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!

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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)
³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”