SMOOTH SKIN Exfoliate in the shower to prevent dry patches from absorbing color unevenly. Shave your legs and buff your knees and elbows with a gentle scrub. Follow with a soap-free, creamy cleanser. Rinse and dry skin completely, then step out of the hot bathroom and cool off for about five minutes before applying self-tanner.

APPLY TANNER Squirt a quarter-size blob of gradual tanner into your hands at a time. Rub palms together and massage into skin in circles from your ankles to your neck (skipping elbows, knees, and tops of feet). When the lotion is nearly absorbed, sweep what remains on your hands over your elbows, knees, and feet, then wash hands.

INTENSIFY COLOR Use liquid bronzing makeup to deepen the color for special occasions. Pour a nickel-size blob of liquid bronzer into palms and lightly skim over legs, arms, and chest in long, even strokes. Dilute the bronzer with a regular moisturizer and feather toward your jawline to blend the color. Allow ten minutes for the color to dry completely.