Best Self Tanners and Leg Makeup for Mature Skin
Summer is officially in full swing, and after my recent swimsuit post, my inbox filled with variations of the exact same question: What are you putting on your legs?
Swimsuits and self-tanners tend to go hand in hand this time of year. Very few of us want to head out with completely pasty skin, but we certainly aren’t baking in the sun anymore. I stopped doing that years ago when I realized a tan wasn’t worth the permanent damage.
To be completely transparent, I rarely bother with self-tanners these days. When I do, I stick to my tried-and-true Jergens. But because the market is a minefield of orange streaks and heavy formulas that settle into every dry patch and fine line, I wanted to sort through the noise to find what actually works for mature skin. To save you the trouble of looking like a carrot, I’ve updated this popular post with the clear winners that deliver a natural, streak-free glow and make your legs look smooth and even.
The Best Self-Tanners for Mature Skin
Beauty by Earth Tanning Lotion
This Beauty By Earth self-tanner has 19,000k+ reviews on Amazon, yet I’d never heard of the brand. It meets my cruelty-free and clean standards, so I bought some to try, and I love it! I bought the fair-to-medium, and it also comes in medium-to-dark.
It goes on easily and has not left a single streak. I noticed a light sunscreen scent that’s not unpleasant, which dissipates after it dries. I also ordered these drops, which I add to my moisturizer, and they work great too! Beauty by Earth now has a pretty extensive line. I’m impressed enough to experiment with some of their other products, like their exfoliating gloves and maybe this application brush
Tan-Luxe
This tanning butter is a luscious moisturizer, even without the self-tanning properties. It contains Vitamin E, sweet almond oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and tons of other moisturizing oils. It smells lovely and feels super hydrating as it goes on.
Tan-Luxe Express Mousse With Mitt
This Tan Luxe Express Mousse gives skin a sun-kissed glow in as little as 60 minutes, with the option to leave it on longer for a deeper bronze. It has vitamin C, beta-glucan, and hyaluronic acid to help skin feel smoother and more hydrated, and the no-guide color means less chance of transfer. Use the mitt unless you want your palms involved in the story.
Isle of Paradise
These organic drops are highly popular and a wonderful clean-beauty option. They mix directly into your regular moisturizer, allowing you to easily customize your glow from a subtle tint to a deeper shade. Because they come in color-correcting formulas tailored for different skin tones, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a natural, chemical-free option that works with your unique coloring.
+ Lux Unfiltered
+ LUX UNFILTERED was co-founded by lifestyle blogger Sivan Ayla. This is another one I discovered on Amazon with amazing reviews. It’s non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan. I love that it has two scent options, Santal or Rosewood, instead of smelling like your normal, horrible self-tanner.
Saint Tropez
This St Tropez was one of the most recommended body and face self-tanners from the AWSL community. Be sure to buy the mitt for easy application of this mousse so it doesn’t get everywhere or stain your hands.
- “As for the rest of my body, I really like St. Tropez self-tanning foam. You use a mitt to apply it, and it’s very natural looking.” – KATIE
Body and Leg Makeup
I noticed a lot of readers talking about how they like to use body makeup on their legs. If you have a lot of freckles and “age spots” on your legs, self-tanner simply makes them darker, so body makeup is the answer. I decided to try one of the best-reviewed.
Westmore Beauty Body Coverage
I ordered some Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector to try, and WOWZA! It really covers. This comes in 9 natural-looking shades that work for almost everyone. I chose Light Radiance. I also bought this Westmore Beauty Blend & Blur Extra Large Body Makeup Brush, which I think was crucial to getting the flawless results I did.
I squeezed a small amount onto the brush and began buffing it into my skin. The kabuki brush is amazingly soft and full, so it gets into every line, crease, and crevice. This blends the product in so there is no line of demarcation and helps give you great coverage. After it was blended, I added a bit more to the brush and moved on to a different area.
The skin on my legs looks instantly smoother. In person, it honestly looks like a pair of sheer, perfect pantyhose. It hides spider veins and freckles in a totally believable way without rubbing off on clothes or furniture. It stays put until you wash it off with a little body oil in the shower. While I prefer a shade that blends naturally to improve what’s already there, you can easily choose a deeper tone for a more sun-kissed look.
MORE BODY MAKEUP BRANDS
- Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup: This came highly recommended by many of you. In the reviews, you’ll notice that many use it to cover up tattoos and show you before/after pictures. If you have any bruises, I think this would cover them up!
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs:
- “I have used Sally Hansen leg makeup for years. Yes, you have to apply it daily, as it washes off, so it might not last if you swim! It does not come off on the bed linen and takes just a couple of minutes to apply, and you are able to see it go on evenly, no streaking.” – FRAN
A little color on bare legs can make summer dressing feel easier, but it shouldn’t require a complicated routine or a bathroom that looks like a crime scene. The best self-tanners and leg makeup for mature skin are the ones that look believable, feel comfortable, and don’t draw attention to the very things we’re trying not to spotlight.
As always, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply feeling a bit more pulled together in our swimsuits, skirts, dresses, and shorts, without giving the whole process more importance than it deserves.
Thanks for these recs! Has anyone tried one that doesn’t accentuate age spots or should I try leg makeup?
I’m not sure, but I’m thinking leg makeup would be best with spots.
This is a huge issue with me . I love to tan but it makes spots on my legs that normally aren’t that noticeable stand out really dark and look horrible – I’d love to know a good brand to use – Bondi Sands is horrendous for this as is Bali Body
I use Jergans, but when summer comes, I use Lorea’l bronzing foam. I find it is darker, great color, spreads easily, and lasts longer.
I might try the Vita lotion. Lot’s of options here, thank you.
I use the Lux Tan Butter that you mentioned in last years self tanning blog. I’m very pale and my legs just don’t tan very much at all. Use mostly on my legs as directed. Usually apply two days in a row and then reapply every two to three days. Main thing I find is making sure it is good and dry before fully dressing. After showering I put on my underwear then apply and while I’m standing applying my makeup it get good and dry and haven’t had any rubbing off . And best of all smells good.
I do love the smell of the Tan Luxe, and it’s so moisturizing! I’m so glad it’s not rubbing off for you. Whew, I felt terrible that I’d recommended it and then had an issue.
So glad you shared this post, as I am also super pasty white and the age where veins and bruises show. Never had much luck with self-tanners. I hope you will do a follow-up post after you have tried some of these recommendations.
I will do a follow-up, Anne. One arrived today, so I’ll be trying it in the morning.
I have used Jergens for many years. If you use too much it turns fake looking.
I use it ever other day and it gives me good color.
Thanks for all the good advice. 🌞
Great article, thank you for your candid review. Since I stopped going to a tanning salon (yes I know not a good life choice) I realized my body is the color of a dead fishes belly. I’m very fair…I’ve used Jergens and really like the coverage..Now I’m using Tanologist Express Tan Mousse, found this at Ulta..The color lasts for a few days, I brought it on a cruise and I never felt like I was glowing so to speak.. I just ordered ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist for Women from Amazon..will see how that works. I know I feel better with at least a slight tan…When I was a teenager, it was iodine & cocoa butter…what did we know back in the 60’s???
I hear you, Nancy. I trashed my skin with sun damage when I was young.
I discovered beauty by earth self tanner a few years ago, and have never looked back. Wonderful product that works beautifully!
Thank you so much Jodie.
I’ve used Bondi Sands Liquid Gold mousse. It gives excellent color. The scent going on is pleasant, but then it dries down to that usual self-tanner smell. Definitely buy a mitt to apply this. I also really like the Isle of Paradise tanning drops. Those are the only self-tanner I’ve ever used that don’t have that funky smell. Thanks again for another excellent cruelty-free post!
I knew I was using those drops wrong because they have such great reviews! Thanks for sharing the Bondi Sands with us.
Thank you for taking the time to share these with us! I am definitely going to try a couple of them. I was a dedicated tanning bed user for a long time when I was much younger, but those days are over! I used Jergens for many years because it was easy to find and a good price point. Then I started using St. Tropez which is my go-to for everyday in bare legs weather. The mitt makes it so easy to use and for me it does not turn orange or rub off once it’s dry. Many times people have asked where I’ve been on vacation! The key is to wear something loose afterwards so that it dries completely over several hours. And when it fades I start over by exfoliating and then reapply. I tried the Sally Hanson airbrush spray, but found the spray just doesn’t get the coverage like you can with a mitt plus the mist from the spray ends up on the floor. I find it messy for that reason. I think that using an exfoliant in the shower before using any self-tanner allows the product to adhere and soak in better. I also do salon spray tans for an event or a beach trip then use the St. Tropez to touch up as it begins to fade. Happy safe tanning ladies!
I wondered about sprays for just that reason, Deb. Thanks for sharing your routine. I think exfoliating first is really important.
Great post. Thank you for letting me know about Jergens. I’ll be trying something new!
I’ve been using one from LimeLife by Alcone. It’s temporary and washes off with soap. I don’t use it real often, but since I don’t like wearing hosiery, I use it to camouflage the veins on my legs when wearing skirts/dresses.
Thanks for sharing the brand with us.
I use L’Oreal Sublime Bronze tanning lotion. Medium tan. I have used it for years. You do have to be careful when applying, making sure that you rub it in your skin completely or it will streak. It does not give a deep tan but I like that since the rest of my body has a light tan. I use it 2/3 times a week to get the desired effect. Wash your hands after applying.
I think keeping it up every few days is the best way to keep the coverage even.
I find that self tanners tend to magnify any age spots I have and therefore do not give an even look. I also have not found one that doesn’t give off that “self tanner smell” or turn my towels orange. I use the Sally Hansen Spray for a quick fix for an event. It covers imperfections but not practical for every day. I did a spray tan one time and thought it gave the best tan and natural looking coverage without a lot of odor. However, it lasted less than a week for me before it started streaking. I look forward to any feedback you garner from others as well as what you find yourself as you try these products. Thanks for all you do and all the good research.
I’ve never had a spray tan, so thanks for the heads up about the duration and streaking.
Try Nuskin from Amazon for self tanning with age spots
I have nuskin and it give a beautiful bronzey glow immediately. It however, makes my age spots super dark. Also, age spots become visible that I didn’t know I had. My 23 year daughter who has no age spots loves it!!
I also tried jergens but noticed after a few days that I had that orange appearance rather then that golden look. I will try one of the ones you listed to see if I can get a nicer look. Thanks so much
Please let us know how it works for you.
I’ve used self tanning on my legs prior to getting a tan and found that there are some do rub off which I wasn’t pleased with. Last one I used was Jergens and it didn’t rub off. What I liked about this one and the one you showed they don’t give that “orange look”. So many do and that’s a turn off.
Thanks so much for this information about tanning …I am also very light skinned and never tan. I have given up on most products, but am anxious to try a few you recommended!
Thanks!
Let us know how they work out for you.
Thanks for all of this information……you are so good at what you do (clothing too). Have a great week end.
Happy weekend, Robin.
I too have fair skin and have tried many products. I scored when I found Bronze Fox by Farmhouse Fresh. I mix it with my foundation & moisturizer. It gives me the glow I was looking for. The product is organic & natural, cruelty free and woman owned.
Thank you for sharing that, Lynn. I’ll check them out!
I just purchased and used for the first time, Beauty by Earth tanner. I have VERY fair skin, never get a tan. I did however, buy the medium to dark as my experience in the past has been that the “fair” shades hardly give you a tan look at all.
I am very happy with my first application. I alway begin by moisturizing my knees and ankles with a small amount of plain lotion. Then, I used about a quarter size dollop of tanner and added some plain lotion to that. This way I get a very even, streak free tan. I look forward to hearing how the Fair to medium works for you.
I have never thought to put moisturizer on my knees and ankles first. That’s genius, thanks, I will try that.
Good to know about all the different self tanners. I’ve always used Jergens and have been happy. I really like the section on leg makeup as I have so many spots. Dermablend is what I’ve used but have been curious about Westmore leg. Thanks for all the great info.
Many readers do love that Dermablend!
I have recently joined your site and am just enjoying all the topics and recommendations you give us!
Welcome, Blanche! I’m so glad you’ve joined us.