How to get a great fake tan (without the sun damage)

The weather is heating up and summer is fast approaching. Most of us know that getting a tan is bad for us...but it can look and feel so good to have a hint of color. With all of the new options out there for faking it -- why not try it!? Follow these easy, and basic steps with any of your faking it options and you'll get a great glow that will make you the hit of the season!

Things You'll Need

• Self-tanner: There are a LOT of options out there. We'll go over the different formulas available in step 1
• Patience
• Freshly washed and exfoliated skin;

Instructions

1. Picking your self-tanner!

   There are many types of self-tanner available these days and with all of the improvements they've made, these are virtually goof-proof and much more natural than ever before. The first step is to pick the type of self-tanner that works for you. Gradual self-tanners are now available from most of your daily lotion manufacturers. These lotions labeled with such terms as daily glow, sun-kissed, etc., build a "tan" gradually through daily application of a mild self-tanner blended with your daily moisturizing lotion. My favorite for building a faux glow is Nivea Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer. These take three to five days of daily application to fully develop color. For those seeking more instant gratification reach for a product marked "self-tanner". Different formulas are available including rub-on lotions, rub-on cloths infused with tanners, spray-on and air brushed versions all which are available for at home application. My favorite self-tanner is Neutrogena Micro-mist airbrush sunless tan in medium.
   Most brands offer formulas for light to medium, and medium to dark skin. Picking on the one that most realistically matches your skin tone will ensure the most natural tan.

2. The most realistic and long-lasting self-tan starts with your skin. Before you self-tan, shower and exfoliate your skin with a wash-cloth or shower pouf. It's important to begin with smooth, clean skin so that your tan goes on just as smoothly and evenly. Once you are out of the shower dry yourself thoroughly and wait until you skin has cooled off from the shower. Overly warm skin may dilute the self-tanner resulting in streaking.

3. 

   Gradual self-tanning with a daily lotion:
   This is a great product for those who are nervous about using a self-tanner because they remember the orange, streaky, and sometimes flaky results of the past. Because the product is combined with a daily moisturizer you are guaranteed softer skin and an emerging glow. The key to application is to consistently apply it daily for building your color. To ensure a uniform glow, begin at the same part of the body everyday and move throughout the body to ensure even coverage. I like to begin at my right foot and do each leg one at a time, then my arms, chest and neck. Because this lotion is gradual and imparts a color slightly darker than my natural skin tone I don't usually worry about doing my stomach or back leaving those natural.

4. 

   Self-tanning using self-tanner (any sort).
   Self-tanners are not the chemical smelling, orange mess they were in the past. New formulas have been created to go on lighter, more evenly, and to provide more natural results.
   With an "airbrush" type applicator like the Neutrogena micro-mist, the spray will get everywhere including your body. To minimize the amount of spray that gets everywhere, I like to stand in the shower when I tan. I begin by spraying from about 6 - 8" from my body and begin at my feet and work my way up the front of my body. I make sure to get an even sweep along the front of my legs and my middle. I next spray the back of my legs and sweep the spray upwards to get the middle of my back and then across the tops of my shoulders to get the middle of my back. I finish with each arm making sure to make a light spray across the backs of my hands to ensure the most natural look. Although there are specific self-tanners for faces, I have had good results spraying my face with this tanner. I wait a few seconds for the air to clear and then exit the shower.
   For a rub-on self tanner, the key to a perfect application is to be patient. Start with a quarter size amount and work the lotion into each shin. Rub the remainder lightly on the tops of your feet and around your ankles and toes. Avoid working too much lotion onto your heels and bottom of your feet and the tanners tend to develop much more darkly on the thicker skin of those areas. Taking another quarter size amount for each thigh, do those areas and use the remainder to do your bikini area and back-side. It is easiest to do each body part one at a time to ensure an even application. Continue to each arm, your chest, next and stomach. Unless you are much more coordinated than I am, you may want to enlist a friend to help with your back. Once you have done your entire body, immediately wash your hands focusing on scrubbing up your palms, fingernails and between your fingers to remove any remaining self-tan that could otherwise leave you with tell-tale orange palms.

5. Once your application is complete, wait about five minutes to dress (even if the bottle tells you otherwise, it's good to wait). If you are in a huge hurry, you can stand in front of a fan to help speed the process. Your tan should develop in a few hours to a few days depending on the type you have used.

6. Go out and enjoy looking a little sexier. Plus tan skin can look smoother, and also can help you look thinner and most people love that!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to start with cool, clean, smooth skin as an even canvas will help guarantee the best results.

• Taking a dry washcloth and lightly rubbing elbows, knees, ankles, heels and nails will help make sure extra tanner doesn't sink into these areas that are likely to tan a bit darker.

• I like to tan about half an hour before I go to bed so I wake up looking like I've had a vacation. Even if you just have to go to work, it's fun to have a bit of color.

• Do not stress if you end up with small blotches. Take a little sugar and water to make a paste and lightly rub on the darkened area and rinse off.