9 tips for a flawless fake tan

Ready to try a self-tanner to get a summer glow? For goof-proof home application tips, we consulted Monica Schembri of Concepts Day Spa Salon, a salon in Toronto that offers professional self-tanner services.

1. Remove unwanted body hair and exfoliate. "We use a sea-salt scrub with essential oils to exfoliate the body thoroughly," says Schembri, an aesthetician at Concepts Day Spa Salon, "and we pay special attention to elbows, hands, knees, ankles and feet." Try Dermaglow Miracle Body Buff, a Dead Sea salt scrub with natural essential oils and an energizing citrus scent; 250g, $35 (at Shoppers Drug Mart).

To prepare your face, cleanse then exfoliate lightly with a gentle facial exfoliant, such as Avon Cleansing Face Polisher, a creamy exfoliant; 75 mL, $12 (www.avon.ca). Rinse, pat dry and "apply a light moisturizer and eye cream and let it absorb thoroughly," Schembri advises. Try Dove Day Lotion, 120 mL, $11.99 (drugstores) and Avon Anew Ultimate Eye Cream, 15 mL, $28.

2. Choose a tinted self-tanner for your body so you can see where you're putting colour. Try Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner and Bronzer in One Streak-Free Lotion; 188 mL, $18.99 (at drugstores). For your face, try Vichy Capital Soleil Self-Tan Gel-Cream for the Face in Ultra Natural Tan; 50 mL, $19.95 (at drugstores). It isn't tinted, but produces a light golden colour that can be intensified with daily applications until you reach your desired shade.

3. Wear surgical gloves (available at most pharmacies) to avoid staining your hands. "Wearing gloves is just easier than constantly washing your hands," says Schembri.

4. Apply self-tanner in smooth, even strokes. "Use the product sparingly on collarbone, elbows, knees, ankles and feet," says Schembri. "Be extra careful not to get colour on your nails or cuticles because it will stain." Keep a damp cotton pad or washcloth handy to wipe off excess product. And don't worry if you do end up with a few dark spots. You can scrub them the next day to lighten them up.

5. "Remember to put a light application on your ears," advises Schembri, "especially if you like to wear your hair in a ponytail or tucked behind your ears."

6. Blondes should be careful at the hairline and eyebrows. "Light coloured hair will absorb the self-tanner," says Schembri. "Brunettes don't have to be as careful."

7. Once you've finished your face and body, it's time for your hands. Put on some hand cream and let it absorb completely. "Feather self-tanner lightly onto one hand with a cotton ball to avoid staining your other hand; repeat on other hand. Again, be careful around the cuticles and nails."

8. Your colour will intensify over the next one to three hours after application. Avoid taking a shower within 12 hours.

9. Once you've achieved your desired colour, "keep it consistent by exfoliating and reapplying self-tanner every three or four days," says Schembri.

Read ELLE Canada's advice on the latest self-tanners.