Step 1: Exfoliate.

My preferred method is slathering up a gritty sugar scrub on my dry
skin pre-shower. If you really want to eradicate flakiness, start with a pre-scrub rubdown with a dry skin body brush.

Step 2: Remove hair.

After soaping up in the shower or bath, do a thorough job shaving your legs. The area should be as smooth as possible before you self-tan.

Step 3: Lotion up.

Apply your favorite body moisturizer -- the thicker the better -- to elbows, knees and heels. Skip coating your entire body; you just want to concentrate on the aforementioned areas, as skin there tends to be drier and will show up darker once self-tanner is applied if you don't prep. The layer of lotion dilutes the product so it won't cake and settle into dry areas of the skin.

Step 4: Tan.

Novices should use a cream or lotion self-tanner. The spray versions are good but not quite as user-friendly. Start with arms and legs, then smooth in circular motions on your chest and belly. Enlist a friend or significant other to get your back.

Step 5: Remember the backs of hands.

Leave the lid of your self-tanner open. Then wash your hands thoroughly with lots of soap and warm water to avoid orange palms. Dry your hands and use your knuckle to scoop out a tiny amount of tanner onto the back of one of your hands. Rub the backs of your hands together to evenly distribute the product.