As a beauty editor, I’ve tested more fake tans than I can count over the past 20 years—mousses, mists, drops, waters, wipes, you name it. I’ve navigated orange ankles, biscuit-y whiffs, streaks, and the elusive “natural glow.” But as I’ve got older, I’ve noticed something subtle but frustrating: the formulas I once swore by don’t quite hit the same on my now more mature skin.
As we move through our 40s and beyond, hormonal shifts — particularly during menopause — can gradually diminish our skin’s natural radiance. It becomes drier, more uneven in tone, and often just a bit… ‘meh’. That’s where the best self tans become more than just a cosmetic boost — they're a secret weapon for radiance. A subtle sunless glow can even out pigmentation, blur imperfections, and give skin a fresher, more luminous look without the risks of actual sun exposure. Plus, many of today’s formulas are packed with hydrating, skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, making them perfect for mature complexions that need a little extra care. It’s not about chasing youth — it’s about feeling confident in your skin, and a good fake tan can help with that.
So, as a mature beauty editor, I made it my mission to find the best fake tans for mature skin—formulas that glide on effortlessly, hydrate as they go, and deliver glow without drama. Whether you prefer a quick and easy bronze from the best instant tan or perhaps you opt for the best gradual tan for a more subtle finish, these new-gen tans are all about skin-loving ingredients, gradual payoff, and just enough colour to make people say, “Have you been away?” rather than, “Have you used fake tan?”
Best fake tan for mature skin deals
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The best fake tan for mature skin, reviewed by a beauty editor
RRP: £35 | Type: Serum
We love St Tropez's 1Hr Express Bronzing Mousse, we also really enjoy this body serum, which boasts a light yet moisturising formula that makes it a great fake tan for mature skin. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, as well as vitamin B5 and a collagen complex, this product delivers skincare goodness with your glow.
Though the formula is clear, we found there’s enough of a gleam to keep tabs on where it’s been applied so we didn't miss any areas. The colour result is a light golden glow that’s ideal if you’re looking for a boost rather than a huge shade shift.
Reasons to buy: Moisturises with a natural finish
Reasons to avoid: Some skin tones will need more than one application
RRP: £49 | Type: Self-tan pads
I’ll admit I was a bit sceptical about the idea of tanning wipes for the body, but the Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads have mostly won me over. Each towelette is generously sized and thoroughly soaked, so there’s no issue with patchiness or drying out mid-application. The waffle texture adds a light exfoliating effect, which I liked, especially on areas where my skin tends to be rougher or drier (hello upper arms). It’s a smart little 2-in-1 if you’re short on time.
Application was quick and fuss-free—no mitts, no mess—and the formula dries down in minutes, so you’re not wandering around half-naked waiting to air-dry. The colour started to develop within the hour, and by morning, I had a natural, golden glow. It wasn’t too dark or orange, and it faded evenly over the next five to seven days without going patchy or scaly.
There are a couple of drawbacks though. The price point is high, especially considering these are single-use pads, and if you’re doing your whole body regularly, you’ll go through them pretty fast. They’re also not the most sustainable option, though they’re brilliant for travel or a pre-holiday top-up when you just need quick, guaranteed glow. And if your skin is very sensitive, the added acids (AHAs and BHAs) might be a little much, especially straight after shaving or exfoliating.
That said, the formula really is fab—full of Vitamin E and phospholipids, so my skin actually felt moisturised, not parched (which, let’s be honest, is non-negotiable for me now). It’s one of those tans I’d stash for when I need it to go right—no streaks, no drama, just a reliable glow. Not something I’d use every day, but perfect for when you’ve got plans and you want to feel like your best, bronzed self.
Reasons to buy: Easy-to-use, mess-free application, quick-drying formula with no transfer, exfoliating and hydrating ingredients are beneficial for mature skin
Reason to avoid: Slightly higher price point compared to other self-tanners, single-use towelettes may not be the most environmentally friendly option
RRP: £17 | Type: Foam
First impressions? The texture is dreamy—light, velvety, and glides on effortlessly with a mitt. I’m instantly a fan of the deep olive guide colour; it makes application practically foolproof. You can clearly see where you've been, which means no surprise streaks or forgotten patches (looking at you, ankles and knees). The scent is that signature Bondi Sands coconut—sweet, beachy, and instantly nostalgic. I like it, but something to note if you prefer your tan scent-free.
The first time I tried it, I only applied for an hour and was a bit underwhelmed—it toned down my winter pallor, but wasn’t gold enough. But after applying for the full three hours, the colour developed beautifully and gave me a natural, sun-kissed glow I loved.
While I love how quickly this develops, the formula is definitely on the drier side compared to some of the creamier gradual tans out there. So if you’ve got dry or more mature skin, prep is everything. I made sure to give my elbows, knees, and shins a good exfoliate and slathered on some moisturiser beforehand, otherwise, you risk the dreaded patchy cling. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Reasons to buy: Fast-developing tan (as little as 1 hour!), easy-to-apply foam with a guide colour, great for last-minute plans
Reason to avoid: Strong coconut scent won’t be for everyone, can cling to dry patches if you don’t prep properly
RRP: £7.49 | Type: Gradual self-tan
Gradual tanners have always been a bit of a love-hate thing for me. I love the idea of a moisturiser that gives you a glow over time, but I’ve tested so many that either smell terrible, leave me streaky, or do absolutely nothing. So I didn’t have huge expectations when I tried Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner—but it’s become a bit of a quiet staple in my routine.
First off, the texture is exactly what you’d expect from a Palmer’s product: thick, creamy, and seriously hydrating. It feels more like a proper body cream than a tanning product, especially good for mature skin that tends to drink up moisture. My legs—always the driest part—felt instantly softer, and the tan developed subtly and evenly over a few days.
The colour payoff is on the gentle side, but that’s kind of the point—it’s ideal if you want a believable glow without looking like you’ve fake-tanned. For me, it worked best when I used it two or three days in a row, building it up gradually. No streaks, no weird cling to my knees or ankles, and it gave my skin that “I’ve had a nice walk in the sun” look without veering into tango territory.
Scent-wise, it’s… okay. There’s a definite cocoa butter aroma, which I don’t mind and find quite nostalgic, but there’s still a bit of that classic self-tan smell lingering underneath. It does take a while to absorb, so you need to be patient before getting dressed. And if you’re after a deeper colour quickly, this won’t cut it—it’s very much a slow-burn glow.
Reasons to buy: Allows you to build up colour over time, super hydrating and feels nice to apply, perfect for everyday use
Reason to avoid: A longer-than-average drying time, slight ‘biscuit’ smell post-use, doesn’t give a deep colour
RRP: £42 | Type: Gradual face serum
If your skin is drier, more sensitive or just wants a little glow-up without the drama, this is a brilliant. What makes it especially good for mature skin is the skincare payoff. This isn’t just fake tan; it’s a proper treatment serum. It’s loaded with HyaClear™ 7, a clever blend of hyaluronic acid molecules that hydrate on multiple levels. My skin drinks it up like a serum, and leaves it feeling smooth, juicy and calm. It also has Marine Bio-Retinol for firming, jojoba oil, and turmeric extract for antioxidant benefits. It’s doing your skincare and your tanning in one hit. Then glow develops gradually (think soft, healthy radiance rather than overnight Marbella), which means you’re in full control. I never worry about waking up too orange or blotchy. It builds gently over a few days and fades off just as gracefully. There’s no guide colour, which could be a negative, but this means it doesn’t sit in pores or exaggerate texture, or leave that telltale tan ‘tide mark’ around your hairline. The scent is subtle too—not biscuity or fruity—so you can wear your usual perfume without the two battling it out.
Reasons to buy: Delivers a natural, buildable tan, packed with skin-loving ingredients to hydrate and plump the skin
Reason to avoid: Lacks a colour guide, which may lead to uneven application if not careful, requires daily application for noticeable results
RRP: £19.99 | Type: Tinted Mist
The 360-degree nozzle is genuinely impressive—it sprays evenly from any angle, which makes it so much easier to reach awkward areas like the backs of your legs or your shoulders without performing a yoga pose. The mist itself is ultra-fine and has a soft tint to it, which I appreciated—it gave me just enough colour to see where I was applying, so I wasn’t second-guessing or worried about patchy bits later on.
That said, while the mist is great on its own, I found it worked best when I went over it with a tanning mitt, especially on drier spots like my knees and elbows. Buffing it in gave me a much more even result and helped avoid any tell-tale tan cling—something that’s become more of an issue for me as my skin’s got drier with age.
The tan takes around eight hours to develop, and honestly, I was genuinely impressed with how natural the colour turned out. I ended up with this lovely, golden glow—nothing too dark, definitely no hint of orange—and the finish was so smooth. It lasted a good five to seven days before fading, and even then it just gently melted away. No patchy weirdness or flaky elbows in sight.
What really sold me, though, was how my skin felt afterwards. The formula’s full of skin-loving goodies like CoQ10, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E, so instead of feeling tight or dry (like some tans can do), my skin actually felt nourished. On my 46-year-old skin, that hydration makes such a difference—my arms and legs felt soft, looked smoother, and just had that healthy, post-holiday vibe. Exactly what I want from a self-tan these days.
Reasons to buy: Easy-to-use spray with 360-degree nozzle, hydrating ingredients, vegan and free from parabens and mineral oils
Reason to avoid: 8-hour development time may not suit those seeking instant results, only available in one shade, which may not suit all skin tones
RRP: £19 | Type: Tanning face drops
Spoiler: I blooming adore this. So much so that I am halfway through my second bottle and it’s not even officially summer, yet. As a beauty editor, I’ve always had a soft spot for Caudalie—their formulas never miss, and their French skincare sensibility has been delivering radiance for years. So when I got my hands on this skincare-meets-tanning hybrid, I couldn’t wait to try it. It promises that effortless sun-kissed glow and comes packed with antioxidant-rich organic grape water to brighten, hydrate, and protect. A win-win.
Application is refreshingly simple: just mix a few drops into your daily moisturiser or serum, and voilà—your glow begins to build, seamlessly and without fuss. The best part? It’s totally customisable. I reach for a few extra drops when I’m after a deeper bronze, or dial it back for just a whisper of warmth on no-makeup days. While my skin isn’t especially sensitive, I really appreciate that this formula is designed to be gentle—even those with reactive skin should find it non-irritating. Thanks to its natural-origin DHA, it doesn’t just tint; it hydrates and soothes too.
To me, this isn’t just a self-tanner—it’s a complexion pick-me-up that behaves like a sheer bronzer, giving skin that lit-from-within warmth. Effortless, glowy, and very French.
Reasons to buy: Easy to use, subtle glowing colour
Reason to avoid: You can't apply directly to skin, it has to be mixed into a moisturiser, quite subtle for if you want a more impactful colour
RRP: £26 | Type: Tinted mousse
Usually, we're not massively enamoured of anything that has “anti-cellulite” written on it, however, we're prepared to let it slide on this occasion because this fake tan is otherwise excellent. This product boasts a deep glow, so we made sure to be extra careful when wiping over trouble spots like knees and feet, but we’ve not had issues with excess build-up or skin dryness afterwards. We also like the fluffiness of the formula, which makes it very quick and easy to apply.
The guide colour isn’t particularly wearable in natural daylight, so it's perhaps better for when you have time for at-home development, but being able to achieve a tan this deep on mature skin easily makes up for that. We also think this a great choice for a pre-getaway glow before jetting off on a beach holiday. (For more insights, our detailed Coco & Eve tan review has more details.)
Reasons to buy: Quick to apply, gives a deep glow
Reasons to avoid: Claims to banish cellulite, which isn't the case
RRP: £20 | Type: Tinted mousse
Our first impressions were that this product sounded like it could be a gimmick, but now we've tried it for ourselves, we take it all back. With four shades to choose from – emerald, sapphire, caramel and magenta – the clever, colour-balancing technology formula is designed to give the perfect result on specific skin tones. Thankfully, the shade Sapphire, which has been created with pale skin in mind, did not turn us the colour of a Smurf; in fact, it was great and very fade-resistant to boot.
However, we did have one minor gripe. Bondi Sands has called this a "1 Hour Tan", but the pack says three hours gives optimal results. Three did seem to be the sweet spot with this one, and while there was a fake tan aroma, we didn’t need to sleep in it (or get it on our sheets as a result).
Reasons to buy: Develops quickly
Reasons to avoid: Packaging claims it develops in one hour, but three is optimal
How we tested the best fake tan for mature skin
When it comes to finding the perfect self-tan for mature skin, it’s not just about colour—it’s about performance. Mature skin has different needs: it tends to be drier, more textured, and less forgiving of heavy formulas. So when testing fake tans, here’s what to look for:
- Hydration Is Key: Look for formulas that include ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, or aloe vera. These help keep skin supple and smooth, which means a more even tan with less patchiness, especially on drier areas like elbows, knees, and shins.
- Application & Texture: Test how easily the product applies to real skin, not just the back of your hand. Does it glide on or drag? Does it blend easily or cling to dry patches? Lightweight lotions, gradual tans, and tanning drops mixed with moisturiser tend to be more forgiving on mature skin than mousses or fast-drying sprays.
- Development Time: How long does it take to develop, and is it low-maintenance while it does? Look for formulas that don’t require hours of sitting sticky. Bonus points if it dries fast, feels comfortable, and doesn’t transfer to your sheets or clothes.
- Shade & Finish: A good tan on mature skin should look believable, not overly bronzed. Opt for golden or olive undertones rather than red or very dark shades, which can look harsh or fake. The ideal finish is a subtle, even glow, not high-shine or streaky.
- Fade Factor: One of the biggest giveaways of a fake tan? The way it fades. Test how it wears off over 3–5 days. Does it go patchy? Does it cling to drier areas? The best formulas fade evenly, without the dreaded scaly look.
- Scent: Let’s be honest, nobody wants to smell like biscuits. Many newer tans use odour-neutralising tech or have fresher, spa-like scents. It’s not everything, but it’s a definite bonus.
When testing, our testers reviewed a variety of self tan products, from the best fake tan for pale skin to fake tans for the face. They were also mindful of fake tans that boasted added skincare ingredients to help combat the drying nature of DHA and lock in the colour for longer.
How to choose fake tan for mature skin
To choose the ideal fake tan for you to impart a sun-kissed glow on mature skin, there are a few key factors we recommend keeping in mind:
- Undertone: It's wise to understand your skin's to help you choose a fake tan that will suit your complexion. If your veins are green, you have a warmer undertone, whereas those with blue veins will have a cooler undertone. If you have a mix of the two, this indicates that you have a neutral undertone. This can be extremely helpful when choosing a colour-correcting formula or the depth of tan you need to achieve your desired results.
- Ease of application: When it comes to fake tan, it's all about how easy it is to apply and avoiding a sticky or streak-free formula. If you're someone who doesn't want to spend a dedicated amount of time tanning, opt for fake tan drops that can be added to an everyday body or facial moisturiser instead, for a subtle and fast-absorbing glow. Those new to self tanning may benefit from a product with a guide colour that washes off, while those who are short on time (or who simply don't want to sleep in fake tan) will get on well with an express product.
- Skincare benefits: Keep an eye out for products that are packed full of genuine mature skin-loving ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. Opt for a product that promises to be highly moisturising, too, as this will soothe and nourish your skin rather than drying it out even further.
- Scent and fragrance: Many of us recognise that familiar scent of self tanning agent DHA, the ingredient that's behind that "fake tan smell". If you're not a fan of this, you'll be pleased to know that many products on the market (including some featured in this guide) incorporate floral or sweet-smelling scents that are much more pleasant.
