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Give yourself enough time

You should plan to tan at least 2 days before a big event, so you can increase the color (if necessary) or fix any mistakes, Locke says. The worst thing that could happen is tanning the morning of, and realizing you are blotchy or orange right before you walk out the door. If you're in a pinch for time, you can dust a bronzing powder on your face and body to create an instant illusion of a tan, Runne says. (Try Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, $33).