5 Self-Tanning Tips From the Pros

Apply in front of a mirror. 

To help achieve a flawless application, Claghorn says she likes to apply self-tanner in front of a mirror. “I also go over every area twice, and after I’m finished, I wait as long as I possibly can to get dressed,” she says. 

Avoid sweating or showering as the tan develops. 

Claghorn advises washing hands immediately after application but recommends not getting water anywhere else until the formula has fully developed. If your tan looks too dark, don’t panic and take a hot shower to scrub it all off. “If you have used a self-tanner with an instant bronzer in it, it will look incredibly dark after full development time,” says Evans, “ but once the instant bronzer has been washed off, it will reveal a lighter, more perfect application.” 

Remember that mistakes can be fixed.

If you’re not happy with your tan, Evans recommends applying a mineral oil onto your skin for a few minutes and then exfoliating during a warm shower or bath. This will help you fade the color quickly. If you just need to blend or fill in certain spots, exfoliate the areas and reapply. Even easier: Use St. Tropez’s Tan Remover Mousse, which contains baking soda and cotton extract to correct self-tanner mishaps.