Never used a sunless tanner? Don’t sweat it…it’s a no brainer. These products are available in the local pharmacy, department store and/or from your local beauty consultant. They come in many forms; spray-on oil, foam, mousse, lotion, gel and creams.

Always test a small area first, on your inner arm for instance. If you are happy with the results, then continue applying to the rest of your body. (You’re probably thinking about the time you turned your entire body orange.) Fortunately, today’s formulas are an improvement from the products of the past. Most contain a derivative of sugarcane or sugar beets that oxidizes with the top layer of the skin. This gives the skin a realistic looking tan without altering the structure or function of the skin.

Since our body naturally sheds the top layer of dead skin cells regularly, you will see your tan fading fast. You will need to re-apply every two to three days, especially if you shower every day. Just refresh as necessary.

A word to the wise, don’t use your sunless tanner immediately after shaving. Shaving opens up the pores and the product will find its way into those open pores, giving you a polka-dotted appearance. Also, sunless tanners do not provide protection against the sun. Don’t get lulled into thinking that the darker you are, the more protected you are! Sunless tanners provide ZERO sun protection. They are strictly cosmetic.

How to apply: The easiest way for a beginner, would be to use a cream or gel. Mousses, oils or lotions are sometimes difficult to control. Foam mousse dries fast, consequently, it can leave you with stripes, if you don’t even it out quickly enough.

Step One: Exfoliate to remove dead surface skin cells. Since the product lays only on the top layer of your skin, you’ll want to gently exfoliate around the coarsest areas like your knees and elbows. Then moisturize those same areas.

Step Two: Spread out a large towel or drop cloth to protect your floor and/or furniture.

Step Three: Pin up your hair. Use surgical gloves to protect your palms. (You don’t want tanned palms…that’s a dead giveaway.)

Step Four: Start at your feet. Apply using long, even strokes, first up and down, then across for an even distribution. You may need help with those hard to reach areas.

NOTE: Before applying sunless tanner to your face, make sure it is formulated for use on the face. You want to avoid clogging your pores.

Step Five: Finish by applying to the backs of your hands. Since your hands generally get washed and dried more frequently than the rest of your body, touch up as necessary.

Sunless tanners require a bit of practice for a perfectly sun-kissed look. But, your glowing new tan will certainly make your co-workers green with envy.

Have a Beautiful and Happy New Year!