The best bronzers for mature skin

When I was 14 years old, I fell hopelessly in love for the first time. But it’s fair to say this relationship was a little one-sided – because the object of my affections was a pot of bronzing powder.

Ultraglow was the first ever such powder to be widely available in the UK and the minute it hit the shelves back in the early 80s, I rushed to my local chemist to put a ring on it.

Ever since I could remember, my mother had always complimented me on my "beautiful, Celtic pale skin". I had zero idea what Celtic meant, but pale? Who wanted to look pale? 

George Michael wasn’t pale. The glamorous ladies on Dallas who sported tousled manes and told adulterous husbands, "You messed with the wrong woman this time!" definitely weren’t pale. The only thing anyone aspired to be in this decade, before we all woke up to sun damage, was California bronzed.

So, finally, equipped with my trusty pot of terracotta powder, I too could join the ranks of the eternally tanned. (And with any luck, convince George Michael to marry me.)

Of course, now that we’re all better educated about the risks associated with tanning, I’m even more indebted to bronzer for giving me my longed-for perma glow.

And the good news? Bronzer formulas have improved significantly since my youth, mainly due to the use of more natural-looking pigments. So, we can all look forward to appearing a little less 47th President of the United States and a little more gently sun-kissed.

1. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream – £50

If you’re willing to splurge, there’s a bronzer that’s the best present anyone over 50 will ever give to their face. Meet the iconic Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream.

This lightweight, velvety soft cream gel blends seamlessly into skin to deliver an exquisite radiant glow.

Available in five shades, this is honestly in a bronzing class of its own.

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2. Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder – £38

A-listers swear by Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder and frankly, I don’t blame them. Now a cult classic, this really does the business if you’re after a fabulously natural tan boost.

It has the merest hint of golden shimmer but no pesky sparkles, making it super flattering for older skins, and the colour glides on beautifully, leaving you looking exceedingly "just back from the French Rivieria".

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3. Makeup By Mario Bronzing & Shaping Soft Sculpt Serum – £35

Mario Dedivanovic, the make-up artist behind Kim Kardashian’s flawless look, has a hugely popular beauty line, and his Makeup By Mario Bronzing & Shaping Soft Sculpt Serum is a genius multitasker.

Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it works as a serum, an all-over skin tint, and an unbeatable bronzer. The applicator makes it easy to build up colour gradually and the liquid formula creates a gorgeously dewy pop of warmth.

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4. e.l.f. Putty Bronzer – £7

e.l.f. always delivers on quality products at affordable prices and it hasn’t let us down on the bronzer front. e.l.f. Putty Bronzer is a little pot of summer heaven.

Enriched with argan oil and vitamin E, the buttery formula buffs on to skin easily but dries into a powdery finish ensuring its staying power.

Subtle enough for pale skins, this bronzing beauty is a total steal.

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5. Revolution Ultra Cream Bronzer – £6

Revolution Ultra Cream Bronzer is another bargain find. The cream-based product comes in five cool toned shades, so breathe a sigh of relief, we’re definitely not in Orange County here.

Super easy to apply, and a winner for mature skin, as the formula isn’t too cakey or heavy, the overall bronzing effect is super fresh and natural. 

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Enjoy your gorgeous glow this summer – and remember, finding the right bronzer is a bit like meeting your soulmate. When you know, you never let go.