Best Self Tanners for Women Over 40

Hi ladies! It’s time to get our summer glow on! I don’t know about you, but I gave up laying out in the sun for hours and hours and tanning beds years ago. A natural-looking tan is one of my favorite accessories to accompany my sundresses, shorts, and swimsuits. To achieve that perfect glow, I rely on self tanners.

Whenever I mention that I use self-tanners on the blog or social media, I get a LOT of questions! I made sure to answer the most frequently asked ones, so you can find out the tips, tricks, and steps I use when applying my self-tanning products.

There are so many good self-tanning products out there, but I’ve rounded up four of the best self tanners for women over 40 to help you get that perfect glow! These streak free, easy to use products, combined with the tips I have included below, will leave you glowing just in time for warmer weather.

If you’re over 40, I have other posts where I share tips and tricks to help you look and feel like your best and most confident self! Start by reading some of these:

How To Get a Natural Looking Tan for Summer

Should I shave before tanning?

You want smooth skin before tanning, but it’s best to shave the day before so the hair follicles close back up. If you shave and then put on self tanner, you can get a speckled-looking tan.

Should I exfoliate before tanning?

Yes! Exfoliating is important to keep your tan looking good. I use a couple of different things to exfoliate. I have this scrub, and I also have an exfoliating glove.

I use these when I feel like my skin is looking really dry, at least once a week.

Can I moisturize before tanning?

Moisturizer acts as a barrier, but it also helps the product look smoother, so I like to moisturize before using my self tanner.

You should always moisturize your knees, inner wrist area, ankles, toes, and elbows, so the tanner doesn’t get so dark in those areas.

How do I apply the self tanner?

Work methodically from legs upwards, using a mitt for an even tan. The mitt also keeps the tanner from building up on the palm of your hands. (If I want it on my back, I get my husband to put it there.)

If you do get self tanner on the palms of your hands, you can use a mixture of baking soda, water, and shampoo to remove it. I’ve also heard this micellar water will take it off.

(I don’t use a mitt when I use my Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops with my lotion.)

How do I apply self tanner to my face?

I don’t tan my face because I have some age spots that grab the self tanner, making them even darker.

If you want to tan your face, I would put it on the night before. Tan Ceuticals facial self tanner is a good one to use, as well as the Tan-Luxe The Face Anti-Age Self Tan Drops.

How long after tanning can I moisturize?

After your tan is dry, you can moisturize your skin. The more you moisturize, the better your tan will look.

My Favorite Self Tanners

Loving Tan 2 HR EXPRESS

I have to say that this is my favorite self tanner right now. It is so good and has NO smell. It gives you a dark tan! It comes in a dark color (that’s what I’m using) and a medium color.

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St. Tropez Self Tan Classic

This is a tinted tanning mousse that is easy-to-apply, streak-free, and adapts to your skin tone for up to 10 days: no self tan smell and best for first-time tanners.

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Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

I have these tanning drops, and they work really well. It’s nice to add them to your lotion, and you don’t have to wear a mitt to put this on. (You do need to wash your hands after using.) I use the dark, but they also have medium and light drops.

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Tan-Luxe Super Glow Body Self Tan Serum

This is another great brand of self tanning products that I have been loving. I also like their anti-age face self tan drops.

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Shop More Self Tanning Products and Supplies:

Do you have any good tips for self tanning?

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