1. Scrub, scrub, scrub. Dead skin is the enemy of fake tan, so get rid of it first by exfoliating. Concentrate on areas such as your ankles, knees and elbows. YBS tip: Use a pedi-paddle on your feet and gently across the tops of your toes too.
2. Always apply your fake tan to clean skin. Deodorants, oily moisturisers and greasy shower-gel residue will only contribute to streakiness.
3. Use a little moisturiser on knees, elbows and ankles before you hit the bronzer.
4. Do one body part at a time and don't rush while applying the lotion, foam or gel. Try small, circular movements and when you think your fake tan's all rubbed in, rub it in again. When it comes to your arms, gradually blend the tan toward your wrists so the colour doesn't suddenly stop short when it reaches your palms.
5. Never spray a DIY-spray tan directly onto your skin at first. Spray into the air and while holding the button down, move the mist onto your skin. Do it the other way around and you'll have a blotch where the product first made contact.
6. Be wary of nails and hair: they can change colour, too. Protect hair with a shower cap or scarf and prevent nails from changing colour by coating with polish first.
7. Don't forget between your toes and fingers, the back of your neck, and even your ears. Bronze up these spots as well and your tan will look more even.
8. For a realistic tan, the fronts of your arms and legs should be a smidgen darker than the backs. Likewise, your face will look less "flat" if your cheekbones and forehead have a bit more colour.
9. Avoid orange palms by immediately washing your hands after applying the fake tan. Alternatively,wear gloves during application, but don't forget to apply product to the backs of your hands once they're removed!
10. Prolong your tan by regularly applying moisturiser, but remember: you can't hang on to a fake tan forever — your skin cells have to shed! After five to seven days, it's time to hit the body scrub and start again.
11. Still can't get it right? Leave it to the pros with a spray tan or opt for a gradual tanner instead.
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