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I want to try a self-tanning lotion this summer but have had bad experiences in the past. Do you have any advice?

1. First, it is important to exfoliate. The smoother your skin is, the more even the tan will be. While in the shower, use a scrub with small, smooth beads and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to break down the keratin holding the dead skin together.
2. After showering, lightly pat your skin dry, then apply moisturizer to areas that have folds (neck, elbows, hands, knees, and feet). The moisturizer will fill the folds and prevent self-tanner lines.
3. Now you're ready for the tanner. Work on a single area at a time from your ankles to your neck. Lightly feather the tops of hands and feet, and make sure to avoid applying self-tanner to fingers and toes. 
4. Give the self-tanner an hour to dry and then evaluate the color. If you want to be darker, apply a second coat. Also, if you don't like the look of any areas, you can exfoliate and reapply.

• You are more photo-sensitive after applying self-tanner, so be sure to wear extra sunscreen for the first 24 hours.
• A majority of self-​tanners use the same main ingredient to activate melanin; they vary most in the type and amount of moisturizer, fragrance, and coloring agents used. Hilling suggests choosing tanners that don't contain fragrances because they often make the smell of the product worse once it's on the skin. 
•  Do a test run—self-tanning is an art. A couple of tries will make you an expert.

Image: Getty Images