Faking a Summer Tan: How to Avoid Common Tanning Mistakes

Want to have a great looking tan without the dangers of the sun? Well, chances are, your local drugstore can be just the place to find your tan in a bottle. Do-it-yourself tans can be scary, and sometimes downright tricky, but there are many brands and applicators to choose from to get that sun kissed glow. To avoid looking like an oompa-loompa, follow a few tips that can make application easy and virtually foolproof.

Before you even think about applying the tan, exfoliate your body completely. Body mitts are a good way to evenly exfoliate, as well as body scrubs. Make sure to pay special attention to rough spots like elbows and knees, because these places tend to soak up the tan, making them darker than the rest of the body. It may be a good idea to exfoliate a couple of times before you apply the tan, just to make sure everything is smooth and ready.

After your shower, dry off and make sure not to leave any moisture on your body. The tan will not stay put on damp skin, and it will most likely streak all over. The tan needs to be applied to clean skin, so don't add lotions or oils beforehand.

Take into consideration your coloring and skin type, and try to give yourself some color without going overboard. The idea is to look like you just spent the weekend on some tropical island, not that you got the color out of a can! There are a variety of tan applications to choose from, like sprays, gels, lotions and even towelettes. Choose a formula you will be comfortable with, since it will make it easier for you to apply if you feel like you have control.

Apply the tan evenly and if possible, have a friend help get those hard to reach places on your back. Make sure to rub the tan in after application to prevent a streaky finish. Most tans get darker as time goes on, so it might be better to start off slow, and then add color later on to prevent an orange look, or a drastic tan with streaks. Wait for at least ten minutes before getting dressed, or until the recommended time on the can.

When applying the tan, pay special attention to areas that are bony, like elbows, knees and facial features. If the tan is not applied correctly, these places are the most obvious to spot uneven color. To avoid over-tanning your face, mix the tan with some of your moisturizer to tone down the color and help with even application.

After you're done with the application process, wash your hands to avoid leaving the color to darken on your palms. Be careful not to splash water on your arms or other tanned places or it may mess up the tan. If you don't feel comfortable doing the tan yourself, have a friend help you or start out with a very light color until you get more confident in applying it yourself.

Tanning salons also offer spray tans, like the Mystic Tan, that spray on in a booth, ensuring even color and great results. These tans, as well as the tans you can do at home, usually last 3-4 days depending on activity or exposure to water and sun.

Always remember that these tans don't protect from sunrays, so remember to apply an SPF for protection. Having a great tan in the summer doesn't mean you have to risk sun damage or sun exposure. These tans are also a great way to add some color after a long cold winter, so you feel more comfortable at the beach for the first time of the summer!