According to Hartman, getting a smooth, even finish is all about the prep. “Exfoliation is one of the most important prep steps for self-tanner,” he says. It gets rid of dead skin so you’re not layering product on top of rough patches, which is how you end up with darker knees and ashy elbows. “Pay close attention to areas that tend to be drier, like elbows, knees, and ankles.”
And if you’re planning to shave or wax? Do it before you tan. “Shaving or waxing immediately following self-tanner application will reduce the life of your self-tan,” Hartman says. Clean, smooth skin gives the product the best chance to develop evenly and last longer.
Once you’ve exfoliated and dried off completely, don’t forget to moisturize—especially those drier zones. “Adding extra moisture to dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles…will help achieve a more even result,” he says.
One more tip? Be patient. The color develops over a few hours, so give it time before layering more or trying to fix things. A little prep goes a long way toward a natural, streak-free glow.
