Always Apply a Moisturiser to Dry Areas Before
"A common tanning mistake for beginners is applying too much tan to drier areas such as hands, elbows, knees, and feet, which results in an uneven finish," said Clara Anderson, head VIP tanner of Vita Liberata. "To avoid this, apply a light layer of an oil-free moisturiser to those areas prior to tanning and use a makeup brush to buff product lightly over the skin. Don't forget to wipe the knuckles and the palm of the hands clean when you're finished to remove any excess product, giving the most natural finish."
Anderson also suggested to always wear loose-fitting pants instead of a skirt, dress, or shorts so that the tan doesn't move if your legs rub together. "This will help the guide colour remain even on the skin, as well as ensure you don't rest your hand on your leg and have the product develop on your palm," she said.
Also, when getting a spray tan by a professional, discuss how many layers of tan you want. "When having a spray tan, sometimes less is more. Multiple layers of tan can leave the skin wet, making it harder to develop, as it will sit on top of the skin rather than sinking in, and take longer to dry," said Anderson. "Having one perfect layer on the body will still give an instant bronze effect but it will also dry instantly, making the development stage a lot smoother. If you want extra definition ask your spray tanner to add a little extra to your arms, legs and stomach, giving the tan a more sculpted, 3D effect."
Pictured: Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Self Tan Mousse, $54