Don't Wash Right Away
"After you have self-tanned make sure you don't wash your hands straight after as this will give you the white hands and brown arms look," says Read. Wait about 30 minutes, then wash. "Also, make sure you apply moisturizer to dry areas on the body before applying the faux tanning product. This will stop the tan from going too dark on these areas and help your tan look flawless."
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Fix Mistakes ASAP
Made a mistake? No worries. Just make sure to correct it right away.
"Let's say you have a streak and it seems to have dried and won't blend in. Apply another thin layer to help move the product along," suggests Cook. For dark spots, "apply lemon or lime juice to a warm cloth," explains Read. "The warmth will active the AHAs in the juice and help to break down the unwanted tan. Steam is also great to break down your tan." (You can also try Tanologist Self Tan Eraser and Primer, $14.99.)
Missed a spot? Simply go back in with your faux tanner of choice. Just try not to overlap.
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Maintaining your tan and allowing it to fade more seamlessly is the sign of pro-level application. One of the best ways to master the fade out is to moisturize like you mean it.
"Patchy skin comes often from skin dryness. If you moisturize every single day, morning and night if you can, then you are helping the process of a smoother, seamless transaction..." says Cook. "Then once you think 'OK, it's time to exfoliate to get the lasting tougher areas off' then go for a super long hot soak in the bath. Let your skin subtle up and without any abrasive motions you will notice the skin just allows the tan to easily wipe away with a flannel."
Image via Imaxtree
