Best Self-Tanners for Women Over 40 (That Don’t Settle into Wrinkles!) (2025)

Self-tanner: it’s the secret weapon to looking fresh, glowing, and like you just came back from a week at the beach—even when you’ve barely left your house. But here’s the thing: Not all self-tanners are created equal, and if you’re over 40, you can’t just slather on any old formula and hope for the best.

Some tanners cling to dry skin, settle into fine lines, or turn us into an unnatural shade of orange. If I’m taking the time to tan, I want a natural, streak-free glow that makes my skin look smooth, youthful, and radiant.

I’ve done my research and found the best self-tanners for women over 40. These are easy to use, forgiving on mature skin, and actually make us look like we are sunkissed.

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What to Look for in a Self-Tanner When You’re Over 40

Before diving into my top picks, let’s talk about what makes a self-tanner ideal for mature skin.

• Hydrating Ingredients – Dry skin and self-tanner don’t mix well. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, aloe, or coconut water to keep skin plump and hydrated.
• Anti-Aging Benefits – Some self-tanners now include collagen-boosting ingredients, firming peptides, or antioxidants to keep skin looking smooth and youthful.
• No Streaks, No Funky Smell – The telltale self-tanner smell and orange streaks? Not happening. A good self-tanner should apply evenly and smell fresh or at least neutral.
• Buildable, Not Blotchy – A great self-tanner lets you control the depth of color, so you can go for a subtle glow or a deeper bronze.
• Gentle on Skin – As skin changes with age, it becomes more sensitive. Choose formulas with clean ingredients and no harsh chemicals.

The Best Self-Tanners for Women Over 40

My Pick: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow lotion is is an affordable classic. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly self-tanner that you can use every day for a subtle glow, this is it. It also has a firming formula, which is a nice bonus. I recommend applying it right after showering so that it absorbs evenly, but they also have an in-shower formula you can use! What I like best about Jergens, is I’m very fair and I just want a bit of a warm golden glow, not an all out tan. This gives me that.

Here’s how I use it. If I want to have a glowing slightly golden look on Wednesday for example, I will start applying it Sunday night, after my shower. Then I reapply Monday night and Tuesday night. By Wednesday I have just enough color to look warmed up. You may want to go darker, but that’s what works for me. Then a couple of days later I will touch up as needed.

St. Tropez Self-Tanners

St. Tropez has been a popular self-tanner for years, and for good reason. It’s beginner-friendly, hydrates the skin, and delivers a natural, sun-kissed glow without looking fake or orange. The Purity Bronzing Water Mousse is very popular because it’s lightweight, smells fresh, and doesn’t transfer onto clothes or sheets. If you prefer a deeper tan, the Classic Bronzing Mousse is a great option, as it develops into a warm, golden color that lasts for days. Reviews recommend applying a light layer of moisturizer before using St. Tropez to ensure an even, natural-looking tan. Use a tanning mitt for the smoothest application.

Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion

If you want a subtle, buildable tan, this one is for you. It’s a lightweight, hydrating lotion that develops slowly, so you never wake up looking like you made a self-tanner mistake. This one is also great for dry skin since it’s packed with oils that keep your skin silky smooth. Make sure to apply this after your nighttime skincare routine to wake up with a soft, natural glow.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

These little drops let you customize your tan. Just mix a few drops into your favorite moisturizer and apply as usual. The more drops, the deeper the tan. If you don’t have time for a full self-tanning routine but still want a little color, this is great. Plus, you can tan without changing your skincare routine.

Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Foam

If you want a deep, vacation-worthy bronze, Bondi Sands is the way to go. It’s an aerated mousse that’s lightweight but packs a punch in the color department. Bonus: It has a coconut scent that makes you feel like you’re on an island getaway. They also have a gradual tanning milk that I’ve read great things about.

Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Lotion & Mousse

If you’re all about clean beauty and want a self-tanner with organic, non-toxic ingredients, Beauty by Earth is a great choice. This brand uses natural DHA (the ingredient that tans your skin) from sugar beets instead of synthetic chemicals, making it a safer, skin-friendly option. The lotion is ultra-moisturizing, and the mousse gives a quicker, more noticeable tan. Since this formula is made with natural ingredients, it develops more gradually. Apply it two days in a row for a deeper tan.

How to Apply Self-Tanner for a Flawless Finish

No matter which tanner you choose, application is everything. Here’s how to get the best, most natural-looking results.

1. Exfoliate First – Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin. Dry, flaky patches will soak up tanner and turn darker.
2. Moisturize Dry Areas – Apply a thin layer of lotion to elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists before applying self-tanner. This prevents them from grabbing too much product.
3. Use a Mitt – Always use a tanning mitt or glove to blend the tanner. Your hands will thank you.
4. Start Light, Build Up – It’s easier to add more than to remove too much. Start with a light layer and build gradually.
5. Wait Before Dressing – Let the tanner dry for at least ten to fifteen minutes before putting on clothes to avoid stains.
6. Maintain with Moisturizer – Hydrated skin keeps your tan looking fresh longer.

Do you use self-tanner? What’s your go-to product for a great faux tan in the spring and summer?

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