Pre-application

Mistake #1: Not exfoliating. Exfoliation is one of the secrets behind a long lasting, streak-free self-tan. Why? Self-tanning formulas work by staining the surface layer of skin cells. Within this skin layer, there are many dead cells that will naturally slough off within a day or two — carrying your self-tan with them.

• Sidestep this mistake: Avoid the uneven color that dead skin leaves behind by starting out with a smooth, fresh surface. For a few days prior to applying self-tanner, exfoliate in the shower from head to toe. To achieve optimal results, use a loofah or exfoliating gloves in combination with an all-over exfoliator like MD Formulations Face And Body Scrub. This crème contains polyethylene granules with glycolic compound to slough away dead skin, creating the perfect canvas for a sunless tan.

Mistake #2: Not moisturizing regularly. Dry skin is "thirsty,” so it naturally soaks up any moisture — including sunless tanning lotions — that it can get. Drier patches of skin will turn out darker than well-hydrated areas, leaving behind a blotchy bronze.

• Sidestep this mistake: By maintaining well-hydrated skin from head to toe, you’ll ensure a gorgeous, even sunless glow — and a healthier complexion. Lather on AHAVA Dermud Intensive Nourishing Body Cream daily to restore the essential skin barrier that locks in much-needed moisture.

Mistake #3: Not removing makeup. Before applying sunless tanner to the face, always cleanse thoroughly to ensure a natural-looking application. Remove all makeup with a cleanser or makeup remover. Some experts even recommend an extra step of using a toner to clear away any lingering impurities like makeup or oil.

• Sidestep this mistake: Keep a makeup remover like June Jacobs Gentle Creamy Eye Make-up Remover on hand. Great for daily makeup removal or to prep for a sunless tan, this light formula gently penetrates pores to remove foundation and even effectively dissolves away waterproof mascara and long-lasting lip colors.

Mistake #4: Selecting the wrong shade. Not all shades of self-tanner are created equal, and every skin tone demands a different color to achieve a natural look. For instance, a formula intended for medium-dark skin tones won’t look natural on fair-skinned individuals.

• Sidestep this mistake: No two skin tones will react identically to the same tanning formula. That’s why you should always test a small amount of the product on a patch of skin to see what color develops before applying from head to toe.

Also, achieving the perfect glow is made easier with a formula that’s designed to work gradually. This way, you can slowly build the tan you want. Neutrogena Build a Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion lets you control the level of tan and is great for all skin tones.

During application

Mistake #5: Over-applying to thick patches of skin. Thicker areas of the skin — like the ankles, elbows and knees — absorb more self-tanner, often developing a darker color than the rest of the body. This creates a blotchy, uneven color that looks unnatural.

• Sidestep this mistake: Apply only a thin layer of self-tanner to areas of thick skin. Also, consider diluting the product with a moisturizer to tone down the color before applying to these patches. If you still end up with dark blotches, scrub them gently with a loofah in the shower to lighten the color.

Mistake #6: Using expired formulas. If you slather on self-tanner and achieve no results, it’s likely that the formula has expired. According to Shape, the shelf life of most sunless tanning products lasts about two years. So if you consider that the bottle probably sat in a warehouse or store shelf for several months before you bought it, your formula will probably expire less than two years to the date of purchase.

• Sidestep this mistake: Your sunless tanning product may or may not have an expiration date listed on the bottle, so it’s a good idea to mark the label with the date it was purchased. After a year, consider updating your supply.

Or, if you’re an occasional self tanner, reach for TanTowel Look Good Naked Classic Self-Tan Towelette For Face & Body. This package contains five easy-to-use towelettes — each bringing a complete tan from head to toe.

Mistake #7: Not allowing the product to dry. After you apply self-tanner, wait as long as possible before getting dressed or hopping into bed. Rubbing against any surface before the solution has dried can wipe away the color. In fact, most experts suggest waiting even longer than advised by the instructions in order to ensure optimal color.

• Sidestep this mistake: For a goddess glow in a flash, look for quick-drying formulas like Bliss A Tan For All Seasons. This sweet citrus solution dries quickly on skin and also allows you to build a gradual tan for a more believable glow.

Mistake #8: Missing those hard-to-reach places. When applying self-tanner, there’s nothing more frustrating — or awkward — than trying to achieve an even color on hard-to-reach areas like the upper back. But — whether you’re planning to bare your back in a bikini or a little black dress — don’t overlook an inch.

• Sidestep this mistake: The easiest way to achieve an even tan across the upper back is to recruit an extra pair of hands to help you apply. If you’re on your own, consider using a spray like Thalgo Sublime Self-Tanning Spray. If you prefer a lotion or mousse, iVillage points out that you could use a small paint roller to apply the product.

Mistake #9: Going too dark on the face. For a natural glow from head to toe, make sure to maintain a lighter color on the face. How dark is too dark? Julyne Derrick, About skin care guide, advises going only one shade darker than your natural skin tone.

• Sidestep this mistake: Quick to apply and easy to correct, bronzers are great for creating the perfect color on the face. Too Faced The Bronzed And The Beautiful includes several shades, allowing anyone to achieve a gorgeous, all-natural glow.

For longer-lasting color, blend a few drops of self-tanner — like DuWop Sun Drops Liquid Sunshine — with moisturizer in your hand to lighten the shade. Then, apply over the face and neck.

Mistake #10: Applying color in the wrong places. When applying self-tanner, it’s easy to go overboard in an effort to ensure an even, all-over tan. But in order for the tan to look real, avoid spots that the sun doesn’t naturally hit — like the armpits, the palms of your hands and in between your fingers. Also, self-tanning formulas tend to collect along the hairline and within the cuticles of your nails, making these areas appear darker — and unnatural.

• Sidestep this mistake: Avoid darkening your eyebrows and hairline by covering them with a thin coat of petroleum jelly. Also, putting a thin layer of lotion in the armpits, and in between your fingers can prevent them from acquiring color when you apply self- tanner.

Mistake #11: Being rushed. Never rush when applying self-tanner. It’s important to slowly rub the product into the skin in a circular pattern, making sure that you evenly cover the entire surface of skin. Rushing results in streaks and uneven color. Also, if you’re applying self-tanner for a special event, always apply the night before so that you have time to correct any mistakes.

• Sidestep this mistake: For a gorgeous, stress-free self-tan in no time, reach for TanTowel Full Body Classic Self Tanning Towelettes. One towelette brings a beautiful, natural tan from head to toe — without any messy clean-up.

Mistake #12: Applying to wet skin. If your skin is even slightly wet, the self-tanner won't go on evenly, and you’ll end up with unsightly streaks.

• Sidestep this mistake: If you choose to apply sunless tanner after the shower, dry your skin thoroughly. Don't apply the product in a steamy bathroom. And avoid sweating, showering or swimming for at least six hours after application.

Post-application

Mistake #13: Using exfoliating ingredients post-application. Once you’ve perfectly applied your sunless tanner, it’s essential to be aware of the everyday skin care ingredients that can compromise your glow. Avoid any products that contain retinol (or retinoids), alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids. While these ingredients are great at exfoliating dead skin cells, they’ll carry away your faux tan, resulting in blotchy color or premature fading.

• Sidestep this mistake: To preserve your sunless tan, use face and body lotions that are free of exfoliating ingredients — which are most often found in products intended for acne-prone and aging skin. Keep all-over body hydrator Archipelago Botanicals Milk Soy Lotion on hand to use after sunless tanning. For the face, you can safely slather on ARCONA Consistency without compromising your sun-kissed color.

Mistake #14: Smelling like self-tanner. Many sunless tanning formulas come with a distinct odor that’ll give away your self-tan in a second. Because the main active ingredient that darkens skin — dihydroxyacetone — is to blame, it’s hard to find an effective formula without this aroma.

• Sidestep this mistake: Sniff out a self-tanner that masks the give-away scent of sunless color by masking it with other, more attractive fragrances. Smooth on Avene Moisturizing Self-Tanning Lotion to create a beautiful, bronze glow from head to toe without smelling like a sunless tan.

Mistake #15: Shaving after applying self-tanner. To create an even, streak-free glow, always apply self-tanner to skin that’s as smooth as possible. Because shaving exfoliates, doing so after you apply self-tanner causes uneven color and reduces the length of time that your tan will last.

• Sidestep this mistake: Always plan on shaving or waxing your skin right before you apply self-tanner. Use a hair growth inhibitor like Whish Pomegranate Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel to delay your next shave while extending the life of your tan.

Practice makes perfect

With plenty of practice, your application techniques will surely improve over time. Also, don’t forget that self-tanner isn’t a substitute for sunscreen. If you plan on showing off your sunless tan at the beach, always use sunscreen (and any time you’re outdoors in general Rodial Skinny Beach SPF 15 Clear is a great choice for the body. It helps reduce cellulite and adds a natural sheen.

See also:

Summer’s Top 10 Must-Have Beauty Products

Fake Bake Review: Safe, Streak-Free Self-Tanning

Easy Tips for Beach-Inspired Beauty — Without the Sand or Surf