Most of us 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. 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 real 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. Do 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 summer and save your skin while you’re at it. Here are our 5 favorite self-tanners.

Self-Tanning Options to Help Older Women Achieve a Fake Tan

Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish 

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

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 

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 

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 

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 is helpful for applying 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 summer! 

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