DIY Life

Tall and tan and young and lovely. Seems like only yesterday you were sporting your coolest sunglasses, cruising the coast in your convertible, hair blowing in the wind with your darkest tan ever.

And now it's ... well, so faux pas to have a real tan. Even you certainly don't want to be the whitest person on the block. So here's everything you need to know to look like your a member of the local beach club - without the typical streaks associated with a fake tan.

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Yes, you need to get your skin smooth (that also means shave your legs) or you'll be stuck with elbows and knees that look like you've got a bad patch of orange eczema or streaks that look like make you look like you haven't bathed in weeks.
   
2. Moisturize. Your self-tanner will go on much easier if your skin is moisturized. Believe me, this step actually makes a huge difference ... it helps your self-tanner sink in more evenly.
   
3. Apply SPF. I know what you are thinking but the truth is most people forget to do this and really the reason you are giving yourself a fake tan is to protect yourself from the sun.