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Step 1
Know that you should not be using the same self-tanner on your face as you do on your body. Most brands make a separate sunless tanner for the face that is oil-free. Sunless tanners for the body contain oils that tend to clog pores.
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Step 2
Decide what kind of sunless tanner you will be most comfortable using. It is available in lotions, gels, mousses, towelettes and sprays. Not everyone will be comfortable using a towelette, for example, so choose something that doesn't intimidate you.
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Step 3
Set your budget. Some of the top-rated sunless tanners out there are Clarins, Jergens and Neutrogena. Clarins is approximately $30 a bottle, while Jergens and Neutrogena are between $8 and $12. Another good choice is L'Oreal Sublime Tanning Gel, which runs about $10 a bottle. If you go this route, make sure you get the gel, not the lotion. The gel is a lot easier to use and tends not to streak as much.
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Step 4
Apply the self-tanner evenly on your body. Use it sparingly around your elbows, knees and other places that don't naturally tan as much. One way you can prevent oversaturation of sunless tanner in these areas is by using any moisturizer. The moisturizer soaks into the skin and prevents too much tanner to absorb in these areas.
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Step 5
Wash your hands with soap and warm water. This washes the tanner away from your palms so you don't get an unnatural look.
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Step 6
Allow your skin to air-dry before getting dressed.
