A few tips before you start: make sure you remember to tie your hair back. Apply the self-tanner a little more heavily than you would apply normal moisturizing lotion. Also, it isn’t necessary to rub it in until it completely disappears, even if the package directions say so; if you do this, you could take too long and run the risk of staining your hands. Don’t worry if there is still some lotion visible on your skin; spread it as quickly as possible, in a circular motion, but be thorough. Remember to make sure your skin is completely dry before application! And to avoid staining your hands, wash them every five minutes (that’s what the timer or clock is for), scrubbing every part – even your nails.
Begin with your legs, and do one whole leg at a time. Work your way from the edge of your bathing suit or shorts downward. Use the lotion sparingly, and blend it carefully, around your knees. When you get to your ankles and feet, don’t apply more lotion; instead, blend the lotion from your legs lightly onto those areas. It’s important to use as little self-tanner as possible in these areas, as they tend to “suck up” the pigments and turn dark or orangey faster than the skin of other body parts. Don’t apply tanner to your heels, your toes, or the sides of your feet. If after you complete this step, it’s been five minutes, don’t forget to wash your hands well! Ideally, it should take you about five minutes total to do both your legs.
Now move upwards. If you’re tanning naked, smooth the lotion onto your torso and back first. For your back, sunless tanning lotion is easiest to apply if you have a sponge paintbrush, two to three inches in size, with a handle length of at least three inches. These types of brushes are widely available at hardware stores. (Be advised that applying the lotion to your back this may be pretty difficult; if you’re a sunless tanning newbie, consider enlisting a trusted friend to give you a hand.) If you’re wearing clothes, apply the self-tanner to your arms first. Just as with your ankles and knees, use the lotion sparingly on the elbows unless you want them to look dark. Don’t forget your armpits and sides! Then blend the lotion over your chest and shoulders (if they’re bared), working upwards from the edge of your bathing suit, and stop at your neck.