How to apply self tanner

Listen carefully or you'll end up orange and embarrassed. Learn how to apply self tanner properly with this how to video.

You Will Need
* Exfoliating scrub
* Self-tanner
* Loose, dark-colored clothing
* And an alcohol-free body wash
* A pumice stone or astringent pads

Step 1: Exfoliate
Shower or bathe, rubbing an exfoliating scrub over your entire body with a washcloth in a circular motion. Pay extra attention to areas where the skin is thicker or more stretchy, like your elbows, underarms, bikini line, knees, heels, and the tops of your feet.

Step 2: Dry off
Make sure your skin is not still moist and that the room is not steamy or humid.

Step 3: Apply
Start at the tops of your feet and work up. Use a circular motion to rub it into the skin, and apply sparingly in the places you took care to exfoliate well, since these areas often end up darker.

Step 4: Wash hands
Keep an eye on the clock—after five minutes, stop applying and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and a nail brush to prevent the dreaded orange palms.

Step 5: Continue
Continue applying up to your neck, taking care not to miss any areas—like the back of your hands, the inside of your wrists, and the sides of your torso—and to stop every five minutes and wash your hands.

Step 6: Apply to neck & face
Apply tanner sparingly to your neck and face, especially at your hairline.

Step 7: Wash hands
When you’re all done, wash your hands again. Pay special attention to under your fingernails and the sides of your palms.

Step 8: Wait
Wait as long as you can—at least 15 minutes or more if possible—before dressing to let your skin absorb the lotion. Try to remain standing during this time with your arms straight and away from your torso to avoid creased tan lines.

Step 9: Put on clothes
Once your skin is completely dry, put on loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing.