With all spring's sunshine, you can't help but bask in it--and want that golden glow to show. It's been said before but bears repeating: there is no such thing as a safe suntan. No, you’re not safe from UV damage if you bake after 3pm. No, you’re not safe if you establish a base tan at the tanning salon first (please, just say no to tanning beds!). And no, you’re not safe if you never get a sunburn.

Just because suntanning is bad doesn’t mean you have to look Gwyneth-Paltrow-pale all summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of terrific sunless self tanning products that can give you a natural, even, and gorgeous faux glow—but only if you apply them correctly. We spoke with professional makeup artist Susan Horrell, founder of Au Courant Cosmetics, about the best way to go about applying self tanner.

Seven expert tricks for creating the best-looking fake bake:

1. Pick the right product
When shopping for self tanner, Horrell suggests sniffing the bottle you’re looking to buy, as many products have an offending, synthetic odor that can linger on your skin for hours or even days after application. “If the scent is not appealing to you, you’re not going to use it,” adds Horrell. You should also check the directions to see how long the product will take to develop. Obviously, the faster the better and the more convenient.

2. Set aside enough time
Applying sunless tanner is not a process you want to rush through, especially if you’ve never done it before. You’ll need anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to appropriately apply the product, then another hour or so to let it dry.

3. Prep your skin
Self tanners contain a colorless sugar that reacts with the uppermost layer of your skin to color it. Sloughing away dead skin cells allows the product to go to work on a layer of skin that’s going to be around longer, meaning your tan will stick around longer, too. Dry skin also typically absorbs more color, so sweeping it away will help produce a more even look. Shaving before can also make application easier and the results more even, just don’t do it if you have sensitive skin.

4. Lotion up
Moisturizing dry spots pre-application can keep them from soaking in too much tanner. Another idea: Apply a gradual self tanning lotion all over so any mistakes you make with your self tanner will look less noticeable.

5. Apply the product
Spread self tanner from head to toe, focusing on areas that usually see the most sun and skipping over or only lightly coating those that don’t. For example, Horrell recommends putting tanner on the top of your arms, but applying it only very lightly to the undersides. You also want to go light around the hairline, brows, and upper lip, as getting too dark in these areas is a common faux tan giveaway (and not super attractive, either).

6. Touch-up trouble spots
After application, you’ll want to touch up potential trouble spots by dabbing them with a damp sponge. Areas to lightly sponge include your feet, elbows, knees, and knuckles, all areas that tend to the dry side.

7. Let it set
Avoid coming into contact with anything (clothing, the couch, etc.) for at least 15 minutes and ideally, you should wander around naked for another hour to allow the product to dry and develop. If that’s not feasible, slip into dark, loose sweats. Tight jeans and tops can be stained by sunless tanners, plus perspiration can create a streaky tan. Avoid showering for at least three hours, though even longer is best.

Keep in mind that it may take a few applications before you reach your desired shade of “sun-kissed,” so try to go light the first time around to avoid obvious mistakes. A sunless glow usually lasts around 3 to 5 days, so after a few weeks you’ll have this painstaking process down. Though it might seem like a hassle now, just think of how much time and money you’ll save on anti-aging treatments later!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.