If you’re like me, you’ve probably had a orange-palm, splotchy-ankle experience with self-tanners in the past that has kept you from giving them a second chance.  Well, it’s time to forgive and forget.  Today’s self-tanning products have come a very long way.  With the right products and techniques, you can get a healthy, natural-looking tan without the damaging effects of the sun.

Step 1: CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT CAREFULLY.
Today, we have so many options in self-tanning products, including lotions, gels, mousses, and aerosol sprays.  I have tried them all and had positive results, so this is a matter of personal preference.  For those terrified of not getting an even look, try an aerosol product such as Clinique Self Sun Body Airbrush Spray.  It’s easy to apply evenly and doesn’t have a strong odor like other products.  Your drugstore also offers good aerosol products including Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray, which is almost 100% alcohol-free and even sprays upside-down.  I’ve also had excellent results using L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer.

Step 2: PREP YOUR SKIN. 
To ensure an even, natural-looking tan, apply self-tanners to clean, exfoliated, and moisturized skin.  Dry patches on your skin, especially on areas such as knees and elbows, will absorb more product than a moisturized area.  People get dark splotches when self-tanning because their skin isn’t evenly moisturized, and the product soaks into some areas more than others.  Before self-tanning, use an exfoliator such as The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Scrub or my personal favorite, Rainbow Souffle Skin Refiner.

Step 3: APPLICATION.
When applying sunless tanners, work from the ground up, starting with your legs and feet and working your way up your body.  Work with small areas at a time, for example do one leg and foot before starting the other.  Remember the idea is to apply the product evenly.  If you’re nervous about getting even results, you can mix equal parts of your chosen tanning product and regular body lotion to dilute the tanning product a bit.  Remember, you can always add more but you can’t remove it once you’ve applied.  So, start small when trying out a new product until you see its effect on your skin.  Use sparingly around feet, ankles, elbows and wrists, and lightly apply the product to the tops of hands and feet only for a natural look.  Wash the palms of your hands, in between your fingers, and around fingernails with soap and water when finished with application to prevent tanned palms.  Thoroughly read the manufacturers instructions, especially regarding how long to wait before getting dressed or touching fabric to prevent stains.

Step 4: MAINTAIN YOUR GLOW.
Again, follow the instructions on your tanning product, but generally you will need to reapply your product every 1-4 days to maintain your tan.  Keeping your skin moisturized will help your tan last longer and look healthier.  Consider using a spray, dry oil after showering to lock in moisture and enhance the glow of your tan.  My absolute favorite is Strawberry Champagne Body Dew.  It smells amazing, gives your tan a red carpet glow, and leaves your skin feeling moisturized, but never greasy, all day long.

Follow these easy steps and you’ll get a beautiful, natural-looking tan without the damaging and wrinkling effects of baking in the sun.