Meet Tanya Darby: The Skincare, Hair Care, and Lifestyle Influencer Embracing Confidence after 50
Tanya Darby, 59, known online as @darby_in_the_desert, is redefining what visibility, confidence, and authenticity can look like at midlife and beyond. With a focus on embracing gray hair, prioritizing skin health, and living life on her own terms, Tanya has built a community rooted in representation and realism. Her content speaks to women and men who are done chasing unrealistic ideals and are instead choosing comfort, confidence, and self-trust as they age.
TLDR
Tanya Darby (@darby_in_the_desert) is a lifestyle and skincare creator who champions natural aging, gray hair confidence, and authenticity over perfection. Her content resonates with a midlife audience seeking representation, practicality, and brands that respect their lived experience. Tanya partners best with brands that trust her voice, avoid outdated “anti-aging” language, and value inclusivity, comfort, and confidence.
Exclusive Interview with Tanya Darby
What inspired you to start creating content, and how has your focus evolved over time?
I was inspired by following other women who were going silver. It gave me confidence to allow myself to let go of something that I felt was necessary to feel confident. I found out, that being confident was much deeper than hair dye. I started posting about my silver hair journey and companies started reaching out to me to try their products. I enjoyed it so much that I just kept posting and doing more with companies and even flew out for professional shoots. My focus evolved as I got older, shifted to more of encouraging women to be confident, in whatever they choose to do. I encourage staying healthy by exercising, following a diet that works for each individual and promoting mental health. Seeing so many women explode in the social media industry at every age is encouraging because we all need representation, no matter what the subject or product is.
How does your age and life experience shape the kind of content you share today?
With age, the comments that may affect younger women, no longer affect a woman at this age. I think we all have been through that part of life, where we are taken back by what others say. Age and experience have allowed me to post what I want, wear what I want, and not let any negativity bother me. My experience has been a gift, that can be shared to younger women who are too afraid to speak out or just be themselves. Everyone deserves that right.
What message do you hope to share with women (or men) 45 and older through your platform?
That age does not mean going downhill. It's a chance to step away from the things that weigh you down mentally, physically, and begin to enjoy life exactly the way you want to.
What misconceptions about midlife or aging do you want to change through your influence?
That being over 50 is "over the hill." It's not. That aging is not to be afraid of. It's not "you look good for your age" type of beauty we want to encourage. Beauty starts from within. Everything else is really transparent. Perhaps the latest false eyelashes are all the rave. Nobody really cares. It's not beautiful. The real beauty comes from being yourself, authentic, sometimes vulnerable, and letting others know, that it's okay, to not always be okay. Perfection does not exist in anyone, at any age. That health declines as we age. It definitely can be more fragile, but this is the age that we dive deep into taking care of our bodies, our mental health. It shows in so many beautiful people over 50.
Who makes up your core audience, and what kind of community have you built?
A combination of men and women. Most are in the middle age bracket. I have many silver sisters and I strive to follow as many as I can as well. I do have a lot of male followers but the majority are respectful and inquire about skincare through my DM's.
What topics or types of content resonate most deeply with your audience?
Topics such as menopause, hair care, skin care, makeup and some fashion. I have been carnivore for over a year and my carnivore audience is starting to pick up as well. But, when I discuss hormonal issues, that is when more women seem to interact, because it's something we will all deal with. I do get a lot of requests to do makeup tutorials. Not my favorite... but I'll do them sometimes.
What are some of your favorite brand collaborations, and what made them successful?
DRMTLGY was one I started with a few years back. It was kind of new and the products began to reach a lot of people. I sold a lot of products for them and they flew me to LA for a photo shoot for advertising. I've enjoyed working with eye wear companies, fashion brands, skincare, beauty, and many others. If it feels authentic to me, and I love the product, then when I convey that to my audience, success comes naturally.
How do you decide which brands or partnerships align with your values?
If they allow me the time to really try the product out and assess the results, that makes a difference. To ask me to do a reel or post within 7 days of receiving it does not always give me time to provide an honest opinion about a product. There are exceptions, such as makeup, exercise equipment, some supplements and clothing. If they have a product or service that I would use myself, or have my family use, then it is something I get excited to share.
What advice would you give to brands looking to collaborate with creators over 45?
To avoid using the phrase "anti-aging" and instead, use something that allows us to be okay with our changing skin, but still see that something can give us confidence, glow and even radiance. I always think that as we age, our skin may get thin, or loose. It doesn't mean we have to have dull or dry skin. Skincare products, diet, sleep, exercise all play a role in overall skin health.
How would you describe your personal content style or aesthetic?
I think my personal style is casual, though I love boho looks. I love makeup and find that I use as little or as much as I want. It depends on the day. I find that simplicity is my favorite part of middle age. I love simple, elegant clothing, jewelry, hairstyles and more. Even my meals are very simple but very whole. I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, as well as fishing the Alaska Kenai River every summer. Being outdoors does wonders for the soul.
What trends do you think brands should pay more attention to when working with mature creators?
That's a good question. I feel that we each have our own likes and dislikes and at this age, we don't always follow the latest trends. Though most of us are financially stable, we spend money but now focus on practicality and comfort. Perhaps a Louis Vuitton purse would have been more to my liking at 35-45. Now, I think about it getting stolen, or reconsider that it's not practical. Some things I will definitely spend the money on, if it has to do with comfort or the longevity of the item. Shoes and clothing are items we pay more money for, if it's going to benefit us. Things that will not hurt or feel too tight but still make us feel and look pretty is a big plus. Brands that focus on comfort, style, or practicality are all going to be what this age is looking for.
What's it like working with Pro-Age Talent?
I like that it focuses on an age group that is feeling that life is changing, looks are changing, and that things are truly getting better. Having an agency that promotes this age group is fantastic.
FAQ
Who is Tanya Darby?
Tanya Darby is a lifestyle and skincare content creator known as @darby_in_the_desert. She creates content centered on embracing gray hair, aging naturally, and living authentically in midlife.
What type of content does Tanya Darby create?
Tanya shares content focused on skincare, lifestyle, embracing gray hair, and authenticity. Her approach is casual, grounded, and reflective of real life rather than trends driven by youth culture.
Who is Tanya Darby’s audience?
Her audience is made up of both men and women, primarily in the middle-age demographic. Her community is highly engaged, respectful, and frequently seeks guidance around skincare and aging.
What makes Tanya Darby a strong brand partner?
Tanya works best with brands that allow creative freedom, trust her voice, and align with her personal values. She partners with products she genuinely uses or would recommend to her family, particularly in skincare and lifestyle categories.
How can brands work with Tanya Darby?
Brands can work with Tanya by reaching out to her manager at hi@proagetalent.com.
