If your skin is wet or damp when applying tanning mousse, it will result in uneven color. So “skip the moisturizer and apply the mousse to clean, exfoliated dry skin,” Runne says.

Mousse will absorb (and dry) pretty quickly, so work fast and be careful not to apply it in the same area more than once. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when you’re using a mousse tanner, since you won’t have time to wash your hands in between strokes.

Ones to try: St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Mousse, $27 or Napoleon Perdis Summer Lovers Self Tanning Mousse, $37