Self-Tanner Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making

Just because you're wearing self-tanner does not mean you have a base bronze! "You can still burn and tan through a self-tan," says Evans. "It offers no protection whatsoever! You still need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun!" Worried about mixing your lotions? Apply self-tanner before bed, let it sink in overnight, and shower it off in the morning. Then, apply SPF from head to toe before leaving the house. Easy.

Try: Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($28) — this hypoallergenic pick is great for all skin types!

So you forgot to tan your bra-strap area, and now you can't wear a strapless dress without looking like a zebra. No problem. You can fill in the area with self-tanner — but make sure you choose the right formula! "Use a tanning solution with a darker instant bronzer, such as St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Lotion," suggests Evans. "With a Q-tip or a foundation brush, fill in the white tan lines only. These tools will help you get an exact line. Allow the tan to develop preferably overnight, and if need be, repeat the process until the white patches match your dark skin." Paint between the lines, please!

Try: St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Lotion ($32) — this classic cream is infused with aloe vera to give your glow an extra hydration boost.

We get that you don't want to look like a Jersey Shore cast member, but if you skimp on your application, you may end up streaky. "The skin can only absorb a certain amount of tanning agent, therefore you can never use too much self-tanner!" Evans reveals. "As long as the skin is completely covered, it will always develop perfect and even. Streaking and uneven patches will occur when you don't use enough product and when the skin is overrubbed!" Who knew?

Try: Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel ($37) — a quick-drying gel that isn't sticky, so you won't mind adding a second coat.

Telltale brown wrists and knees will easily give your faux tan away. So make sure you have what the pros call a "barrier cream," which is basically a petroleum- and paraben-free simple moisturizer. "Before application, make sure hands, creases in the wrists, elbows, feet, and back of the heels are well moisturized," Evans explains. "Self-tanner can go about seven shades darker in these areas due to the skin being slightly thicker. Moisturizing prior will dilute the self-tan, guaranteeing the tan will be natural and even throughout." So once you're clean and ready to apply the formula, coat those areas with barrier cream, then wash and dry your hands to be fully prepped!

Try: Norvell ProBlend DHA Barrier Cream ($12) — not only is it petroleum- and paraben-free, but this lotion is also 100-percent vegan, devoid of gluten, and packed with natural enzymes and vitamins.

Again, stained palms won't help you blend in with the crowd. Ensure that never happens by using an applicator mitt, according to Evans. Plus, these sponge tools help even out the color (we've never had a streak or stripe when using them). Just remember to rub a tiny bit of tanner to the tops of your hands for a more natural look.

Try: James Read Tanning Mitt ($10) — because the gold-and-white striped packaging is totally cute.

A common myth is that you should only moisturize your faux tan. But Evans points out that you need to exfoliate and hydrate it to make it last the longest and look the best. "Exfoliate lightly every two to three days while your self-tanner is on," notes Evans. "This will prevent any tan or color buildup and ensure that your tan is always fading evenly. People would not imagine how important it is to exfoliate while the tan is on. You must use a very gentle body polisher because it will not rip or tear at the skin and will keep the tan even as it starts to fade, which will naturally occur over the course of five to 10 days."

Try: St. Tropez Tan Optimizer Body Moisturizer ($15) — the formula feels very gentle and contains cocoa butter to make sure your skin doesn't get too dry.