Best Self Tanners for Women Over 50
The weather is getting warmer, and I am here for it! When I was young, I spent a ton of time getting that beautiful summer glow. Does anyone else remember iodine and baby oil? Yikes! Thankfully, we’ve evolved and there’s a better way to get a healthy-looking tan without baking in the sun (because who needs sun spots or wrinkles, right?). Today, we’re talking about The Best Self Tanners for Women Over 50.
The Self-Tanners I’m Currently Using
In yesterday’s post on The Best Length for Shorts Over 50, several people mentioned “white, pasty legs,” so this post is for all of you. If you want to wear shorts, are prepping for a vacation, a special event, or want to feel like you’ve had a week in the Bahamas, these picks give that sun-kissed look without the damage. I looked for formulas that are easy to apply, non-streaky, and kind to mature skin. Some even have firming ingredients (yes, please!) or work in just a few hours. Let’s glow, Gurls!
Coco & Eve Self Tanner Mousse Kit – Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing
This one’s a favorite for a reason. I decided to give this one a try, and I see why. It gives you an instant bronzed glow with a tropical scent and no orange tones. The mitt makes it super easy to apply, and the mousse goes on smooth with color payoff you’ll love. Great for medium skin tones and perfect for special occasions or vacation prep.
Beauty by Earth Tanning Lotion – Gradual Tanner
If you want a more subtle, buildable tan, this lotion is the way to go. It’s made with organic ingredients and has no strong smell, which I appreciate. This one’s perfect for fair to medium skin and for anyone easing into self-tanner life. I’d use this after a shower and let it gradually deepen over a few days. Bonus: it’s gentle on sensitive skin!
b.tan Violet Self Tanner Kit – 1 Hour Express
This one’s for those of you who want color fast. In just an hour, you’ll start seeing a rich, bronzy tan, no fake orange here! It’s violet-based to cancel out yellow tones and leaves you looking like you’ve been on a beach, not in your bathroom. I’d use this before a last-minute party when I need to glow in a hurry.
Norvell Sunless Self Tanner Mousse with Bronzer
This one gives a natural, golden tan and is a favorite among spray tan pros. The mousse glides on easily, blends well, and doesn’t streak if you use a mitt. It’s great for older skin because it doesn’t cling to dry spots. It would be great when you want to look bronzed but not overly dramatic.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Here’s a different take on self-tanning. It’s a clear spray that feels like water but gives you the prettiest golden glow. It’s got color-correcting properties and works beautifully on uneven skin tones. Spritz this on and blend with a mitt. Perfect for layering under makeup or adding a subtle glow to the neck and chest!
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse
This one is fast-acting and super customizable—leave it on for 1 hour for a light tan, or 3 hours for a deeper glow. It dries quickly and doesn’t have that annoying strong scent. The finish is even, and it fades gradually over time. Ideal for women over 50 who want something reliable and fuss-free.
Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Lotion
This lotion gives a natural-looking glow, plus it has firming ingredients like collagen and elastin. Yes, ma’am! It’s subtle and gradual, making it great for everyday use. And it’s moisturizing, which helps reduce the look of crepey skin. This one is a solid choice for your daily routine, especially if you don’t want to deal with mitts or mousse.
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Let’s face it -St. Tropez has been around forever. It’s the original go-to tanner, a classic, and it still holds up. This gives a beautiful, golden color that develops in 4–8 hours. It’s streak-free when applied with a mitt, and the color lasts several days. Great for special occasions or a polished look. This is one I’d use before a beach trip or when I want to look extra put together.
Bondi Sands
This one’s an Aussie favorite, and it’s easy to see why—lightweight, streak-free, and smells like a tropical vacation! It’s enriched with aloe vera and coconut, so it hydrates while it bronzes. The foam glides on smoothly, blends easily with a mitt, and dries quickly (a must when you’re running around getting ready for a big day). The color is natural and buildable—great for fair to medium skin tones.
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Water Mousse
Here’s a lightweight version that’s easy to apply, and it dries fast. The mousse texture is airy and blends beautifully on mature skin. It’s got a subtle scent and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Use this if you want something you can apply quickly after a shower and be dressed in no time.
Alright, ladies, that’s my list of The Best Self Tanners for Women Over 50! Whether you’re after a light glow or a deep bronze, there’s something here for every skin tone and comfort level. Just remember to exfoliate first, use a mitt, and give yourself a minute to dry before putting on clothes (ask me how I learned that the hard way—ha!). Let me know which one you try!
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Verse Of The Day
Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)
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Found It. I like the Jergens. Do you still use the Jergens that you put on wet skin when you are done showering?
That’s how I’ve done it.
FOUND IT
🙂 St. Tropez is my go to. I have also used the Jergens. Thank you for doing this post!
I use the Jergens one every day. 🙂
I have been a Jengens tanning lotion for years. I gives a wonderful subtle color.
Sally hansen airbrush legs is a good one.
Jergens is my reliable go to! Found it!
🙂 the jergens natural works great on my light skintone
😊 always feel better with a little golden glow
😊Jergens is my fave – great price!
Interesting information on self tanners, thanks 🙂
🙂 Kind of interested in trying the St. Tropez spritz water! Sounds like it would feel very light.
😊 Jergens Natural Glow is not bad. I typically do not use self tanners though. They seem to make the age spots I have on my legs darker. Any ideas on how to get rid of age spots?
😊 Oh my goodness , baby oil and iodine! I remember it well (and 50 years later, am paying the price…).
Yes me too I’m 62 and that was the thing back in the days .. you would get a beautiful tan ..
How about the smell? I simply cannot deal with most of the self tanner smells.🤮Also, getting on your clothes or linens. Do you have a suggestion for smells good and stain proof?
😀
I don’t like tanner smells either.
😊 I do feel more confident with a “tan” on my little chicken legs! LOL
Me, too! I can’t stand not having some tan.
🙂 I totally remember using baby oil and those silver blankets!
🙂
My cousins introduced me to me to iodine and baby oil tanner. Looking back on it, I guess we were deep frying our skin. Little did we know we might pay for it later. Self tanner is a much safer option!
😁
Haven’t tried self-tanners since back in the day & my mother almost killed me because it came off on my bed sheets. I am sure they have come a long way.
🙂 I have tried the Jergens. But I was not consistent!
🙂 Found it. Wish I could use self tanner but I’m not able to because of my sensitive skin. It would sure make my Lilly white legs look much more attractive.
🙂 I need to be using ALL of these. I hate my winter color even though most people tell me I look tan all year.
Thanks for the self-tanning information!
🙂 Jergens for me too!
I love to use sunless tanners, but hate the smell and the “stickiness.” I won’t purchase if it has a strong chemical smell of smells of coconuts! I know – I’m picky! I have been using Jergens for the past couple of years.
Found it!
😊 i have never been brave enough to try self tanners. worried I won’t do it right and then be stuck with a blotchy or streaked tan. I am tempted by the jergens after reading the reviews 🤷♀️
Please give us a review of leg makeup. I have very fair skin but blue varicose veins and would love to conceal them when I wear sandals and crop pants. Thank you for all your searches for the best of all our different financial levels. 🙏🏻💕
🙂 yes its time to show the white legs, thank goodness for self tanners. my go to is Jergens
😀I may have to try one this year.
🙂
I’ve been using Jergens for years. Have thought about trying something else but Jergens is great for the price point.
🙂 I like the isle of paradise drops & I have used Jergens too!
🙂 Love self tanners. I have used the Jergens and L’Oréal before but think I might try Beauty by Earth.
😊 I never have tried self tanner’s. I stay covered up I deal with psoriasis ☹️
😊 Thanks I see some new ones I’ll have to try out. Always on the lookout for the ideal self tanner.
🙂 I just got the St tropez face mist and I am excited to use it!
😊 Don’t use self tanners, I’ve made piece with my white skin!😂
For a gradual self tan I love the new BaliBody Gradual Tan
Thanks for the recommnedation.
😊 I do use self tanners . I appreciate this list and may have to try one!
😊Found it! My favorite dress is that navy blue!❤️ I really would like to try that St. Tropez express tan. I have been looking at trying one before Easter.
🙂 Still not sure which bronzer to use.
🙂 I like JERGENS Natural Glow. I have used it for years.
🙂 I have never used one, but it is worth a try.
Found it😀. I like the Jergens. It really works well for me.
😊jergens natural glow is the best! It doesn’t smell bad.
😀 former baby oil & iodine user & former tanning salon owner 🫣 🤯what were we thinking! I have used the Jergens before & I love the Isle of Paradise drops mixed with regular Cerave lotion.
🙂 I’ve used Jergens before, but I usually do not use tanners.
🙂 Have never used self tanners but would try the jergens one
😁😁
Found it 🙂 I use the Jergens occasionally, on my legs, for special occasions.
Hi. Thank you for the review on sunless tanning products. Very helpful.question though on the tanning “water”. You talk about isle of paradise, but show st tropez. In your recap at the end you show isle of paradise.
I meant to show both, and got confused. Lol! They work the same, the St. Tropez is the one I use.
😊I use Jergens to extend my tan till Fall. It works!
🙂
Love the pink dress! So springy!
Love it!
😊 The Jergens lotion is the only one I’m capable of using. Even though I thought I did a good job, I looked at my legs in the sunlight and saw some streaks. Lol. I’m challenged when it comes to self tanners.
😀 Thanks for the narrative on each tanning product. I hate when the self tanning turns yellow.
Thank you for the info. I’ve used self-tanners in the past, but would like one that’s easy to apply and lasts. 🙂
🙂 I use the Jergens Natural Glow.
It goes on smooth and gives just enough color.
🙂 I currently use the Jergens and like it well enough but would like to try one of the others that you use the mitt with. Not sure I will like it, but may give one of these a try.
😊. Cute shoes
🙂
I’ve never been good at applying these but I think I’ll find a tutorial and give a few of these a try!
😎 I have tried several of these self tanners. My pick is the L’Oréal. It gives my skin a nice color and is so very easy to apply!
😄I’ve used the jergens. It works really well
found it
I see you!
😃 Thank you. It is that time now!!!
😃 My favorites are the Beauty self tanner and for daily use the Jergens hands down
🙂 Love this post. Thanks for the newest updates on sunless tanners. I do remember baby oil and lemon juice for our hair!
I love the B.Tan brand. Great coverage, great smell, dries quickly, fabulous price and no bronzer (which can wash off/wipe off at the most inconvenient times). Being a green-eyed blonde with Scottish roots, I am an expert on self-tanners. And yes, I do remember iodine and baby oil!!!
😊 Great selection of self tanners. Now I’m trying to decide which one to try!!
🙂 Love the Jergens and L’Oreal!
😊
😊
🙂 I used to use Rodan and Fields self tanner but it was just a little pricey – will give L’Oreal a try!
😁I have tried half of them , I think I like loving tan best so far.
found it 🙂 Jergen’s is my fav.
😊 I’m not a fan of self tanners. I do remember using baby oil for tanning…yikes is right!
🙂 I use Jergens Natural Glow. it’s a good product.
Found it. Great and safe way to get a tan.
😀 self tanners seem easy to apply.
I have used the classic St Tropaz tanner for a few years and really like it. I have a mitt but have found I like using disposable gloves best so I can use both hands on my legs to really distribute it evenly. Now I just need to wait for spring to finally get to Michigan so I can use it.
I stopped using self-tanners years ago because it seemed like they all tend to accentuate dark spots. But I think I’ll give it another try with the L’Oréal
Same here. I end up looking like a spotted leopard! 🐆
🙂 I use bondi.
🙂 Always skeptical of self-tanners. Seen too many girlfriends with splotchy results. Don’t trust myself to do a good-enough job.
☺️I’ve never tried self-tanners, but may this year. As a teen, I had my tan by the end of April every year. Lots of sun tan oil, no iodine!
FOUND IT! 🙂 Thanks for sharing these, There are so many products out there, thanks for being our “Go To knowledge gal!”
Found it!😊
😊 Found it!
🙂
🙂 Jergens is my go to.
So many choices! I appreciate you weeding through so many products to share the top selections.
I go back and forth using Rodan & Fields and Coco & Eve. Both give great color without orange tones.
😀! I like the Jergens mixed with a little lotion for easy application
: )
so many to choose from!
😊 I use the Jergens but might try one of the others.
😀didn’t find it, I use the Jurgens one and I like it
found it!
I don’t use self tanners, but thanks for the suggestions!
😊I’ve never used self tanner but the Jergens may be a good one to try.
😊 I have never tried self tanners although with all these selections, I may have to give it a try. I did use the iodine/baby oil 50+ years ago. Tania, “Yikes” is right.
🙂 Tanners have com a long way. I have used the Jergens
🙂 I have used the Jergens. I only bother for special occasions.
😀I tried tanners on my white feet (golfer’s tan) years ago with bad results. I think I’ll give it another try with one of these non-orange products! Thanks!
🙂 Another great post full on information.
🙂 I have been using the Jergens the past few years. Thank you for sharing other brands as well