Using self-tanner helps “camouflage or mask any skin flaws or body abnormalities” and “creates the illusion of a longer, leaner look,” says tanning expert Jimmy Coco. Before you tan, moisturize your entire body with lotion and put on gloves. Apply a self-tanner in long strokes, starting from your feet up. Once it has dried, use your finger to “paint in” the following areas:

On your abs: Flex your muscles and paint down the center of your stomach. Start from just below your chest down to your belly button. Repeat down the sides.



On your arms: Hold one arm out and flex your muscles. Paint a line of self-tanner between your bicep and triceps. Repeat on the other arm.



On your legs: Apply an extra coat of self-tanner to the entire insides of your thighs and a bit more to the outer parts, leaving the middle section without as much tanner. Make sure to blend it all well.

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