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.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m fair-skinned and my legs get tanned in the summer because I am a daily runner. Does anyone here have experience with sweating? Do these lotions come off when one exercises in the heat? I’d like to cover the varicose veins for my race events. But I’d be super embarrassed at the end of a race with gold streaks down my legs!! Thanks for any help.
I had to use oil based product to remove the Westmore so that would stay on. Self tanner would also stay put.
I used to use self-tanners, but the past years it just seemed like a lot of effort. My biggest problem with them is I have a lot of darker spots on my legs and the self-tanners make them even darker. I even try to blot the self-tanner off of all the areas, but they still are darker. Unfortunately, the worst part of my legs, dark spots and spider veins, are from my knees on down. Because of that I don’t wear dresses or skorts anymore, I’m 66. Thanks for your inspiration this morning. I think I’m going to try the first one on the list from Amazon. Leg makeup would help with covering up the dark spots, but I like a self-tanner that you apply once and it last for about a week. Always appreciate your research, enjoy your weekend!
I love all your ideas. If you had to choose one product for a very fair skinned blonde 65 yr old what would you recommend? I’ve never tried anything.
If you just want to try one, I’d suggest the tanning drops. I really like the Earth ones. You can add one drop to a dollop of body lotion, or three!
Jennifer, did you get the light or medium Earth drops? I’m about as fair as you. Thanks.
I got the light
Great post very informative from you and other ladies. I shal experiment with self tanners as I have never used them .
Thanks you
Pamela Wales UK
Jennifer, no one has mentioned the 17” scar left by knee joint replacement. Does anything reduce the look? My legs look exactly like yours except for the scar. I have not used the self tanners because of the smell. Does Dermablend have an odor?
I’m not sure about Dermabkend but you might try the Westmore. I didn’t notice an unpleasant scent.
i am so glad I found Westmore. I have ordered a couple times. I like to wear dresses so let it dry completely. I have used L’oreal but Westmore covers all manner of imperfections and looks great for a few days. Since I don’t wear a dress every day- mostly to church or for other special occasions like a graduation party – I found it better that Sally Hanse spray. When I used that, I did it in the shower area but it does go everywhere and make a mess
Great post and wonderful comments from everyone. My sister is a professional movie TV make up artist (Tricia Sawyer) and uses Westmorland often. She promises to bring me some when she returns from location.
Her latest is “Palm Royale” and look at the beautiful tans on those ladies.
My son is getting married in June in a tropical Island-so as a redhead over 60, blue eyes as fair as they come- I need as many suggestions as possible.
Thanks again -this is timely and needed! Cheers all.
Congratulations on your sons wedding!
Tanologist is my top choice of self tanner. It lasts about a week and has just a very slight scent. Nothing obvious. It looks very natural, even on my light skin. Jennifer, like you, I only apply it to my legs except for special occasions. In Texas, the warm weather is great for wearing the self tanner most months.
That’s a new one I haven’t heard of. Thank you.
Great information, will give self tanner a go this year . Thank you for varied information .
Pamela Wales UK
It’s a great alternative to pantyhose etc.
I use the Westmore product or Dermablend on my forearms as well. I have those purpura spots that just appear with no reason. I like that it does not rub off, and the Westmore product lasts several days. I have been taking a product, Purpuex, an oral supplement containing arnica, and that has helped too. I really enjoy your posts, I imaging its ALOT of work. Thank you for your efforts.
Arnica is great for any sort of bruising. I did try the Westmore cream on my forearms too. Pretty amazing stuff.
I love the Westmoore cream. I have been using it for years. I use it on my neck and chest and I feel younger
Thanks for all the research on these self tanners, Jennifer. I’ve been using Isle of Paradise drops in the light shade for years and love the way it gives a subtle color to my legs. I use 5-7 drops with my moisturizer. Then I use an exfoliate on my hands so the color doesn’t transfer. It’s also buildable if you want a darker tan. Last year, I tried St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist for my face and was pleasantly surprised by how a light spritz of this can add a light color to your face.
These products are so great! They’ve come a long way.
Here’s a tanner I’ve used for YEARS ! I like it a LOT, so thought I’d share it with you: Neutrogena MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan
MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan.I think the ‘MicroMist’ application makes it look more ‘natural’. After I spray it on, to minimize streaking, I rub it in/on with my rubber gloved hand. I use the ‘fair lighter color b/c my skin is fair.
Thank you
Thanks for the information. I’ve tried several brands and types..most cause a rash after a couple applications. Best ones have been the drops and Beauty by Earth..also mix with my moisturizer. Spray tan looked good for a day or so, but then lots of brown spots that were hard to get off! LOVE the Westmore leg makeup. Great color and coverage right away. Just allow to dry and when dry rub over lightly with a soft mitt. Color does not transfer to clothes.
That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing, Marge.
Hi Jennifer. Thank you for your research. I’ll be waiting to see how they work for you. I have olive skin and tan easily so might react a little differently from your skin. I have tried so many of the self tanners and always, even if it is later in the evening, they start to smell. I can’t tolerate the smell at all! Many of the readers have mentioned that some smell much less than others but really none that don’t smell. Could you include that in your review of what you are planning to try? Thank you, I love your posts!
I certainly will include the smell.
Thanks for these tips. What is your favorite exfoliator for your legs?
I use these mesh exfoliating towels from Amazon. You can get them at every drugstore.
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your inspiration. My Mom went home to Heaven in August 2023. She was the epitome of class, style, and elegance. I used to love shopping with her because she always brought so much fun and energy to the experience. Your inspirations have given me hope and renews confidence as you remind me of the importance of taking care of yourself. As woman, we are the nurturers and take care of so many, our God given character. Shopped just yesterday and purchased new clothes instead of second hand. Also tried on the clothes and discovered they fit me well. Thought of my Moms encouragement and yours as I encouraged myself to buy these Spring- Summer clothes. Thank you for all you do. God bless you sweet friend. 58 year old woman.
I’m so very sorry to hear about your mom, Marcie. She sounds like an amazing woman. You’re right! We’re often so busy caring for others we often forget to care for ourselves. Self-care is so important!! I’m glad you’re here with us.
I have just found your site on Pinterest. I loved this whole article! I have used the lotions from the drug stores….color is either too light, or doesn’t last at all….I used to use Tan Towels. They really do work well, but the smell was too much for me. I cannot stand the smell of anything I have used. Is there any tanner that doesn’t smell badly? I am definitely following you from now on!
Sharon
Welcome Sharon. I’m trying a new one this morning and will let everyone know!
I sure liked the difference a tanning lotion made on your left leg. Vericose veins are such a bother. I’m tempted to try some tanner but I don’t want to have to worry about my sheets! Did I miss a rec’d for one that won’t rub off?
Most will not rub off. The Jergens never rubbed off for me
Wow: where have I been: I never considered using a self-tanner or covering my (unattractive) varicose veins behind my knees! I have thought of getting them removed… Nonetheless, this is a useful post, so thank you!
Thank you for your information. I have used the Jergens Natural Glow and it works so well. I do tan naturally as I’m out doing yard work or going to the beach with the grandkids but the Jergens helps smooth out the places that don’t get coverage. I’d love to have your advice on best sunscreen 😊
I have very fair skin with several scars from skin cancer ( baby oil w/ iodine and Crisco 😳). I have found Tan Towel has a nice color and does not streak. I am careful to apply it rubbing up my leg and overlapping. I apply it similar as to shaving my legs. However, I am sensitive to an ingredient in most tanning products so end up with a rash after several hours. Tan Towel is not so bad. I also use Isle Of Paradise drops. I mix with my lotion. It works well also.
Crisco is a new one to me; you were really creative. But what did we know? Thanks for sharing the Tan Towel. They sound really user-friendly.
Thanks Jennifer,
I would love wearing more dresses in the summer but my legs always stop me. I tried tart leg makeup but it didn’t cover well enough. Will be interested in seeing your results! Really helpful posts lately!!
I’m so glad you’re finding these helpful.