Tips for getting a flawless artificial tan
First things first: exfoliate your entire body before tanning to help remove dead skin and create a smooth base for application.
Next, use a rich moisturizer to hydrate your elbows, knees, ankles, and other dry areas to help prevent spots.
Make sure to use a tanning mitt (or latex gloves) to ensure an even, streak-free application. This way, you'll also keep your hands free of tanner, which is not only hard to remove, but can also be a dead giveaway that your tan isn't courtesy of the sun.
My main reservation with the self-tanner was that the color would be too dark (or worse, totally orange) since I have quite fair skin.
The truth is you do Have some control over your tan! The exposure time varies from product to product, but on average, the longer you leave it on, the more intense the color of your tan will be.
That said, don't be afraid to leave it on. Most self-tanning options offer a suggested time based on how dark you want your tan to be. I carefully left my self-tanning contenders on for the minimum recommended time before rinsing them off, but you can always leave your preferred bronzer on longer if you want a deeper tan.