinse off.
St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Mist, $42
St. Tropez Purity Vitamins Mist replenishes your skin in a blend of components destined to leave you with a luminous glow. It is infused with vitamins and green mandarin for an extra nourishing boost. The body mist features a 100% natural tanning active, encouraging your tan to appear deeper and more sun-kissed.
Tarte Brazilliance Express Deep Foaming Self-Tanner, $39
This self-tanning foam helps you achieve a deep, natural-looking tan in the comfort of your own home all year long. Its nourishing, skin-loving ingredients like aloe, coconut, and jojoba maintain soft and smooth skin.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion, $31.99
This sunless tanning lotion is formulated for the body, but it can also be used as a face tanner.
Rose Gold Radiance Booster, $135
This mask soothes and hydrates while leaving your skin with a radiant, illuminated finish. This booster is formulated with Rosa Damascena and pure Gold Extract to enhance the natural radiance of skin for a coveted, lit-from-within complexion.
Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish, $45
The Vita Liberata Body Blur works for both your face and body. It minimizes blemishes and has a natural tint to give you a healthy glow. Other benefits:
- Easily washes off
- Can use alone or under makeup
- Contains aloe vera and shea butter
Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil, $39
The Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil is hydrating while providing a natural bronzed look. It contains argan oil, coconut water, and aloe to nourish your skin and comes with an application mitt. Other benefits include:
- Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and GMO-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Natural scent
Coola Organic Sunless Tan, $54
Coola’s line of organic sunless tanners helps protect and improve the appearance of your skin. Other benefits include:
- Streak-free and transfer-resistant
- Vegan
- Good for building a tan
Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel, $29.99
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel is streak-free and dries quickly. You can easily build up a tan or apply for just a subtle glow. Other benefits include:
- Soothing and moisturizing
- Good for both face and body
- Non-oily finish
Fake Bake Flawless Self-Tanning Liquid, $28
Fake Bake’s self-tanning option comes with a professional mitt for an even, effortless glow. It also works for all skin tones and types. Other benefits include:
- Provides an instant tan
- Can be worn all-day
- Long-lasting formula
Mitts/Applicators
Using a mitt or an applicator helps apply sunless tanner evenly without bronzing your hands. Here are our favorite options.
Try these self-tanning options to give yourself a golden glow without putting your skin at risk. If you do hit the beach or spend some time poolside, make sure you protect your face with a beautiful sunhat and keep along a swimsuit cover-up in case you need to get a little break from the sun’s rays. Enjoy a beautiful spring break and summer!
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