Those with faux glows should always do a thorough exfoliation before applying self-tanner. Dr. Purvisha Patel, M.D. and founder of Visha Skincare, says that using a scrub, like Visha Skincare Sugar Shrink Body Scrub, $36, will ensure that the self-tanner is evenly distributed, providing longer wear and a more natural-looking glow. Those who have been using fake tan products without exfoliating can start now. It'll remove any patchiness and create a more even (read: natural) bronzed goddess effect. Those with natural tans can gently exfoliate to ensure their color doesn't become patchy and it fades evenly.

Speaking of sunless tans, self-tanner is a brilliant way to extend the life of all tans. Choose a lighter shade going into the fall for a more convincing effect. Nkd Skn says the goal is a sun-kissed, natural-looking bronze as opposed to a super dark color and suggests using a gradual tan product or an in-shower one like the Nkd Skn Pre-Shower Tan, $19.99, to build up the color over a few days and allow greater control of the finished result. St. Tropez In Shower Gradual Tan, $25, comes in two shades for a customized finish.

Olga Lorencin, celebrity esthetician and founder of Olga Lorencin Transformative Skin Care and Olga Lorencin Skin Care Clinic, offers this simple routine: exfoliate, self-tan with a sunless tanner, hydrate and repeat.

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Consider Makeup

Bronzer is a no commitment, no effort way to make skin look a few shades darker. As with self-tanner, resist the urge to go too dark lest you want skin to look orange or dirty. And remember, bronzer can be applied to the face and body. When you're showing skin, it's important to maintain an even tan, so use bronzer above and below the neck. Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines Allover Body Bronzer, $30, and Lancome Star Bronzer Magic Bronzing Brush Automatic Powder Brush for Face and Body, $37, are both easy-to-apply, universally flattering products that can be used from head to toe.

Plan Your Outfit

One of the simplest tricks of them all doesn't involve any skin care products. Akridge suggests wearing lighter colors to make a tan look darker. "Colors like yellow and white will make an average tan look like you have been living in the Bahamas," he says. So say goodbye to the rich jewel tones of fall and rock white long after Labor Day.

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Using the Wrong Ingredients

What you leave off skin is just as important as what you put on it to maintain a golden goddess look. We already talked about avoiding oil-based moisturizers. Nkd Skn says it's best to avoid anything with an oil base because it will encourage tans to fade and streak. So, save the body oils and facial oils for when you're not trying to preserve your golden tan.

Additionally, watch out for strong ingredients because they can strip off that faux glow you've fought hard to maintain. Acids, like those found in chemical peels, and retinol products can cause tans to fade quicker. What's more, Akridge points out that tanned skin can be sensitive, so a chemical peel could be too harsh for skin.

Being Too Rough

Celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection Joanna Vargas warns against certain abrasive activities like scrubbing too hard in the shower and using a washcloth. Shaving and waxing can also shorten the life of a tan.

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