Now that you are exfoliated, shaved and moisturized, it's time to get tan. Always apply your tanner in a cool, dry place in front of a full-length mirror (i.e. don't apply it in your steamy bathroom after a shower). Regardless of what method type of self-tanner you've chosen, invest in a reusable tanning mitt like the St. Tropez Tan Applicator Mitt, $6.50 to avoid orange palms.

Whether you're applying a mousse like the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $42, or a gradual self-tanning lotion like Jergens Natural Daily Glow Moisturizer, $11.99, your application process is the same. Starting at your feet, and working your way up your legs in long, even strokes, smooth a generous amount of product over the skin. Locke insists you avoid aggressively rubbing product into the skin, as this tends to make your tan uneven. She also says not to worry if you go over the same area more than once, as it's the areas that get missed that create a streaky look.

If you're applying a spray formula like Karora Cosmetics Tinted Self Tan Mist, $30, make sure to first protect light colored eyebrows and hairlines with moisturizer or Vaseline, $3.69. Spray onto your mitt as directed and gently rub into skin. For hard-to-reach places like your back, spray the air directly behind you in a circular motion and immediately walk backwards into the mist.

You have a couple of options for self-tanning your face, says Locke. You can simply mix a bit of body self-tanning lotion into your regular face moisturizer for an even glow, or you use a tanner made for your face like Sephora Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water, $16.

Always apply tanner to clean skin and use small circular motions to evenly distribute product, says Locke. Avoid slathering it on in one big layer and instead start on the apples of the cheeks, and blending up toward the outer corner of your eyes. Next blend it onto your forehead, nose and chin. Take your time and be very thorough, as any spots you miss will make your skin tone look uneven.

When wearing a strapless shirt or dress on a sexy night out, add a touch of shimmer to your collarbone and shoulders to make your newly developed tan really glow. Try Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Butter, $18.

For an all over glow, apply a skin illuminator like Topshop All Over Glow Liquid Illuminator, $20, to cheekbones, décolletage, arms and shins for a luminous glow.

Whether you're a member of tanaholics anonymous, or you botched your tan job, there's a way to fade your tan -- fast. Start by showering and exfoliating often, or sitting in a long, hot bath. You can also try Locke's home remedy for stained palms or patchy dark spots -- lemon juice. Locke swears by squeezing lemon juice onto cotton pads and sweeping over streaks and spots.

And we've also found that baby wipes are effective when it comes to removing excess tan, fast.