It may seem counterintuitive, but Vezirian says a small amount of moisturizer will help self-tanner absorb evenly. The trick is to only apply it to dry patches, and let the moisturizer sink in well. "Moisturize at least a few hours before you self-tan," she says. "Your skin should be completely dry when you start."

Foams, lotions, creams, sprays, gels, towelettes -- there are a ton of different self-tanner formulas to choose from. Vezirian likes foams and mousses because they're easy to distribute, and she recommends using a spray if you're going to tan your back.

Always choose a tinted formula. "There needs to be a color guide so you can see where you're applying it," she says. And pick a color that's close to your natural skin tone. "If you're fair, use a light self-tanner -- you can always layer on more if the first application isn't dark enough for you."

Other than that, it's trial and error to find the perfect one. "Everyone's pH is different, so different products will produce different results depending on the individual," says Vezirian.

First, stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you're doing. Vezirian suggests wearing tight-fitting latex gloves when you apply self-tanner. "You want them to be tight so you can feel the self-tanner under your fingers," she says. "I like surgical gloves in an extra-small size."

Starting with the front of the body, apply self-tanner to your legs, arms, and torso in big, circular motions. To do your back, Vezirian says to use a body brush covered in plastic wrap. "Put a quarter-sized amount of tanner on the brush, and distribute it as evenly as you can," she says. "Then, blend it with your hands wherever you can reach."

Blend the self-tanner across your elbows, knees, and feet. "Only use the excess from your legs, and feather it out," says Vezirian. "You don't want to really tan your feet -- they end up looking dirty and uneven."

For your face, put a dot of self-tanner on your cheekbones, nose, forehead, and chin, and blend, feathering it into your hairline.

Finally, remove the gloves and tan the tops of your hands. Vezirian suggests mixing the tanner with a little moisturizer for a subtle result.