How to Get a Flawless Fake Tan on Mature Skin This Summer

As the first real stretch of warm weather settles in and another May bank holiday approaches, there’s a noticeable shift in mood across the UK. Lighter evenings, outdoor plans, and that familiar urge to look a little more sun-kissed—without actually sitting in the sun.

And it seems the nation is on the same page.

New search data reveals a sharp rise in interest around at-home tanning, with more people than ever looking for ways to achieve a believable glow. But for mature skin, the approach is evolving. It’s no longer about deep, dramatic colour—it’s about enhancing the skin you’re in.

The goal? A glow that looks effortless, fresh, and real.

Why fake tan needs a different approach on mature skin

As skin changes over time, so does the way products sit on it. Texture, hydration levels, and the appearance of fine lines can all affect how a tan develops.

That’s why tanning expert Michaella Bolder recommends a more considered, lighter approach—one that works with the skin rather than masking it.

“It’s about creating a soft, believable warmth,” she explains. “Less product, applied more strategically, always gives a better result.”

It starts in the shower

The difference between a flawless glow and a patchy one often comes down to prep.

Exfoliation is key. Removing dead skin cells ensures a smoother surface, allowing tan to apply evenly rather than clinging to dry or textured areas. Think of it less as a step, and more as the foundation for everything that follows.

Hydration is everything

Once out of the shower, the next step is often overlooked—but it’s crucial.

Applying an oil-free moisturiser, particularly on areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet, helps prevent the tan from developing unevenly. These naturally drier areas tend to absorb more product, which can lead to darker patches if left untreated.

Hydrated skin doesn’t just look better—it tans better.

Choose formulas that work with your skin

Heavy, fast-developing tans can sit awkwardly on mature skin. Instead, lighter, hydrating formulas tend to deliver a more natural result.

Gradual tanning lotions or serums are often the better option, allowing you to build colour slowly while keeping the skin nourished. The result is softer, more radiant—and far less likely to look overdone.

Why less really is more

One of the most common mistakes when applying fake tan is simply using too much.

A lighter application not only gives you more control over the final shade, but also helps the product blend more seamlessly—particularly on the face, where texture is more visible.

Building colour gradually creates depth and dimension, rather than a flat, one-tone finish.

How to avoid tan settling into fine lines

For many, this is the biggest concern.

The key is subtlety. Instead of applying fresh product directly onto areas where lines are more noticeable, use what’s left on your tanning mitt and lightly sweep it over the skin. This creates a sheer wash of colour, rather than a heavy layer.

Another trick is to apply a small amount of moisturiser beforehand to slightly dilute the tan, softening the finish and helping it blend more naturally.

Apply it like sunlight—not makeup

The most natural-looking tan doesn’t cover the entire face evenly—it mimics where the sun would naturally hit.

Focus on the high points: cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, forehead and temples. This technique creates warmth and subtle definition, giving the skin a fresher, more lifted appearance without looking overly “done.”

The glow that works with you

Ultimately, the shift in how we approach fake tan reflects something bigger.

It’s no longer about transforming the skin—it’s about enhancing it.

A softer glow. A lighter touch. And a finish that feels like you, just a little more radiant.

Because the best kind of tan isn’t the one people notice—it’s the one that makes you look like you’ve just come back from somewhere warm, even if you haven’t left the city.

Featured products for mature skin include:

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tanning Drops
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamin Mist

Original source: LookFantastic, with expert commentary from Michaella Bolder

Ravish Magazine is the UK lifestyle magazine for modern inspiration across travel, food and wellbeing.