Are you scared of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun? Do you have sensitive skin that always get sunburned? Well, perhaps it’s time to use a fake tan. With all the DIY self-tanning products out there, you don’t have to spend a small fortune at tanning parlors. Here are some tips to getting a gorgeous natural-looking glow.

Getting Started

Remember that episode of Friends where Ross does a fake tan and things go horribly wrong? Well, buying the best fake tan product isn’t enough to avoid disasters like patches and streaks. First, you need to know what shade to choose, and then you need to prep your skin thoroughly before getting to work.

As far as choosing a shade, go for a gradual build up tan, as they contain less tanning agent than a lotion or mousse. For fair skin tones that don’t tan well and skin that freckles in the sun, opt for a red-based tan. For an olive skin tone that tans well, choose a green-based tan (yes, you read correctly). If you have brown hair and a dark skin, choose a color with an olive base.

Tip 1: Exfoliate

To avoid a fake tan with patches, scrub the skin gently first to get rid of dead skin cells. Focus on the wrists, elbows, feet, knees and ankles, and apply less tan to these areas as they tend to grab color and can easily turn too dark. You can also exfoliate afterwards to regain your natural skin tone.

Tip 2: Remove Hair

Now that your skin has been rejuvenated, this is a good time to remove unwanted hair. Try Sensilight by leading medical esthetic expert company, Sensica. Sensilight is an effective, professional-grade, non-invasive laser hair removal device that disables hair re-growth at the root, using light and heat for permanent results. The device is designed for home use so will go well with your DIY fake tan process. like self-tanning, it can be done when you want and without paying for repeated, expensive visits to clinics.

Tip 3: Moisturize

After hair removal and before using the fake tan, lather your body with moisturizer and let it sink in. Again, focus on the areas that grab color and get dry (knees, feet, wrists, ankles, elbows). This is something you should do every day after showering, as dry, patchy skin doesn’t react well to products. It will also make it easier to apply the fake tan itself.

Tip 4: The Magic of Vaseline

To avoid uneven color and marks across your eyebrows and hairline, dot a small quantity of Vaseline over these areas before applying the tan.

Tip 5: Gloves On

When using fake tan, what you don’t want is to end up with odd-colored fingernails, orange-hued palms or bright white hands. When you apply the tan use latex gloves. It may feel a tad strange at first, but you’ll get used to it. When you’re done with the self-tanning, remove the gloves and use cotton wool to apply a bit of tan to the back of your hands.

Tip 6: Back Up

If tanning your back by yourself seems an impossible feat, just buy a back roller or back spatula and you’ll get all those difficult-to-reach cracks and crevices.

Tip 7: Buffing

Ensure your tan is perfectly applied, with no patchy areas, by using a buffing mitt to gently dab at any tan build-up. This also spreads the product evenly, so you won’t have different shades.

Tip 8: Polish and Top Up

You may be happy with your results, but you’re not quite done. Maintain that happy glow for longer by adopting a routine of gently exfoliating your skin and applying loads of moisturizer. If your tan starts to fade, top it up.

Now that you’re a tanning pro with a gorgeous, natural-looking glow and silky smooth skin, you’re ready to go pool-side!