A healthy bronzed glow looks good at any age, but the risk of going too orange with your fake tan, encountering streaky patches, or applying product improperly remains ever-present. Achieving a warm golden colour can be just as straightforward in midlife as in your twenties, yet experts caution that extra steps are necessary to avoid pitfalls.
Skin Preparation Is Key
Skin preparation becomes especially important as we age. Skipping exfoliation and moisturising can result in a tan that appears patchy and settles into dry skin or fine lines. Even A-listers are not immune to such mishaps. The red carpet has witnessed everything from stars selecting a shade one tone too orange to forgetting to coordinate their makeup with their bronzed new look. In one instance, Jennifer Aniston, 57, demonstrated to social media followers the consequences of forgoing lotion before applying fake tan.
Rosie Greenhalgh, founder of Rose & Caramel, shared her insights on celebrity fake tan errors and how to avoid repeating them, emphasising the importance of selecting the correct tone for your complexion and proper application techniques.
Preparation Before Application
"Preparation is just as important as application when it comes to tanning," Rosie stressed. "Your tan will only look as good as the skin it is applied to, so always start by ensuring it is in the best condition possible. This means regularly exfoliating and moisturising, as well as drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out." She added, "Make sure to remove any old self tan the day before applying new self tan. This also goes for shaving and waxing too. Hair removal should be done at least 24 hours before to allow your pores to close and avoid any dark 'dotting' on the skin."
"One of the most underrated steps in preparing your skin for self tan is dry body brushing. Immediately before application, use a dry body brush to gently exfoliate the skin, concentrating on hard-to-tan areas such as the chest and shins. This will help to remove any excess oils and dead skin cells that will otherwise get in the way of a smooth, even development. After you apply your tan, you can also use your mitt to lightly pat a little extra onto these areas too."
Avoid Oil at All Costs
Crucially, Rosie warned to avoid oil at all costs. "Most self tan formulas are broken down with heavy, oily products," the expert explained. "So, for a long-lasting, even colour, make sure to use oil-free body care (this includes bath and shower gels) to enhance your tan and prevent fading."
Tips for Mature Skin
Elsewhere, speaking to LookFantastic, tanning expert Michaella Bolder highlighted the importance of moisture for those with mature skin. She added that a "lightweight, ultra-hydrating formula" is key, and gradual tans in particular are a good fit. "This will help to nourish mature skin types, and you can create your desired glow depending on how often you apply the moisturiser," Michaella continued. "It's always best to start with a lighter layer to ensure that you have the right shade for your skin. This allows you to get a more even application, especially on trickier areas such as the face, where lines and wrinkles may appear."
She added, "Rather than applying fresh product directly onto areas where lines are more visible, use a mitt with residual tan and gently sweep it across the skin for a sheer wash of colour. For extra control, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to these areas first to slightly soften and dilute the tanning effect, creating a more seamless finish."
Celebrity Tan Mishaps and How to Fix Them
Selena Gomez
At the 2018 Met Gala, Selena Gomez appeared bronzed. Rosie commented, "Tone is everything. This photo shows exactly why choosing the right fake tan for your skin tone is so important. The right match will enhance your skin and prevent your tan from looking too orange or grey and ashy. Selena's unflattering tan here is because she has used a fake tan that is too green for her. She would be better suited with a deep brown tan to enhance her beautiful skin tone."
Claire Danes
During the 2016 Emmy Awards, Claire Danes channelled a golden look. Rosie noted, "Claire's tan has developed an orange-looking tint here due to heavy application and a lack of counteractive base tones. To achieve a natural-looking glow, she would benefit from a red-toned formula that cancels out brassiness."
Jennifer Aniston
In 2022, Jennifer Aniston shared the results of forgetting to put lotion on her feet before fake tan application. Rosie advised, "The biggest tell-tale signs of fake tan can often be seen on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees and feet. Before tanning, apply an oil-free moisturiser to these areas of skin as they are prone to going darker than the rest of the body. Make sure to really blend in the moisturiser and this will work as a barrier to avoid discolouration. Using oil-free products are important pre and post tanning as they can break down your tan more quickly, causing it to go patchy."
Claudia Winkleman
Claudia Winkleman, pictured in 2024, has spoken of her love of fake tan and says she loves being 'orange'. Rosie warned, "Avoid using dark tanning mousses on your face as they can look too heavy and unnatural. Instead, build up the colour gradually using facial tanning mists or drops that deliver a natural, golden glow that blends beautifully with make-up."
Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner's bronzed look stood out at the 2022 Met Gala. Rosie said, "For a natural-looking tan, choose a shade that is right for your skin tone. This doesn't only mean how light or dark you go but the undertone of your tanning product too, i.e., whether it has a green or red base colour. To neutralise any orange tones, Kris should have used a green base colour that delivers a deep, olive tan."
Christina Aguilera
In 2012, during Etta James' funeral, Christina Aguilera suffered a classic fake tan mishap. Rosie explained, "Here, Christina's tan has started streaking due to a mix of heat, sweat and/or nerves! If using an instant tan, be sure it is water and sweat proof or if applying fake tan, be sure that it has fully developed. To avoid a situation like this, do your fake tan the night before a big event, or, at the very least, wait until the guide-colour has been washed off after the specified time (usually around 6-8 hours)!"
Carrie Bickmore
Australian presenter Carrie Bickmore, pictured in 2025, appears much more bronzed than her hands. Rosie noted, "This is a case of fake tan fading faster due to frequent hand washing, rich hand creams, or simply not tanning them at all. For a natural-looking tan, less is more when it comes to the hands. Use any excess product from the mitt and make sure to blend, blend, blend. To avoid any harsh lines, buff in between your fingers and around your wrist with a blending brush."
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron went for a deep bronzed colour during the 2004 Oscars. Rosie commented, "Applying too much self tan with a heavy hand has resulted in an unnatural orange finish. Switching to a lighter shade and applying it with a lighter touch will result in a gorgeous, natural looking bronze that complements her complexion beautifully."
Emma Stone
Emma Stone opted for a more bronzed look for the 2011 Golden Globe awards. Rosie advised, "For the body, a medium/dark tan will give her that just-back-from-holiday glow, but for the face always choose a lighter shade to avoid it looking heavy and over tanned compared to your body. (Rose & Caramel Nudity Aqua Facial Mist is the perfect choice as you can gradually build colour with lighter layers which allows you to customise the perfect tone for your complexion)."
Anne Hathaway
While it is an extreme example, it is a situation none of us want to end up in. In the 2009 film, Anne Hathaway's character ends up bright orange after her fake tan appointment is sabotaged. Rosie said, "The only thing worse than bad fake tan is the time and effort it takes trying to remove it! If you don't have a specialist fake tan remover to hand, the next best thing to do is to have a long soak in the tub. Run yourself a nice, warm bath and add some of your favourite bath or body oil. Oil breaks down fake tan and together with gently exfoliating with a scrub or mitt, it will help to remove streaky, patchy colour. Remember, skin health and safety always comes first. Stick to gentle products and methods and avoid anything too harsh or abrasive."
How to Apply Your Fake Tan According to an Expert
When applying self tan, use circular motions to avoid any streaking. Start with your legs, working your way from your thighs down to your ankles. Then apply to your stomach, working up to your chest and arms. Make sure you have enough product on the mitt to provide full, even coverage. Too little can cause streaking. If you are after a darker tan, apply one full body layer and wait 30 minutes for your tan to set before reapplying another layer. Always use a mitt. Not only will this prevent stained hands and palms but it will also help to evenly apply your tan. Be sure to use a clean mitt. They can often get loaded with old product if not washed every time, leading to an uneven finish. After washing, leave the mitt to air dry; never put it in the tumble dryer as this affects the protective layer inside. Source: Rosie Greenhalgh, founder of Rose & Caramel.
